#USA #Pebble Beach #Best of Show #Hispano-Suiza

Hispano-Suiza Takes Center Stage at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, held in California, showcased a stunning array of automotive excellence with 229 cars participating in the prestigious event. Among this year's notable contenders, the unique Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo clinched the coveted Best of Show award, marking a highlight in the collector car world. Owned by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. from Naples, Florida, this 1924 masterpiece stood out due to its breathtaking design and rich heritage.

A Remarkable Legacy

The Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo is not just a car; it embodies history and innovation. Originally commissioned by the famous aperitif heir André Dubonnet, this vehicle has a racing pedigree that includes participation in prestigious events like the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio. As it graced the competition field this year, the Concours Chairman, Sandra Button, praised it for its advanced technical underpinnings and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Torpedo, affectionately referred to as the "Tulipwood" Torpedo, features a body constructed from hand-carved mahogany strips. These exquisite pieces are meticulously connected by approximately 8,500 rivets, resulting in a lightweight structure that originally weighed about 160 pounds. Lee Anderson's fascination with the car stemmed from its wooden design, reflecting his passion for antique wooden boats. He expressed, "I like wood! I'm a wood boat antique collector...When I saw this, I said, 'My gosh! This is right in my wheelhouse.'"

An Unexpected Triumph

The Andersons were overwhelmed by the recognition, with Penny stating, "We had no idea, but we were dreaming about it!" Their victory at Pebble Beach was not solely about honors; like other participants, they shared a love and deep respect for automotive history. This year's competition was fierce, featuring excellent automobiles such as the 1939 Maybach SW38 and the 1956 Maserati 200SI, making the win even sweeter.

Giving Back to the Community

Through this esteemed event, more than $4 million was raised for charity this year, contributing to a total of over $45 million in philanthropic efforts by Pebble Beach over the years. These funds will support nearly 100 local nonprofit organizations, positively impacting the lives of over 10,000 children annually.

The 75th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is set for August 16, 2026, promising an exquisite celebration focusing on Ferrari and the renowned coachbuilder Vignale. The event will delve into automotive legacy while showcasing curated classes that honor the impressive history of car races in Pebble Beach.

For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, the Concours d'Elegance represents not just competition but a community steeped in passion and dedication to preserving the art of classic automobiles. The Hispano-Suiza’s win is emblematic of the craftsmanship and rich history that define the spirit of the event. Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches—this is one automotive celebration you won’t want to miss!