Vision Mercedes Maybach 6
The 2016 winner of the “Prix Public” award, or viewer’s choice award, at the Chantilly Concours was the Vision Mercedes Maybach 6. After making its debut at Monterey Car Week, it once again stole the show in Chantilly. This concept is a glimpse into the future for Mercedes Maybach, while incorporating throwbacks to the glorious classic Mercedes-Benz coupes of days past. The gullwing design is iconically Mercedes, while the interior is like something out of “The Fifth Element.” Futuristic controls and seating are revealed when the doors are opened. Sitting in the driver’s seat, you’d almost expect the car to be flown, not driven.
Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione
On display at the Chantilly Concours was a 1957 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione TdF, winning the “Tour de France 1951-1964” class. It’s the long wheelbase example of the Ferrari 250GT, aptly nicknamed Tour de France after the model competed in the 10-day race. Only 77 TdF models were built, many of which were track-bound cars. The Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione features a 3.0-liter V-12 engine. It combined classic sports car design with a lightweight engine. The 250 designation is actually the displacement (in cc’s) of a single cylinder!
1926 George Irat Torpedo Sport
A famous engine builder from France began building ultra-luxury cars in the 1920s. This 1926 Torpedo Sport was one such example. Taking cues from prestigious manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, the Torpedo Sport was a coach you wanted to be seen in. It was powered by a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine, although performance was definitely not its main attraction. This particular George Irat took home the Authenticity Prize from Chantilly for its original condition and patina of age, which have both come to be highly valued in today’s classic car scene.
