The Audrain Collection of Newport claimed first, second and third place finishes in separate classes at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, showcasing the museum’s commitment to automotive preservation on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The collection’s 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton took first place in the Rolls-Royce Phantom Centennial class, while a 1988 McLaren MP4/4 Formula 1 car earned second in the 75th Anniversary of Formula 1: 1974-Present category. A 1955 Porsche 356 1600 Super Reutter Speedster rounded out the wins with third place in the Postwar Preservation Early class.
The Springfield-built Rolls-Royce represents one of only 21 vehicles produced with the Brewster Phaeton body style. Its distinctive features include roll-up windows — a modification by Murphy Coachworks of Pasadena, California, making it the only known Ascot with this feature — polished aluminum beltlines, 21-inch wire wheels and dual cowl configuration.
The car was originally delivered to G.M. Church of Pasadena in October 1929 and later owned by Lester Braunstein of Beverly Hills, California.
The McLaren MP4/4, widely regarded as one of Formula 1’s most dominant cars, holds particular significance in the Audrain Collection. Chassis 4 was driven by Alain Prost during the 1988 season, when he secured victories in Monaco, Mexico City and Paul Ricard along with several podium finishes.
The Porsche Speedster, acquired by Audrain in 2020 from the collection of Dr. Nicholas Begovich, shows just 10,684 miles and remains completely original. Begovich purchased the car new and it came with a rare hardtop that has never been mounted.
“As these wonderful and truly historic automobiles take their place of prominence on the global stage, it is a moment of pride and celebration for all of us who have been involved in their preservation,” said Audrain Group President Nic Waller.
The Audrain Automobile Museum, located at 222 Bellevue Avenue, operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating and sharing automotive history. The museum produces four curated exhibits annually and attracts more than 30,000 visitors per year.
