For four days each January, Florida becomes the epicentre of Ferrari passion when the Cavallino Classic arrives in Palm Beach. This year’s 34th edition, held from January 23-26, was no exception, attracting more than 2000 marque aficionados and a jaw-dropping selection of Maranello’s finest.
First held in 1992, the Cavallino Classic has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Now in its fifth year under Canossa Events’ stewardship, it has inspired a global series of concours events that celebrate the Prancing Horse.
This year’s edition kicked off with the Tour d’Eleganza, which saw a multi-million dollar cavalcade of exotica journey from the Ferretti Group Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale to The Breakers in Palm Beach via the luxurious Boca Raton resort.
Selecting the winning machines proved an unenviable task for the expert judging panel, such was the quality of the models on display
Many of the cars that participated are seldom seen on public roads, with this year’s line-up featuring icons such as the 250 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo – alongside the cutting-edge F80 hypercar, which made its US debut at The Breakers in 2024.
Upon arrival at The Breakers, guests were welcomed with the event’s signature Party Under the Stars – an exclusive evening of live music, gourmet cuisine and fine refreshments.
The Concorso d’Eleganza saw more than 150 of the world’s most significant Ferraris displayed on the immaculate fairways of the golf course at The Breakers. Complementing the cars was an engaging forum hosted by marque historians and technical experts, revealing fascinating details about the marque’s evolution and engineering achievements.
Unlike most concours, the Cavallino Classic divides Best of Show honours into three distinct categories: Gran Turismo, Competizione and Classiche Certified. As ever, selecting the winning machines proved an unenviable task for the expert judging panel, such was the quality of the models on display.
After plenty of deliberation, Best of Show Gran Turismo was awarded to the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM fielded by Tom and Jill Peck of Irvine, California. The car made its public debut in the 1955 Turin Motor Show, before being displayed at the New York Auto Show later that year. The unusual Ghia-bodied machine was presented at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2018, where it finished first in class.
Best of Show Competizione, meanwhile, went to the 1957 Ferrari 335 S owned by Brian Ross. A worthy winner, chassis 0674 boasts incredible motor-racing provenance and was campaigned at events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, Mille Miglia and Swedish Grand Prix in-period. Brian Ross acquired the car in 2016, and it has since won silverware at the Amelia Island, Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este and Salon Privé.
The Best of Show Classiche Certified award was presented to a 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S, selected from the marque’s renowned Classiche Red Book. Remarkably, despite its flawless presentation today, this Dino was involved in a fire during a 1967 Nürburgring 1000km practice session, which necessitated a full rebuild. The extensive restoration was completed in the early 1980s, and the car has since made notable appearances at events such as The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and Concorso Italiano.
Another highlight of the Cavallino Classic was the celebration of significant anniversaries, including the 50th of the 308 GTB and the 30th of the F50. These milestones were honoured with special displays featuring rare and competition-derived variants of both models, alongside dedicated concours classes. The Ferrari F50 Award was presented to Louis Flory’s exquisite 1995 example (chassis 103355), while the 308 GTB prize went to Kevin Cogan’s 1976 car, chassis 19377.
Thomas and Jill Peck’s rare 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO came home with the Chairman’s Award. Previously owned by Ralph Lauren, chassis 52739 last appeared at the Cavallino Classic back in 2008, and it participated in the GTO Legacy Tour and Cavallino Classic Middle East during 2024.
The Classic and Sports Sunday car show brought the curtain down on the event at the famous Marjorie Merriweather Post mansion, now home to the Mar-a-Lago Club. Here, the Pecks’ 1954 375 MM proved the most crowd-pleasing car, winning the People’s Choice awards for Most Unique, Most Elegant and Personal Favourite after already bagging Best of Show Gran Turismo.
“This event has always exemplified the spirit, artistry and passion that define the Ferrari legacy,” said Cavallino president and Enzo Ferrari’s great grandson, Enzo Mattioli Ferrari. “As a member of the Ferrari family, it is particularly meaningful for me to contribute to an event that not only celebrates the heritage of the Prancing Horse but also ensures its preservation for future generations.”
The 35th edition of the Cavallino Classic Palm Beach will take place in January 2026, with specific dates announced in due course. For full concours results and further information, click here.
