Despite the best efforts of numerous other challengers, it was a relatively obscure American classic that won the prestigious Best of Show award at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The award went to a 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria, owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini III of West Orange New Jersey.

What makes the win all the more impressive is that this is the second time the Cassinis have taken home the award. They previously won in 2004 with a 1938 Horch 853A Erdmann & Rossi Sport Cabriolet.

When the Cassinis purchased their Packard three years ago, it was in pieces. The car has since undergone extensive restoration work to get it to the standard you see here. Power comes from a L-head V12 engine, rated at an estimated 150 horsepower.

For those that haven't been to the Pebble Beach Concours, the judging process is two-fold: Class Judges focus primarily on originality and authenticity, while Honorary Judges direct their attention to design, styling and elegance. To be eligible to win Best of Show, a car must first win its class.

This year, 248 cars from 36 states and 12 countries were competing. Together, they helped raised $1,277,007 for charity. Runners up included a 1932 Lincoln KB Murphy Roadster, a 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Coupé and a custom 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

For more of our coverage of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, click here.

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