The Preservation class is one of the more interesting aspects of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is intended to recognize those few old cars that have never been restored and the idea is to keep them that way. For many collectors, these time relics are very special and are usually valued more than an equivalent restored car. As the saying goes, "A car can be restored many times but it is original only once".

Mark Hyman's 1914 Haynes Model 27 Touring. Note the well worn seat corner (above middle). Some may be put off by the roughness of a preservation car, but for their owners, it is evidence of originality.

In 2007 the preservation offering was expanded and there were two classes: Prewar Preservation and Postwar Preservation through 1967. The star of the postwar class was uncontested and belonged to this amazing 1950 Ferrari 166 Milla Miglia Barchetta, with a body by Touring.

As if there was any doubt; owned by Manny and Juanita Del Arnoz of Diablo California, this Barchetta took first in its class.

This Barchetta, the 20th of 25 built with a body by CarrozzTouring of Milano Italy and serial number 0052M, was owned by Mr. Litton from 1958 to 2005. It spent the majority of it's life in Arizona, a fortunate circumstance as the dry heat is ideal from a preservation standpoint. It's racing history is also notable, having run at Le Mans, 12 hours Paris Montihery (first place), Silverstone (second place) Goodwood, Targa Florio, Monza, Agadir, Mille Miglia and others.

The fact that this Barchetta has never been restored is unusual; most of the other examples have been restored making it one of the oldest unrestored Ferrari race cars in existance. The owners made the correct decision to only rebuild the mechanical parts of the car, enabling it to run and be safe. It still has it's original dry sump engine with magnesium castings and high RPM cam gears. The French blue interior is also original.

Ron Kimball photo