The HDF & FIVA Preservation Award in Honor of Dr. Frederick Simeone:

1960 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door Convertible

At the 2026 Greenwich Concours d’ Elegance, a miraculously well-preserved 1960 Cadillac owned by Frank Nicodemus, Jr. received the Hagerty Drivers Foundation & FIVA Preservation Award, which celebrates the preservation of our automotive treasures. Administered with FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or International Federation of Historic Vehicles), the Hagerty Drivers Foundation has honored many incredibly well-preserved automobiles at major national and international events. The Preservation Award is presented in honor of Dr. Fred Simeone, a champion in the preservation of historic vehicles.

Frank, an expert Cadillac restorer, found this 1960 Cadillac Series 62 in long term storage with less than 11,000 miles under its belt. The original owner, a Navy Aviator, had the car shipped overseas when new. In the engine compartment are two peculiar details; a wrench taped to the core support to disconnect the battery during shipping, and the VIN painted in stenciled letters, both original evidence that Frank keeps intact.

“You can restore just about any car with the money, but you can’t make a car original again. They’re only original once”, says Frank.

The Cadillac’s second owner carefully stored the car in a building, parking the car on a tarp before covering it, and sealing it in a bag, resulting in a literal time capsule. Frank, aware of the car just miles from his family Cadillac restoration business, Cadillac Parts and Restoration, initially wanted to study the car as a historical reference for one he was restoring. Later, Frank and the owner were able to strike a deal for the Cadillac, bringing it back into the light of day.

A careful mechanical recommissioning at Frank’s shop, CPR, brought the car back to a safe and reliable condition to be in the spotlight once again. Frank and his family soon plan to put the 11,000^th mile on the odometer, with the previous owner riding along!

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National Automotive Heritage Award:

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Superleggera Barchetta, Touring

Recognizing its important contribution to American and automotive history, we selected this 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Superleggera Barchetta for the Automotive Heritage Award. This award celebrates vehicles that are historically important to our past, and is presented by the Hagerty Drivers Foundation based on the criteria of the National Historic Vehicle Register.

When you think of American automotive history, a Ferrari might not be the first thing that comes to mind. This Ferrari helped a young American driver convince Enzo to give him a shot at the big leagues. That driver was Phil Hill, the first American-born Formula 1 World Champion.

Chassis 0078E was the first 212 Export of eight produced. Powered by a Columbo-designed V-12 engine, it wears Superleggera Barchetta bodywork by Touring.

At its first race, the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans, it suffered a fatal crash. Despite this tragedy, it went back to the factory for repair and raced again at the 1951 Tour de France, winning first place overall. Afterwards, it was sold to American racer Phil Hill for $3000 – his first Ferrari.

Hill had a short but successful stint with 0078E. The first time it was raced under his ownership, Hill’s friend drove the Ferrari and beat Hill himself, driving a Jaguar! The next time it ran, Hill lapped the entire field in the Ferrari. Phil proved his skills to Enzo and soon was behind the wheel of bigger and faster machines from Maranello. Subsequent owners continued racing the 212 in America throughout the ‘50s. 0078E is now an heirloom, owned by the same family for 40 years!

We're honored to recognize this car, and the irreplaceable role it played in American motorsport history, with our American Automotive Heritage Award at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.