In its fifth year under Cavallino Inc.'s stewardship, the event continues to set the benchmark for Ferrari authenticity and preservation on a global scale.
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The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Concorso d’Eleganza at The Breakers Joriann Maye-Keegan
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, the world's premier celebration dedicated exclusively to Ferrari automobiles, marked its 34th edition from January 23rd – 26th, 2025, transforming Palm Beach into an unparalleled showcase of Ferrari excellence. Drawing over 2,000 enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs from across the globe, this prestigious gathering has evolved significantly since its inception, now serving as the flagship event of an international series celebrating Ferrari heritage worldwide. In its fifth year under Cavallino Inc.'s stewardship, the event continues to set the benchmark for Ferrari authenticity and preservation on a global scale.
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Tour d’Eleganza Nicola Fornaciari/SGP
The Florida coastline transformed into a moving museum of Ferrari excellence as the Tour d'Eleganza commenced from the Ferretti Group Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. A carefully curated selection of historic and contemporary Ferraris lined the showroom's exterior, allowing participants to admire the collection before departure. The gathering began with participants dining among super yachts, with exclusive access to tour the Ferretti fleet firsthand. The procession of Ferraris, from early 250 series to modern hypercars, then traced a route that showcased both the cars' capabilities and the region's natural beauty. A luxurious mid-tour stop at The Boca Raton offered participants a waterfront respite, complete with champagne, gourmet appetizers, desserts, and live music. The day reached its crescendo with the spectacular Party Under the Stars at The Breakers, featuring the North American premiere of the groundbreaking Ferrari F80, representing the latest chapter in Ferrari's pursuit of automotive perfection.
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Party Under the Stars at The Breakers, featuring the North American premiere of the groundbreaking Ferrari F80 Nicola Fornaciari/SGP
The weekend's pinnacle arrived with the Concorso d'Eleganza, where The Breakers' golf course transformed into both a prestigious automotive showcase and a refined social gathering. The day began with an engaging symposium where leading Ferrari historians and technical experts shared profound insights into the marque's evolution, exploring engineering milestones and sophisticated restoration techniques.
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Concorso d’Eleganza Joriann Maye-Keegan
As the day progressed, elegantly dressed attendees mingled among over 150 Ferraris, celebrating significant anniversaries, including the 50th of the 308 GTB and the 30th of the F50. These milestones featured impressive gatherings of key variants and competition models. The atmosphere buzzed with long-time Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors exchanging stories while admiring the cars. Under the stringent standards of the IAC/PFA, 100 cars were evaluated by an international panel, with 70 earning coveted Platinum Awards, underscoring the event's exceptional quality. Notable winners included the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM #0476 AM, 1957 Ferrari 335 S #0674, and 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S #026, each representing different eras of Ferrari's innovation.
Judges at Concorso d’Eleganza Joriann Maye-Keegan
The event's influence on the collector car market remains substantial, particularly through its rigorous judging system. As Massimo DelbĆ², Ferrari Expert and Director of Cavallino Magazine explains, "Every single car on the field starts with 100 points. If your car is perfect, you have no deduction... but every single issue that has been discovered on the car brings you a deduction. Deductions range from five points for major issues like a fake body down to fractional points for small details. To achieve a Platinum Award, a car must maintain 97 points or more, indicating it's very, very good indeed." This exacting standard has made the Cavallino Classic's certification increasingly important in the international marketplace. The recognition not only validates the careful preservation and restoration efforts of owners but also helps establish definitive standards for Ferrari authenticity and preservation. "When the owners come here, they challenge themselves because they own amazing cars and they ask somebody else to judge their cars and say if their car is correct," notes Massimo. The judging process has become so respected that auction houses and private sellers frequently cite Cavallino awards in their provenance documentation, acknowledging the event's role as a benchmark for Ferrari excellence.
Chairman and CEO Luigi Orlandini, Cavallino President Enzo Mattioli Ferrari Joriann Maye-Keegan
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic has evolved far beyond its origins as a regional gathering. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Luigi Orlandini and the newly appointed President Enzo Mattioli Ferrari, direct descendant of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, the event has expanded its influence globally while maintaining its position as the world's most prestigious Ferrari-only concours. Their vision has transformed what was once a passionate enthusiasts' gathering into the definitive celebration of Ferrari excellence.
Connor Cogan of the Cogan Collection’s 1959 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series II Joriann Maye-Keegan
What began as a premier gathering in Palm Beach has blossomed into an international series of events that celebrate Ferrari across three continents. "Our family has been attending the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic for 24 years now," says Connor F. Cogan, whose collection brought a 1959 250 PF Cabriolet, owned by his family for nearly four decades, and a rare 1976 308 GTB Vetroresina to this year's event. "We've also participated in three Cavallino Classics in the Middle East and two in Modena. Each venue offers something unique, but Palm Beach, being the oldest and original event with the Cavallino name, is synonymous worldwide with being the best collection of Ferraris." While the Palm Beach edition remains the crown jewel of the Cavallino Classic, the series now includes prestigious gatherings in Modena, Italy - the birthplace of Ferrari; Abu Dhabi, serving the vibrant Middle Eastern collector community; and soon, Sydney, Australia. The Modena edition, set in Ferrari's spiritual homeland, offers participants an intimate connection to the marque's origins, with exclusive access to factory facilities and private collections rarely open to the public. The Middle Eastern edition in Abu Dhabi has established itself as a cornerstone of the region's flourishing collector car culture, emphasizing Ferrari's contemporary hypercars and limited-edition models against the backdrop of the emirate's ultra-modern architecture. The upcoming Sydney edition, launching in late 2025, will mark Cavallino's first venture into the Asia-Pacific region, acknowledging the sophisticated Ferrari collector community that has emerged throughout Asia and Oceania.
1964 Ferrari 250 GTO Joriann Maye-Keegan
"I strongly believe in the Cavallino project, and for this reason, I am excited to participate in its development and growth, not just with financial investment, but with strategic involvement," said Enzo Mattioli Ferrari. "For my family, Ferrari's iconic Prancing Horse emblem has always been a symbol of our entrepreneurial, sporting, and cultural history." The Prancing Horse—il Cavallino Rampante—has been Ferrari's legendary trademark since the company's founding, embodying the spirit of automotive excellence that the Cavallino Classic celebrates. This commitment to expansion while maintaining the event's core values has been crucial in establishing the Cavallino Classic as the global authority on Ferrari excellence and preservation.
Interior of Connor Cogan of the Cogan Collection’s 1959 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series II Joriann Maye-Keegan
The event's significance extends beyond the automotive world, serving as a crucial nexus for the preservation of Ferrari's cultural and historical legacy. Through partnerships with organizations like Ferrari Classiche, the event plays a vital role in maintaining authenticity standards and documentation practices for historic Ferraris worldwide. Educational programs and technical seminars during the weekend help ensure these preservation practices continue for future generations. In addition, a portion of ticket sale proceeds is donated each year to local organizations, including the Palm Beach Police and Fire Foundation and the A.W. Dreyfoos School of Art of West Palm Beach, amounting to over $100,000 annually. Luigi Orlandini emphasized this mission: "The resounding success of this year's gathering reaffirms its position as the world's premier event dedicated to the legacy of Ferrari. Our commitment to excellence and authenticity continues to draw the finest examples of Ferrari craftsmanship from around the globe." Under his leadership, the event has expanded its educational initiatives, including new programs focused on developing the next generation of Ferrari specialists and conservators.
Best of Show 2025 Classiche Certified Ferrari Dino 206 S #026 Joriann Maye-Keegan
The weekend concluded with the Classic & Sports Sunday at Mar-a-Lago Club, where the celebration expanded beyond Ferrari to include other significant marques. This broader perspective helps contextualize Ferrari's place in automotive history while highlighting the unique characteristics that set the marque apart. The inclusion of other prestigious manufacturers creates opportunities for comparing restoration techniques and preservation standards across different marques, ultimately benefiting the entire classic car community.
1989 Ferrari 328 GTS being judged on the Concorso d’Eleganza showfields Joriann Maye-Keegan
Looking ahead to its 35th anniversary, the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic continues to evolve while remaining true to its founding principles. In an era of rapid technological change and shifting automotive landscapes, this gathering stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Ferrari's engineering and design heritage. The event has increasingly focused on engaging younger generations, igniting their passion for automotive excellence and ensuring Ferrari's legacy resonates with future enthusiasts. Through interactive displays, mentorship opportunities, and educational programs, the Classic bridges the gap between seasoned collectors and emerging automotive aficionados. For enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers of automotive excellence worldwide, the Cavallino Classic represents not just a celebration of Ferrari's past, but a vibrant community shaping the future of automotive preservation and appreciation, while nurturing the next generation of Ferrari devotees.