Big Sur forest fires that cast an eerie glow on setting suns and rising moons dusted the world?s most magnificent cars and motorcycles with fly ash. While more than 200 entrants at this year?s Pebble Beach Concours d?Elegance fretted over that, Richard Mattei faced a grander concern. At 5:30 p.m. local time, when announcer Derek Hill proclaimed his 1936 Lancia Astura Best of Show, Mattei had to pick the perfect champagne for toasting what just may be the best day in his lucky life.
Mattei, a humble man and avid Alfa Romeo collector from Paradise Valley, Arizona, was happy just to be invited to show at Pebble. Six of these Tipo Bocca Lancia four-place cabrios originally were built for a Biella, Italy, Lancia dealer. This particular car was distinguished with curved side glass and specially engraved bright trim encircling the custom Pinin Farina coachwork. Inside, parts of the cabin are finished in basket weave, and the instruments have wood-grain faces. English instead of metric speedometer markings hint that the first owner was probably British. In 1962, the car was discovered in England in poor condition and enveloped by a hedge. Hearing that this significant car still existed, the Pininfarina firm offered to rejuvenate it at its own expense if it could be returned to Italy in running condition. Upon its completion, rock star Eric Clapton purchased this car to enjoy its second lease on life, declaring it to be ?the most fun I?ve had offstage and out of bed.? After what m...