Best car in the world: official. David Sydorick’s Alfa Romeo 8C is crowned Best of the Best. Words James Elliott.
David Sydorick’s 2018 Pebble Beach-winning Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta has scooped the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best trophy, the Italian beauty was featured in Drive-My and is the second example of the model to take the top honour at the California concours in a decade, following the success of Jon Shirley’s similar Touring-bodied car in 2008.
Pebble Beach victory earned it an automatic Best of the Best entry, which pits the winners of eight leading concours against each other to pick an overall champion, the Superleggera Alfa was up against the cars that won Concours of Elegance (Mercedes-Benz 680 S ‘Boat Tail’ Roadster by Barker), Villa d’Este (Ferrari 335 S Spyderby Scaglietti), the Quail-A Motorsports Gathering (Lancia Aurelia PF200C Spider by Pinin Farina), the Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe (Monteverdi 375L High Speed by Fissore), Amelia Island (DuesenbergJ/SJ Convertible by Murphy, updated by Bohman), Cavallino Classic (Ferrari 250GT Coupe by Zagato) and, contributing for the first time, Salon Prive (Bugatti Type 55 Roadster by Jean Bugatti).
The concept was dreamed up the Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie, William E (Chip) Connor, Bruce Meyer and Christian Philippsen, and the final judging panel included designers Shiro Nakamura and Professor Gordon Murray.
the award ceremony was held at Kadoories Peninsula Hotel in the heart of Paris; applause was spontaneous the moment the covers were drawn back, ‘the winning Alfa Romeo is a perfect example of the type of car that inspired us to create this award,’ said Chip Connor.
LA-based winner Sydorick, a Petersen Automotive Museum director, added: ‘As an avid collector, having two cars in the running for this year’s award was truly remarkable. Ginny and I are ecstatic at the result.’
Clockwise from top: Touring-bodied Alfa won Pebble Beach, now crowned Best of the Best; after the covers came off; Sydorick and wife Ginny flanked by Kadoorie and Bruce Meyer.
