We flew to Florida to attend the 33rd edition of the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. The renowned Concorso d’Eleganza continues to uphold its historic mission of preserving and promoting the rich legacy of Ferrari: almost 150 Prancing Horse units attended this one-of-a-kind event, from the 50s to the most recent ones gathering for a mesmerising celebration of the Maranello brand.
“We are honored to carry forward the 46-year journey of Cavallino Magazine and the 33-year tradition of Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. These two initiatives have significantly contributed to preserving and restoring Ferraris of all periods in America.
Luigi Orlandini, Chairman & CEO of Cavallino
The weekend started on Friday with the captivating Tour d’Eleganza along Florida’s coastline on scenic State Road A1A, masterfully escorted by the Florida Highway Patrol. The pleasureful ride 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.
On Saturday the rigorous IAC/PFA Judging System posed a significant challenge for the 55 judges tasked with selecting vehicles for the “Best” accolade. Over the past two years, in addition to the traditional Best in Show awards —the Granturismo and the Competizione — a third prestigious award has been introduced, the one for the vehicles certified by Ferrari Classiche. To understand the level of excellence present at the 2024 Concorso, of the 150 cars entered, 61 achieved the Platinum Award, scoring an exceptionally high 82 out of 100 from the judges.
The first category featured the Early Ferraris, among which the Best of Show Granturismo was selected by the judges. The 1952 212 Inter #0191EL, 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 #0080E.
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.
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”.
