A 1948 Packard Convertible Victoria by Vignale was chosen as this year’s Best in Show at the 26th annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance hosted by Hagerty. The 2022 event marked a return to the event’s traditional June dates while further establishing the weekend’s focus on celebrating car culture on Saturday and honoring concours tradition on Sunday.
“We believe that there is a ‘language’ in hosting a concours – the cars, the setting, the people – and there’s no better time and place to do so than a spring Sunday along Greenwich harbor with fellow car lovers,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “The Packard selected as best in show embodies that spirit of that language – one that the judges recognized following significant deliberation. A very special thanks to all entrants, their teams and the winners.”
Saturday’s Cars & Community presented by Griot’s Garage featured three entertaining seminars as well as Concours d’Lemons and RADwood displays.
A range of hands-on activities – ride & drives, racing simulators, Hagerty Youth Programs and more – entertained enthusiasts and their families. On Sunday, both domestic and international marques were celebrated at the 26th Annual Concours d’Elegance.
This year’s concours classes included Alvis, Aston Martin DB, Cadillac Eldorado, Chrysler “Letter Cars,” Rolling Bones Hot Rods, Powered by America, Vignale-bodied cars and a vintage pickup truck class. The 2022 concours featured motorcycle classes included BMW and BSA.
Central to the weekend’s festivities was author, driver, entrepreneur and motorsports innovator, Grand Marshal Judy Stropus. A slate of expert judges, including a record number of judges under the age of 30, focused on design, style and elegance while selecting this year’s winners.
The Best in Show trophy was awarded to the 1948 Packard Convertible Victoria, bodied by Italian coachbuilder Vignale and displayed by The Marano Collection from Garwood, New Jersey.
Independent manufacturer Packard lacked the financial might of its competitors. In order to provide some added cachet to its lineup and invigorate stagnating sales, Packard ordered seven concept cars including this stunning one-off Convertible Victoria by Italian coachbuilder Vignale. While construction began in 1938, the car was hidden during World War II and the work completed in 1948. The handsome aluminum body is mounted on a pre-war 1939 Packard 120 chassis and is powered by a 120 horsepower, 282 cubic-inch, straight-eight. As if to reinforce its European heritage, gauges are marked in kilometers and the taillights came from Fiat. The hood, however, opens from both sides, just like a typical 1948 Packard. It was exhibited at prominent European auto salons in Packard’s effort to gain influence in the burgeoning European post-war market.
Photos by George Bekris
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