A 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa has scooped the top gong at the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elegance at this year’s Salon Privé, which took place from 1-3 September at Blenheim Palace.
“There are cars that just impress from the start, and this year the 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa wowed the judges. Never having been seen before at a worldwide concours, it was a sight to behold for any concours connoisseur,” said Salon Privé managing director and concours chairman Andrew Bagley. “A Testa Rossa being a rare model in itself, this car ticked all the boxes for the judges in terms of attention to detail of the restoration, provenance and racing pedigree, making it the clear, outright winner. Owned by Bruce Lavachek and David Cottingham, the award was particularly moving as it has been a painstaking 40-year journey for Bruce to locate the car and bring it to its former glory, with the specialist skills of David Cottingham, owner of DK Engineering. The car had languished in a barn in Iowa and had been forgotten about since its last race in 1960. To have the car presented at a world-renowned Concours, let alone win the ultimate Best of Show, is a dream that Bruce never considered could be achieved in his lifetime.”
The modern-day concours was won by a Pagani Zonda 760RS, which picked up the top prize in the Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition ahead of a number of concepts.
“It is without question our greatest event in our short 11-year history and we were delighted with the unanimous response from guests, exhibitors and sponsors alike,” said Bagley.
His thoughts were echoed by host His Grace the Duke of Marlborough, who said: “As an avid car enthusiast I was thrilled to host Salon Privé at Blenheim for a second consecutive year. It was an amazing three days here with a spectacular array of cars and motorcycles from veteran and vintage to modern and classics, and it was wonderful to see so many enthusiasts at the event. I am looking forward very much to welcoming Salon Privé back next year and for many years to come, as this event has become one of the highlights of our season.”
