The 1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet dazzled judges, winning Best of Show at the Audrain Newport Concours, highlighting its stunning design and rich history.
The prestigious Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance, held on October 4, 2026, at Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island, saw the remarkable 1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet win the title of Best of Show. This exquisite vehicle, owned by Fritz Burkard, is powered by a striking V12 engine and also triumphed in the Pre-War European class, impressively leading a competitive field of 191 entries, all evaluated by over 60 knowledgeable judges from around the globe.
The Delahaye 165 Cabriolet is a rare gem, with only two of its kind ever constructed. Initially crafted as a show car for a Paris exhibition, it showcases the distinctive and elaborate coachwork of Figoni et Falaschi, a coachbuilder renowned for their Art Deco influences. Its sweeping wings, fluid lines, and low profile exemplify the luxurious and avant-garde style of pre-war automotive design, marking it as a true work of art on wheels.
This historic vehicle is no stranger to accolades on the concours circuit. Prior to its latest achievement, the Delahaye made notable appearances at the iconic Pebble Beach Concours in 1976, 1978, and 1990, being part of the distinguished Robert and Anne Lee Collection. Earlier in 2026, it returned to Pebble Beach, securing First in Class and finishing as a runner-up for Best of Show—further affirming its reputation among classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
At the Newport Concours, the People’s Choice award was claimed by Richard Johnston's 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Convertible Coupé. Johnston has owned this elegant car since 1979, and it retains its original body, chassis, and engine. A standout feature of this Rolls-Royce is its innovative disappearing hood, which tucks away completely beneath the bodywork, showcasing the vehicle's refined design.
A Stunning Venue and New Features
This year's event marked a notable evolution for the Audrain Concours, as it relocated to the scenic Fort Adams State Park for the first time. This historic coastal fortification, perched above Newport Harbor and the picturesque Narragansett Bay, provided a breathtaking backdrop that enhanced the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.
The 2026 edition of the Concours also introduced the inaugural Audrain Supercar Concours d’Elegance on October 3, designed specifically for modern supercars and hypercars. Rob Kauffman's 1993 McLaren F1 XP4 prototype received the top honor, reflecting the growing diversity of vehicles celebrated at the event. This addition signifies a shift towards including contemporary automotive designs alongside classic masterpieces.
A Range of Notable Winners
Among the other class winners at this year’s event were the distinguished 1929 Duesenberg J Sports Sedan, the 1965 Ford Shelby Cobra Roadster, the 1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT, the 1984 Porsche 911 SC/RS, and the stunning 1953 Pegaso Z-102 Spyder. Each entry reflects the historical significance and varied engineering excellence that the concours seeks to honor.
Special recognitions were also given out, such as the Most Elegant award, which went to Stephen Plaster's 1933 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton. This car not only has its own rich history but also made an appearance at the Paris Auto Salon and was famously driven by actor James Dean in the film Giant in 1956, adding to its allure and prestige.
Looking Ahead
After winning the Motoring Event of the Year award at the previous year’s International Historic Motoring Awards, the 2026 event exhibited significant growth with its new waterfront venue and the supercar concours. This development broadens the scope of the Audrain Concours, making it a more inclusive celebration of automotive excellence. The upcoming year’s event is already scheduled to occur from September 30 to October 3, promising another exciting showcase for car lovers and collectors.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, events like the Audrain Newport Concours play a crucial role in maintaining the appreciation for both classic and modern vehicles. The triumph of the Delahaye 165 showcases not just a remarkable machine but also the passion that drives the automotive community.
