A plethora of unique and distinctive cars were on full display Sunday as the Americana Manhasset hosted the 11th annual Concours d’Elegance auto contest.
Taking home the day’s top prize, “Best in Show,” was a 1954 Ferrari 250GT owned by Tom Papadopoulos of Autosport Designs in Huntington Station.
“It felt like all the time and effort bringing the car back was worth it,” said Papadopoulos, a Roslyn resident.
He and his team at Autosports Designs spent between a year and a year and a half restoring the prize-winning vehicle.
According to Papadopoulos, his Ferrari is worth approximately $8 million.
Sunday marked Papadopoulos’ 12th year participating in the Concours d’Elegance.
Autosports Designs has also been a sponsor of the event for 12 years.
Each year, Papadapoulos brings between five and 10 cars to the event, some to be judged and others just for display. Papadapoulos brought nine cars with him to Sunday’s event.
“It’s nice to have your neighbors come out and see cars they can’t see (anywhere else),” Papadapoulos said. “It’s not your normal venue. It’s not strictly for car junkies and car enthusiasts. It’s for the general public to come see some really cool stuff.”
Despite taking home “Best in Show,” Papadapoulos said he already has sights on defending his title at next year’s contest.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying the camaraderie of many on another wonderful sunny Sunday,” he said.
Howard Krimko, former national director of the Rolls Royce Owners Club, once again served as chief of judges for Sunday’s event.
Other cars featured in the contest included a 1908 Oakland, the latest Porsche 919 Le Mans race car, a1965 Ford GT 40, a 1967 Aston Martin DB6, the 1963 Ford Mustang III concept show car and a Ferrari P4/5 by Pinifarina.
