The renowned Peninsula hospitality brand, known worldwide for embodying opulence and luxury over nearly a century, recently unveiled the victor of their most prestigious accolade, The Peninsula Classics 2022 Best of the Best Award. The recipient of this honor was the 1938 Delage Type D8-120 S Cabriolet, a classic car that stood out among an elite collection of exceptional vintage automobiles that had secured significant recognitions at major concours events in the previous year. The Delage secured its eligibility for this distinction by securing the Best of Show trophy at the 2022 Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace.
The owner of the distinguished 1938 Delage Type D8-120 S Cabriolet, Mr. Fritz Burkard, expressed his profound appreciation, stating, “This award holds a place of utmost esteem for a car collector like myself. Presenting this vehicle at various concours events globally has brought immense joy. Being chosen as the recipient of this prestigious award by such esteemed judges is truly a humbling experience.”
The Delage D8, crafted by De Villars and considered one of Delage’s finest creations, features a unique two-seater model with captivating sports body coachwork, distinguished by its captivating proportions and riveted fenders. Its debut was at the 1938 Concours de l’Auto de Printemps, where it astoundingly secured the Grand Prize, a remarkable achievement given the competition it faced from prominent automobile brands of its time.
Competing for the same award in that year was a notable assembly of finalists, including a 1932 Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo designed by Figoni, a 1934 Duesenberg LaGrande Convertible Coupe, and a 1937 Bugatti 57S Cabriolet by Vanvooren. Other contenders encompassed the 1938 Dubonnet Xenia Coupe by Saoutchik designed by Andreau, a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe designed by Zagato, the 1966 Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale “Tre Posti” designed by Pininfarina, and a 1956 Jaguar D-Type racer. Each of these automobiles had claimed top honors at esteemed concours events in 2022.
Reflecting on the caliber of finalists, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels and co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, remarked, “The quality of the 2022 finalist lineup is simply astounding. Each of these vehicles represents a pinnacle achievement in automotive engineering and design. Selecting a single winner becomes progressively challenging each year. However, I believe the judges’ decision on this car’s spectacular nature will find agreement among all.”
The recipient of The Peninsula Classics 2022 Best of the Best Award was determined by a distinguished panel of 25 judges, comprising a diverse array of recognized automotive enthusiasts and design experts. Notable individuals among them included legendary car designer Fabio Filippini, Chief Creative Officer for Genesis Design and Brand Luc Donckerwolke, former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Dassault Systèmes Vice President of Design Experience Anne Asensio, esteemed fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Ford Motor Company Board of Directors member Henry Ford III, former Design Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ian Cameron, and television host and collector Jay Leno.
Founded by Louis Delage in 1905, Delage stood as one of the most prestigious French automobile brands during the inter-war era. Adorned by the finest coachbuilders of its time, Delage secured numerous top awards at renowned concours events worldwide. De Villars, launched in 1925 by the wealthy American Frank Jay Gould, aimed to serve fellow Americans residing in France with bespoke coachbuilding. The company maintained limited production and ceased operations after World War II.
In the pre-war years, Precision Motors in Beverly Hills, owned by Otto Zipper, served as an importer for foreign cars and was known as the “dealer to the stars.” Otto Zipper first encountered the Delage in Paris in 1938 and developed a fondness for it. Although the car was not available for purchase at the time, he serendipitously met its owner two decades later at the Paris Salon de l’Auto and acquired the car, which had accumulated 100,000 kilometers on the odometer. Following around six decades in the United States and capturing significant awards, the D8 became a part of a notable Swiss collection in 2019.
The celebration of The Peninsula Classics 2022 Best of the Best Award took place for the fourth time at the scenic Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, on August 13, 2023.