The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is perhaps the most significant of all events celebrating the mystique of vintage cars. By no doubt it is the most traditional one which was held for the first time already in 1929. Since its revival in the 1990ies the Concorso has improved year by year in every one of the aspects by what these events are measured; the beauty of the setting, the impeccable hospitality, the efficient organisation, the programme at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, an enthusiastic audience, the public awareness in the international press and TV, and above all, the elegance, the originality and state of preservation of the precious participating automobiles. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este one breathes an air of authentic aristocracy, rather than the slightly commercial atmosphere of other events.
It is the focus on design, originality, perfect preservation and the noble spirit that brings together the most important and beautiful cars from all over the world year by year in Cernobbio, in other words – the true historical value of the automobile.
The grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, one of the leading hotels of the world, lapped by the waters of Lake Como, offers guests and visitors the chance to admire about 50 vintage cars built between the twenties and the seventies, organized by different categories. An exclusive panel of judges led by its president Lorenzo Ramaciotti is judging for the Best of Show prize, the BMW Group Trophy, which is defined for an extraordinary automobile, which expresses beauty, passion and uniqueness. At Villa d’Este, the public is also a key element, rewarding participants with applause and their votes. In fact the most traditional prize of the Concours, the Coppa d’Oro, is decided by a public vote.
Introduced in the year 2002 and since that time a regular fixture of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este -the spectacular success of which has largely been made possible by the partnership of the BMW Group – and created a link between the glorious past and the future of the automobile, is a prize awarded to the best designed contemporary concept car. This competition also goes back to roots of the Concorso when designers and car companies presented their newest automobiles to the public. About 10 to 12 Concept Cars & Prototypes are shown - some of them making their world debut during the days at Lake Como – to be elected by public vote.
The cars, the participants, the gardens and buildings of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, the beautiful surroundings of Lake Como and the highly interested and competent audience make this event an unforgettable experience.
Special thanks to our paisano, Ernesto Stoccoro for the words and exclusive photos.
Full Villa D'Este Gallery here
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