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Although it was sold for only seven model years, the life of the Plymouth Duster spans the automotive landscape of the 1970s. The two-door Duster, the fastback flagship of Plymouth's long-serving, entry-level Valiant line, debuted in the 1970 model year - arguably the peak of the muscle car era. A 275-hp (gross), 340-cubic-inch V-8 propelled top-spec Duster 340s with sufficient gusto, while budget-friendly engine options, ranging from two slant sixes to a 318-cubic-inch V-8, helped put the sporty Plymouth - albeit far less fierce than the Road Runner or the 'Cuda - in 217,192 driveways that year, making it the brand's most popular car.

The jury at the 2009 Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza inevitably, but a bit reluctantly, designated this Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Best of Show. The reluctance was not because Jon and Mary Shirley's 1938 Touring Superleggera Berlinetta was Best of Show at Pebble Beach last year, but because it was so far superior to the rest of the field that we--I was one of the seven jury members--were deprived of the usual spirited discussion that would have enlivened our lunch meeting had there been another close contender. As it was, the unanimous decision was attained in about half a minute, eliminating our usual fascinatingly passionate arguments. Too bad, because while actual judging is hard work, the debates moderated by jury chairman Lorenzo Ramaciotti are pure fun.