A Maserati wons the Best of Show at the recent Salvarola Terme Concours d’Elegance. The now traditional "Modena Terra di Motori" celebrations kicked off in great style on the third week-end of March with the 7th Concours d’Elegance of Salvarola Terme. Sponsored by Maserati, this gathering of high profile classics is drawing more impressive entries and greater crowds every year.

The participants spent most of Saturday visiting local attractions such as the baroque Palazzo Ducale in Sassuolo, the Stanguellini Museum in Modena or the famous Malpighi balsamic vinegar production premises. The judging took place on Sunday morning at the prestigious thermal baths of Salvarola Terme, 25 km south of Modena, where a sumptuous lunch was served.

After a colourful parade, all the cars rallied Modena’s Piazza Grande for the prize-giving ceremony in front of an ever enthusiastic local crowd.
 

Top honours went to Umberto Panini’s fantastic Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina of 1954. The well-known collector, who bought the cars from the company’s museum over a decade ago, won a deserved Best of Show for this stunning automobile, one of only four ever built. It was faced with serious competition including bespoke Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Rolls-Royce one-offs of pre-war vintage.

Set just outside of Modena, the Panini Museum – which stages one of the most impressive collections of Maserati cars in the world, amongst other attractions – can be easily visited by appointment any day of the week.  Various "Modena Terra di Motori" exhibitions will continue through April to celebrate the phenomenal sports car culture associated with Maserati’s hometown.