Judges vote for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR '722' in first place, followed by Lancia concept car and Le Mans-winning Porsche
The inaugural Concours Virtual, presented by Hagerty and in aid of UNICEF, has announced its winning cars in the Best of Show, the People's Choice and the Special Awards categories.
Best in Show went to the famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR '722' racing car that Stirling Moss, with Denis 'Jenks' Jenkinson as co-driver, drove to victory in the 1000-mile 1955 Mille Miglia road race around Italy – a win that is often referred to as the greatest ever single day's drive in motor sport history. They finished in ten hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds, averaging 99mph. The car is owned by the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany.
In second place was the outrageous 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, created by Bertone and revealed at the 1970 Turin motor show. This is a rarity, in that it's a fully working concept car, and indeed the owner drives it around, entering the cockpit by lifting the windscreen to step into the futuristic cockpit. This car is owned by a private collector in the USA.
In third place is the 1970 Porsche 917K Salzburg car, as driven to victory by Richard Attwood and Hans Herrmann in the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours. This was a hugely-significant result, being the first ever overall win at Le Mans for Porsche – which went on to win a further 17 Le Mans to date. This car is owned by a private collector in the UK.
There were 245 cars entered into the concours, in 18 separate classes, ranging from pre-war preservation to 1980s supercars. A panel of expert judges was assigned to each class, to arrive at a Best of Class, and then these cars went through to the final round of judging.
The team of more than 40 judges included rock legend Nick Mason from Pink Floyd, Olympic cyclist and UNICEF ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell, Chasing Classic Cars TV star Wayne Carini, Goodwood's The Duke of Richmond, Andrea Zagato of the famous design house, Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty, classic dealer Gregor Fisken, racer Lyn St James and Pebble Beach concours chairman Sandra Button.
Each class was also open to a People's Choice award, which went through to a People's Choice Best of Show. The car that won was the amazing 1948 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Figoni & Falaschi – a unique car built for zip manufacturer Mr Fayolle, often referred to as 'the Zipper King'. The car features a chrome 'zip' above the central cyclops headlight.
There were also several special awards, presented by partners and sponsors of the Concours Virtual. The full list of winners is included below.
Concours Virtual has already raised more than £30,000 for the Unicef pandemic appeal, to help children affected by the COVID-19 crisis – and the donations are still coming in.
Lady Susie Moss, wife of Sir Stirling who died in April aged 90, said of the Best in Show award, "The 722 Mercedes was Stirling’s favourite car and mine as well. Stirling and I drove the car at events all over the world and I am delighted that it has won.
“It holds a special place in my heart, and it did in his. He would have been delighted that his favourite car has ‘won’ once again. Especially as it has helped raise money for Unicef and will be used to help children who have been suffering due to the pandemic.”
Sir Chris Hoy said: “It's been a pleasure to be a part of the Concours. I'm an ambassador for UNICEF, so it's a nice marriage of my passion for cars and my involvement with the charity."
The Concours Virtual can be found at www.concoursvirtual.com and at www.facebook.com/concoursvirtual. As well as the 245 cars, there are also panel discussions on each class, on the top five cars and on the future of concours, all with world experts in their field.
The full 2020 Concours Virtual results:
Best of Show Presented by Hagerty
First: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR '722', Mercedes-Benz Museum
Second: 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, private collector
Third: 1970 Porsche 917K #23, private collector
People's Choice Award
1948 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Figoni & Falaschi, Robert Kudela
Hagerty Junior Judges Award
1948 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Figoni & Falaschi, Robert Kudela
Most Historically Significant Car, presented by Creative Workshop
1907 Thomas Flyer Model 35, National Automobile Museum
Most Ingenious Car, presented by Loop
1963 Rover-BRM Gas Turbine, British Motor Museum
The Inspiration in Motoring Award for the Most Fascinating Vehicle presented by the Petersen Automotive Museum
1970 Porsche 917 LH ‘Hippie Car' , Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
The Best Car to Start A Collection With, presented by Classic Trader
1934 Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Zagato Testa Fissa, Mark Gessler
The Spirit of Speed presented by Rodin
1960 Bluebird CN7, National Motor Museum
The Most Technologically Advanced Automobile, sponsored by BRM
1978 JPS Team Lotus 79/3, Classic Team Lotus
The Sports Car Market Choice, presented by Sports Car Market magazine
1967 Ford GT MkIV, The Henry Ford
The Magneto Editor's Choice, presented by Magneto magazine
1973 Porsche 917/30 CanAm, Rob Kauffman
The Keeper of the Flame, presented by Collier Auto Media
1913 SCAT 25/35hp Landaulette/Limousine, Lopresto Collection
Image credit: Mercedes-Benz
