February 2, 2024: Entering the show field, filled with over 150 Ferraris from every era, at the famous The Breakers resort in Palm Beach was a kind of magic.
Here’s a brief description of some of the “works of art” on display, grouped in “families” covering different periods of the Ferrari 77-years long history. Listing them all would require a book, but the full list is available on request.
The first category featured the “Early Ferraris,” among which the Best of Show “Granturismo” was selected by the judges. The1952 212 Inter #0191 EL, built by Carrozzeria Ghia and unveiled at the 1952 Paris Motor Show, once owned by Juan Domingo Peron, stood out for its meticulous restoration, unique style, strict fidelity, and extraordinary color combination. It’s owners, Dennis and Susan Garrity. The group included several other models from the same era and spirit. The Early Ferrari Award was given to the 1951 212 Export Vignale #0080 E.
The second, highly celebrated group featured the “250” cars, the magic number which, when multiplied by the 12 cylinders of the engine, makes 3,000 cc. From this category, the 1964 250 LM #6053 owned by Chris and Ann Cox, won the Best of Show “Competition” thanks to an impressive history including important performances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 Kilometers of Monza. Displayed alongside were various models of 250s, among these the 250 GT Berlinetta “Passo Corto” #2083 received the Chairman’s Award and the 250 GT Berlinetta #1143, renowned as “Tour de France” won the Restoration Award.
The third group was celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 275 models. The standouts were the 1967 275 GTS NART Spyder #09437, the 1966 275 GTB/4 Competizione #09063, belonging to Brian Ross which won the “Best of Show Classiche Certified” award and the 1967 275GTS/4 #10749, winner of the Ferrari 275 Award.
Almost from the same era, 60, and featuring a four-liter engine more suited to American tastes, the Ferrari 330 GTC, GTC Speciale, GTS, GT 2+2, followed from the 60s onwards by the more powerful 365 GTC and GTB4 “Daytona” (4390cc) and GTS4 Daytona Spider. The Four Liters Ferrari Award went to the 1968 330 GTC #11271.
The beloved and unforgettable “little Ferraris that didn’t carry this name” are the 6-cylinders Dinos. Conceived by his son Dino in 1954 when he was still alive, Enzo produced a small V6 initially for racing, but it was also produced for use in sporting Fiat models. The graceful, elegant design by Pininfarina for Maranello rendered it timeless, and as always at Palm Beach, these models, in both GT and GTS variants captivated the audience. Best in Class the 1969 Dino 246 GT #00514.
The stunning and unmissable “authentic Ferrari race cars” sparkled like crown jewels at the Cavallino Classic. Above all the winner of The Ferrari Racing Award, the 412P #0850, the 1967 Sports Prototype, also known as the P3/4 and considered by many as the most beautiful Ferrari ever built, and the 312 F1 #0009 from 1968, famous for its legendary intertwining exhaust pipe design, that Jacky Ickx brought to victory at the 1968 French Grand Prix. Then the exceptional 1962 250 GTO #3505. Enough said.
Bridging the gap between “Technology and Marketing”, the generation of the “small” transverse rear-engine eight cylinders emerged in the mid- ‘70s, in response to the fears generated by the oil crisis. This family includes a decade of models, notably those featuring a 2-liter turbo engine, inspired by the then-current F1 technology, and culminating with the GTS and GTB Turbo #77098, created by Eng. Nicola Materazzi, considered the father of the turbo engine in Ferrari, to whom a symposium was dedicated.
What is the “origin of Hypercars”? Attributed to Nicola Materazzi, two models stand out: the 288 GTO and the F40. Both his creations have become legendary for their exceptional performance and exhilarating driving experience, taking Ferrari to new heights. This was the era of the Turbo: the 288 GTO #56643 and the F40 #93139 were awarded. The F40 was the final masterpiece from Enzo Ferrari during his lifetime.
Another prominent family at Palm Beach, marking its fortieth anniversary, is the Testarossa, the car that best represented “the years of hedonism”. The models present, ranging from the original “monospecchio” or “flying mirror” with its central wheel nut, the low mirror, and 5-wheel nuts, to the 512 TR and 512 M, increasingly highlight the grand stylistic vision of the Pininfarina era. Class winner: F512 M #105054.
The Cavallino Classic, now in its thirty-third year, has consistently embraced the future by welcoming recently produced models. Models with one destiny: to become classics and collectibles in their own right. The “return to the front V12” in a two-seater model of the ‘90s and beyond was represented by the 550 and 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, 2005 575 Maranello, Superamerica, all taking pride of place in the afternoon’s awards and recognitions. The Superamerica #142600 won the Class.
The show field was completed by modern masterpieces, among which the 812 Competizione #294293 personally designed by Flavio Manzoni and sold at a charity auction in New York for a record of $ 5,100,000 to support the Ferrari Foundation.
The Concorso also featured seminars and meetings to explore into the history of the prancing horse, its people and its models. Part of this legacy the 1995 #104790 F50 conquered his own class. This all took place in an atmosphere of refined elegance, which culminated with the gourmet gala dinner created by the famous chefs Juan Manuel Barrientos of El Cielo Miami and Michele Casadei Massari of Lucciola in New York.
On Friday, many of the cars featured in this extensive presentation went on a captivating Tour d’Eleganza along Florida’s coastline on scenic State Road A1A, masterfully escorted by the Florida Highway Patrol. The tour started from The Boca Raton, stopped for a cocktail reception at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, and ended on the Ocean Lawn of The Breakers. There, the cars adorned the Party Under the Stars, a magic night under a magnificent full moon, filled by the jazz sounds of the students of the A.W. Dreyfoos School of Arts of West Palm Beach.
The Cavallino Classic, as per tradition, concluded with the Classic & Sports Sunday at the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post’s estate, built in 1927 and now home of the majestic Mar-a-Lago Club. This final day also welcomed non-Ferrari cars, presenting new awards and recognitions. Highlights included the repeated triumph of Dennis and Susan Garrity with the 1952 212 Inter Ghia #0191 as “Finest GT”, Harry Yeaggy with the 1967 412P #0850 as “Finest Competition”, and, in a fitting tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s enduring affection for Alfas, the Best of Show was awarded to Kim & Stephen Bruno’s 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Berlinetta Riva “La Serenissima”.
“I am so thankful to all the people who contributed to make this 33rd edition of Cavallino Classic such a memorable one. – says Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO of Cavallino – The collectors who brought their amazing cars, the judges, all the passionate enthusiasts who visited the show, Ferrari, our sponsors and partners, the venues that hosted the event, and most importantly the team who worked tirelessly for one year to make this happen. I look forward to seeing many of them in May at Cavallino Classic Modena, in December in the Middle East, or in January 2025 here in Palm Beach”.
