CAVALLINO CLASSIC MIDDLE EAST: ABU DHABI CELEBRATES FERRARI ELEGANCE AMIDST COLLECTING AND INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE

Abu Dhabi is increasingly establishing itself as a global capital for luxury automotive. Within the futuristic and sophisticated setting of Yas Marina, blending the atmosphere of a major event with a growing passion for car collecting, Cavallino Classic Middle East celebrated the timeless allure of Ferrari with a fifth edition that leaves a definitive mark on the international Concorso d’Eleganza circuit.

This was not merely a parade of legendary vehicles: Cavallino Classic Middle East has become a structured appointment, meticulously curated and capable of attracting collectors from around the world, jet-set personalities, and enthusiasts who view the Maranello brand as a cultural heritage as much as an automotive one.

Fifth Edition: An event growing into a Middle Eastern benchmark

Now in its fifth edition, Cavallino Classic Middle East consolidates its identity as an exclusive international event perfectly integrated into the Abu Dhabi context—a city that has invested heavily in premium positioning, transforming itself into an ideal stage for celebrating the automobile as art, style, and status.

Reiterating this concept was Luigi Orlandini, Chairman & CEO of Cavallino Inc., speaking after the awards ceremony held on Sunday, December 7 at Casa Ferrari.

“This year we celebrate once again the success of Cavallino Classic Middle East, which in its fifth edition has reaffirmed its position as a global reference point in the Middle East, both as a Concorso d’Eleganza and as an event linked to the world of cars.”

These words highlight the dual soul of the event: on one hand, a rigorous elegance competition; on the other, an international lifestyle experience where the beauty of Ferrari interacts with high-end hospitality, exclusive events, and a backdrop designed for the most demanding audience.

The Middle East and the Ferrari Passion: A growing interest

Orlandini pointed out that the growth of the event is a clear signal of the central role the Middle East is assuming in global car collecting, with a specific interest in Ferrari. “The growth of an event of this caliber is a clear sign of the interest and passion this area of the world devotes to automobiles, particularly Ferraris.”

This statement captures an evident trend: the Gulf region is no longer just a consumer market for modern supercars, but a place where historic collecting and heritage acquire cultural as well as economic value. Consequently, Cavallino Classic Middle East is carving out a permanent spot on the international calendar, becoming a “must-attend” stop for those who experience Ferrari as an identity rather than just a car.

The Three “Best of Show”: Three eras, one DNA

As per tradition, the event crowned three Ferraris with the coveted Best of Show award, honoring three specimens from different eras, each expressing a different interpretation of the Prancing Horse.

The overall winners of Cavallino Classic Middle East 2025 were:

• Best Of Show Competizione: Ferrari 275 GTB #07075 (1965)
• Best Of Show Gran Turismo: Ferrari F50 #106395 (1997)
• Best Of Show Ferrari Classiche Certified: Ferrari 512 BBi #40567 (1982)

Together, these three models tell three fundamental chapters of Ferrari history: the sporting elegance of the Sixties, the golden era of 1990s iconic supercars, and the powerful charm of 1980s grand touring.

When presenting the awards, Orlandini thanked the owners with words that go to the heart of every collector:

“I want to express my thanks and congratulations to the owners of the Ferraris that won the three prestigious Best of Show awards of the 2025 edition with specimens that impeccably embody the spirit of the Prancing Horse.”

Joining him in presenting the awards was Enzo Mattioli Ferrari, President of Cavallino Inc., a central figure in the Cavallino universe for continuity, vision, and connection to tradition.

Special Awards: Excellence beyond the era

In addition to the Best of Show, Cavallino Classic Middle East 2025 granted numerous special recognitions to cars that stood out for their impeccable condition, technical features, and historical relevance.

Key awards included:

• The Chairman Award: 2014 F12berlinetta #201691
• The Ferraristi Award: 1965 330 GT 2+2 #6425
• The Ferrari Supercars Award: 2017 LaFerrari Aperta #230936
• The New Millennium Award: 2017 488 GTB #232480
• The Ferrari Renaissance Award: 2003 575M Maranello #127860
• The Versione Speciale Award: 2015 458 Speciale A #208301
• The Ferrari Challenge Award: 2013 458 Challenge #193658
• The Cavallino Magazine Award: 2025 F80 #326003
• The Judges Award: 1983 512 BBi #42563

Additionally, a total of 25 Platinum Awards were presented, further confirming a selected and world-class field of cars representing the entire Ferrari universe—from classic grand tourers to the latest evolutions in modern performance.

Tradition and Modernity: The essence of the event

One of the reasons Cavallino Classic Middle East continues to grow is its ability to bridge two worlds that often seem separate in more traditional competitions: the historic soul and the contemporary one.

On one side is the culture of restoration and originality; on the other, the celebration of Ferrari as a living, desired, and evolving object. This blend makes the event so seductive: a competition where the past is not a “museum,” but a dynamic narrative. Notably, the event takes place during Abu Dhabi’s most intense weekend, coinciding with the final Formula 1 race of the season—a detail that turns the setting into an international magnet where motorsport, glamour, and collecting naturally converge.

Looking Toward Palm Beach: The 35th Anniversary

Orlandini concluded by hinting at Cavallino’s strategic continuity, with attention already shifted toward the American leg:

“And now, with our thoughts turned to Palm Beach, where Cavallino Classic will celebrate its 35th anniversary, we remain focused on what represents the international beating heart of the passion for Ferrari.”

This reinforces the global identity of the Cavallino brand: an international community that speaks different languages but shares a single common denominator—the Ferrari emotion.