The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious classic car events in the world, has once again delivered a historic moment. The top honor at the 2025 edition went to a car many consider one of the most remarkable ever built—the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, better known as the Tulipwood Torpedo.
This century-old masterpiece, owned by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida, emerged as the Best of Show winner, triumphing over an elite field of rare and exquisite automobiles. For the Anderson family, this marks their second victory at Pebble Beach, having previously won in 2022 with their 1932 Duesenberg Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo.
A Car with a Legendary Backstory
The Tulipwood Torpedo is not just another rare collector’s item—it is a car that blends aviation, racing, and artistry. Originally commissioned by André Dubonnet, a French World War I fighter pilot, Olympic bobsledder, race car driver, and heir to the Dubonnet aperitif fortune, the car was built to be both lightweight and strikingly beautiful.
Dubonnet had the bodywork crafted by Nieuport-Astra, a company better known for building airplanes. Designer Henri Chasseriaux created the unique, boat-inspired body out of thin strips of mahogany wood. Each panel was carefully riveted to lightweight ribs using thousands of aluminum fasteners, resulting in a body that weighs just 160 pounds.
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Despite its wooden construction, the car was no mere showpiece. Powered by an 8.0-liter Hispano-Suiza H6C inline-six engine producing 45 horsepower, the Tulipwood competed in major endurance races of the era. In 1924, Dubonnet drove it to sixth place at the Targa Florio and fifth at the Coppa Florio, proving that beauty and performance could indeed go hand in hand.
A Restoration of Epic Scale
Restoring a nearly 100-year-old car made primarily from wood is no small feat. The Andersons entrusted the task to RM Auto Restoration, a firm already renowned in the concours world. The project spanned two years and over 12,000 hours of painstaking work, with specialists conducting extensive research to ensure every detail matched the car’s original 1920s specification.
Much of the original mahogany survived the test of time, but when replacements were needed, RM sourced 100-year-old wood to maintain authenticity. The effort paid off—this is now the ninth time that a car restored by RM Auto Restoration has claimed the top honor at Pebble Beach, setting a new record. More photos
The Andersons’ Vision and Gamble
Interestingly, the Andersons purchased the Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood at the 2022 RM Sotheby’s auction at Pebble Beach. At the time, they were told the car had the potential to be a future Best of Show winner. That prediction has now become reality.
When asked about his first impression of the car before restoration, Lee Anderson Sr. compared it not to another automobile but to art:
“It’s a beautiful piece of furniture,” he said.
Industry Leaders Praise the Masterpiece
The win has sparked admiration throughout the classic car community. Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s, described the Tulipwood in glowing terms:
“This car is simply a masterpiece. Every angle, every detail—it’s as wild as it gets for 1924 and was so far ahead of its time. To me, this is the Mona Lisa of cars.”
He added that being involved in both the sale and restoration of such a historically significant vehicle was an honor:
“I never imagined years ago that our company would be entrusted with something this important. The fact that our team was able to return it to its original glory is truly incredible.”
A Victory for Art, History, and Engineering
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has long been considered the ultimate stage for showcasing automotive history. Each year, the world’s rarest, most valuable, and most beautiful cars gather along California’s coast to be judged not only for their condition but also for their historical significance.
With its unmatched blend of aviation-inspired design, wooden craftsmanship, racing pedigree, and a story tied to one of Europe’s most colorful sportsmen, the 1924 Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood Torpedo was destined to capture the spotlight.
For the Andersons, RM Auto Restoration, and the global community of classic car enthusiasts, this victory is more than just another trophy—it is a celebration of an extraordinary vehicle that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe a century after its creation.
FAQs
What is the 1924 Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood Torpedo?
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood Torpedo is a rare, one-of-a-kind car built for racing and beauty. It has a wooden body made of mahogany strips over ribs, weighing only about 160 lb. It raced in the tough 1924 Targa Florio and Coppa Florio and finished in the top ten both times. It won Best of Show at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance after a multi-year restoration.
Who owned the car that won Best of Show 2025?
Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. from Naples, Florida, own the car. They already won Best of Show in 2022 with a different car. They bought the Tulipwood Torpedo in 2022 from RM Sotheby’s and had it restored by RM Auto Restoration.
Why is it called “Tulipwood” Torpedo?
It’s nicknamed “Tulipwood” because of its wooden body made with thin mahogany strips and shaped like a torpedo. It was built by aircraft maker Nieuport-Astra and designed by Henri Chasseriaux. Though not made of tulipwood, the name stuck because it sounds cool and romantic.
What makes the Torpedo’s body so special?
The body is super light and beautiful. It is made of 1/8-inch thick mahogany strips fastened to ribs with thousands of aluminum rivets. It’s only about 160 lb—extremely light for such a big car. This made it fast and elegant at the same time.
How did the car do in races in 1924?
In 1924, André Dubonnet raced it at two long, tough Italian races. He finished 6th overall in the Targa Florio and 5th in the Coppa Florio, proving it was not just pretty, but competitive too.
Who restored the car for the 2025 Pebble Beach event?
RM Auto Restoration was the company that spent nearly two years and over 12,000 hours restoring the car down to the tiniest detail. They even found 100-year-old wood to match the original. This was their ninth Best of Show winner.
When did it win Best of Show at Pebble Beach?
The restoration paid off: the Tulipwood Torpedo won Best of Show at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This is one of the most respected awards in the classic car world.
Who originally had the Torpedo built?
The car was commissioned by André Dubonnet. He was a World War I fighter pilot, Olympic bobsledder, racing driver, and heir to the Dubonnet aperitif fortune. He wanted a fast, lightweight car that stood out.
How much work did the restoration take?
The restoration was massive: more than two years and over 12,000 hours of work. The team researched the details, replaced only what was needed, and even used century-old wood to make it accurate and authentic.
Why is this car so famous today?
It’s like a rolling work of art and a performance machine from 1924, thanks to its historic racing career, unique wooden body built with aircraft methods, and now its Best of Show win. Its story appeals to art lovers, car fans, and history buffs alike.
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