Awarded in Paris, the rare pre-war masterpiece takes top honours among the world’s most celebrated classic automobiles.
Few automobiles embody the romance, performance, and artistry of pre-war motoring quite like the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B. That legacy was reaffirmed in Paris, where the iconic Italian automobile was named the winner of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of classic cars.
Presented during an elegant ceremony at The Peninsula Paris on 26 January 2026, the award recognises vehicles that have already claimed top honours at leading global concours events. The winning Alfa Romeo earned its place after securing Best of Show at The Amelia in 2025, before emerging as the finest among an elite international field.
A Night of Automotive Distinction
The Paris ceremony unfolded as a refined celebration of heritage and craftsmanship, attended by collectors, industry figures, and international celebrities, including Nicole Kidman. Accepting the award on behalf of the owning Keller Collection, Deborah Keller reflected on the significance of the honour.
“This unique vehicle exemplifies the golden era of Italian automotive design and craftsmanship,” she said. “Every time I see it, I’m reminded why such magnificent automobiles deserve to be preserved and celebrated.”
A Singular Expression of Italian Coachbuilding
Introduced in 1937, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most exclusive Italian cars of the late 1930s. While many examples were bodied by Touring, this particular car stands apart.
Its first owner, legendary Italian racing driver Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina—who would later become Formula One’s first World Champion in 1950—commissioned a one-off body by Stabilimenti Farina, the coachbuilding firm founded by his father in 1906. The design also bears the influence of Farina’s uncle, Battista “Pinin” Farina, one of Italy’s most revered automotive designers. As a result, this remains the only Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B ever fitted with Stabilimenti Farina coachwork.
Restored, Celebrated, and Raced Across Europe
Acquired in partially restored condition, the Alfa Romeo underwent a meticulous restoration completed in 1995. That same year, it was shown at Pebble Beach, before returning to Europe to appear at leading concours events. The car has also participated in the Monte-Carlo Rally, where it won the Parade of Elegance in front of the Hotel de Paris—an achievement that further cemented its reputation among collectors.
The Pinnacle of Pre-War Performance
Christian Philippsen, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, underscored the vehicle’s significance.
“The winning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B represents the pinnacle of pre-war performance engineering,” he said. “It was the fastest and most exclusive Italian automobile of its era.”
Following its victory in Paris, the award-winning Alfa Romeo will be displayed at Rétromobile, the renowned classic car exhibition, from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
Among the World’s Finest
The 8C 2900B prevailed over an exceptional field that included a 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B, 1954 Ferrari 375 MM, 1996 Ferrari F50 GT, 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster, 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, and 1951 Bentley Mark VI Cresta II. The judging panel comprised distinguished automotive designers, collectors, and industry leaders, including Gordon Murray, Henry Ford III, Fabio Filippini, and Jay Leno, alongside international royal figures.
Preserving Automotive Excellence
Established in 2015 by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award celebrates the preservation and restoration of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles. Presented by The Peninsula Hotels, the award reflects a shared commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury—values that resonate deeply with collectors around the world.
