In the classic car world, there are numerous high-profile shows. Events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Pebble Beach, or Amelia Island Concours are all well-known and prestigious shows, with millions of fans making pilgrimages each year. However, amongst all those iconic spots, there is a Concours elegance that is in it a league of its own, not just by a fantastic lineup of unique machinery but also because of enormous tradition, breath-taking landscape, and impressive surroundings, which emphasize the beauty of cars on display.
Established in 1929, Concourso d Eleganza Villa d’Este is one of the world’s oldest and most significant classic car shows. Located on the banks of the beautiful Lake Como near Milan, it was the epicenter of Italy’s emerging car industry. Back in the day, every Italian manufacturer or carrozzeria owner dreamed of winning the Concours, which meant it had the most striking lines and most impressive cars. Although static and carefully lined up on the lawn of the hotel that dates back to 1873, the selected vehicles are actually racing. But not by engine power, performance, or price but by beauty, elegance, significance for automotive history, and the incredible stories behind each example.
In 2023, Concourso d’ Eleganza Villa d’ Este once again presented the spectacular lineup of the most sought-after classic cars with the addition of a few special premieres in the hypercar class. As you probably know, BMW has sponsored this event since 1999 and used it to promote selected new models and concepts along with classic cars. Interestingly, even though the main event is held on Saturday in Villa d’Este hotel, the whole area around Lake Como is dedicated to automotive culture. There were also shows and gatherings at Villa Erba or Villa Grumello, which attracted many visitors. This all means that if you find yourself around Cernobbio in late May, you will be astonished by the number of fantastic cars roaming the narrow streets of a typical Italian village and the quality of events at beautiful villas overlooking the legendary Lake Como. But amongst all those vehicles, we have selected the ten most impressive and significant featured in this year’s event.
1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial CL
In 1933, Chrysler was still a young brand but managed to produce a luxury model that could rival the world’s best premium cars. The Imperial was a showstopper back in the day and a car that featured a streamlined design, innovative mechanical solutions, and a powerful eight-cylinder engine. This particular example is one of the last produced and has several unique components. However, despite being one of just 151 Imperials made that year, this car was the subject of amazingly thorough restoration by LaVine Restorations, followed by a rigorous documentation file, which helped it secure Best in Class honors.
970 Porsche 917 K
This year, organizers of Concours d Eleganza Villa d’Este introduced a particular class dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the most fantastic race of all time – 24 Hours of Le Mans. Amongst the incredible machines lined up in Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, the Porsche 917 K, one of the best-known Le Mans legends, got enormous attention. First of all, for its competition history (winner of Sebring 1970) but also for its amazing originality, still respectable performance, and sheer presence and design. It stunned crowds with the raspy sound of that flat-12 engine and silhouette that emphasized speed and Porsche’s Le Mans ambitions.
1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion
Since this year also marks Porsche’s 75th birthday, Villa d’ Este lineup includes several more significant models along with a special celebration at Villa Grumello. The visitors welcomed the 911 GT1 Strassenversion entrée as it is one of only 20 (approximately) built and barely road-legal race machines. This car was the basis for the GT1 racing model, which battelled McLaren F1 GT-R for Le Mans win. It is very rare to see one of those cars in person, and this gray example matched the cloudy skies over Lake Como.
1955 Lancia Florida I Coupe Pininfarina
Italy was the hub of advanced automotive design in the 50s, and Pininfarina was at the very forefront. Looking for ways to establish itself as a premium manufacturer, Lancia commissioned Pininfarina to produce a very limited series of concept cars to showcase new platforms and innovative styling cues. Pininfarina delivered and 1955 presented Florida I in two distinctive flavors – sedan and coupe. They made only three sedans and one coupe which toured the show circuit and went missing in the following decades. Fortunately, that one Florida I Coupe is saved and presented at this year’s Villa d’Este in all of its glory.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO needs no introduction, and despite being incredibly rare (36 made) and eye-watering expensive ($50 million +), it is well-known amongst classic car fans. However, seeing one in person is an unforgettable event, and the 1962 model truly celebrates Ferrari’s racing heritage and the incredible beauty of Scaglietti’s body. This particular example was entered in 1963, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and finished 4th overall. Over the years, it changed a few owners, but it is presented in specifications like in 1963.
1935 Duesenberg SJ – Best of Show
Initially owned by Maharaja Holkar of Indore, this gorgeous Duesenberg SJ was one of the most powerful cars of its time. With a supercharged, straight-eight engine delivering 320 hp, it was clothed in a seductive Gurney Nutting roadster body. This example was one of the very few cars exported outside the USA and was first delivered to London. After a very meticulous restoration, it returned to America and has entered a few events since. However, the beauty, performance, and originality convinced judges at Villa d’Este to give it a prestigious Best of Show award.
1968 Ford GT40
The story of GT40 and its fantastic racing success is widely-known, but seeing the actual Le Mans-winning machine in person is a special treat. This particular example was driven by the likes of Pedro Rodríguez and Lucien Bianchi, Jackie Ickx, and Jackie Oliver, winning six of eleven races it entered. It had even raced (and won) Le Mans twice, in 1968 and 1969! With iconic Gulf Oil livery, perfectly preserved condition, and a fantastic soundtrack from that uncorked V8 engine, this Ford GT40 was undoubtedly one of the event’s stars. It also reminded us to watch the Ford vs. Ferrari again to see it in action.
2023 BMW Concept Touring Coupe
Since it is the main sponsor of the event, BMW makes sure to present its numerous classics but also appealing concept cars. This year, the audience was stunned by the beautiful Concept Touring Coupe, the coupe version of the current Z4 Roadster. With a closed roof, third door, spacious trunk, and dynamic design, this concept is a direct descendant of the famous Z3 Coupe from the early 2000s. It is still being determined if BMW will ever put it in regular production but judging by the reception and rave reviews, it definitely should.
2024 Rolls Royce Spectre
As a part of the special exhibition, BMW also presented the 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, its newest and most advanced luxury coupe. Seeing this car parked near Rolls Royce models from the 20s and 30s was an incredible experience, especially knowing that Spectre is an EV with the sole task of keeping the company’s tradition but transcending it into the future. With an all-electric powertrain, 577 hp, and an expected range of over 300 miles, the 2024 Spectre was one of the stars of the show.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder
Interestingly, on this year’s Villa d’ Este, two distinctive Ferraris 250 were featured. One, a mighty 250 GTO, promoted the racing aspect of this iconic brand. But the other, 250 GT California Spyder, symbolized a more relaxed and hedonistic approach. This light blue example was even more exciting because it once belonged to the famous French novelist Françoise Sagan. This car was her favorite transport and the very inspiration for the legendary saying – “Whisky, gambling, and Ferraris are better than housework.” After a lengthy restoration, it is back in its original glory, with unmatched provenance, which is the reason why the judges awarded it with the “Copa d’ Oro” prize.
© Pictures Copyright Miloš Nikodijević.
