"It's just wonderful. Just think - I was only Miss South Africa yesterday. Now I'm Miss World. And I feel on top of the world." Those were the words of 18-year-old Penny Coelen when she called home to Durban after winning Miss World in 1958. The striking young secretary won hearts around the world and received several lucrative modeling offers but after her reigning year, she headed off to Hollywood try her luck on the silver screen.
1st runner-pp Claudine Auger, France
2nd runner-up Vinne Ingemann, Denmark
3rd runner-up Gun Harriette Margareta Wagstrom, Sweden

Penelope went to Hollywood and was taught acting by film star James Garner. She returned home where she married, developed a highly-successful sugar plantation, and achieved success as a lecturer, guest speaker, author and television star. Today she runs her own guest house and has five sons and three granddaughters.