The automobile sector is presently experiencing a significant shift. Nonetheless, for a brief moment, one can envision the past golden days and the sheer allure of automobiles. At the Concorso d’Eleganza near Lake Como, car aficionados can indulge in dreams at Europe’s most magnificent automotive gathering.
The setting at the renowned Villa d’Este beside Lake Como, just sixty minutes’ drive north of Milan, is nearly surreal even in the midst of the relatively mild 13 degrees Celsius weather and unwelcome gusts of wind. Within the park encircling the historical Grand Hotel of Cernobbio, over fifty vintage cars are showcased, each as exceptional as the location and ambiance. Invited guests, elegantly attired with glasses of champagne in hand, leisurely wander past diverse vehicle categories, meticulously curated into themes over numerous months. Collectors hailing from around the globe exhibit rare models at the Concorso, such as a 1923 Diatto Tipo 20 S, a 1934 Cadillac V16, a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL, a 1971 Maserati Quattroporte AM 121, and a crimson 1972 Mercedes 600 with a truncated wheelbase. The audience relishes the moment, engaging in conversations and capturing snapshots while judges meticulously evaluate the classics to bestow honors upon the most exquisite entries.
The weather around Lake Como has been quite unfavorable in recent weeks, and following a year of incessant rainfall, all involved were grateful that this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza remained predominantly dry, albeit chilly and somewhat uncomfortable, with the sun gracing the event on Sunday. The al fresco affair thrives not solely on the unique lakeside locale in northern Italy, the nearby historic estates, or the presence of the affluent and glamorous, but also on the meteorological conditions. This is especially true as the Concorso showcases not only centennial classic automobiles but also contemporary vehicles that are equally captivating and exhibit distinctiveness under the brilliant sunshine. At the event, BMW not only unveiled its 20th Art Car, slated for competition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a few weeks, but also introduced the breathtaking BMW Concept Skytop, an exquisitely luxurious Targa model that has a promising chance of entering limited production of fifty units. Price tag: exceeding 500,000 euros. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce presented its freshly updated Cullinan Series II, while automotive enthusiasts marveled at contemporary concepts like the Lotus Type 66, the delightful Triumph TR25, or a Koenigsegg CC 850.
Nonetheless, the Concorso d’Eleganza offers much beyond million-dollar classics within the Villa d’Este grounds. A brief stroll of a few hundred meters down the road leads to the equally attractive Villa Erba hosting an equally captivating event. Here, clubs representing assorted brands, automobile enthusiasts from across Europe, and collectors spanning varying eras convene. It’s a familial and enthusiast celebration drawing up to 10,000 visitors who share a passion for automobiles and proudly showcase their prized possessions beside the classics from collectors and manufacturers.
The focal point: a distinctive exposition featuring the most renowned models by the recently departed design luminary Marcello Gandini, credited with creating automotive marvels such as the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos, Fiat 132, and the inaugural BMW 5 Series.
For those desiring more, a twenty-minute walk amidst the arduous traffic between Cernobbio and Como reveals the Fuori Concorso, an increasingly popular event. Here as well, extraordinary treasures are exhibited—from vintage race cars of the 1950s to contemporary models like the Aston Martin Vantage. The ambiance is exquisite, and akin to this Concorso, it’s not solely the cars that weave the spell. The panorama surrounding Lake Como truly stands out, amplifying this unique allure. Not even the vibrant Monterey Car Week in mid-August, renowned as the globe’s most exclusive and stunning automotive gathering culminating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, can match such a backdrop. Should the Concorso d’Eleganza persist in expanding and evolving, the prestigious event on the Californian Pacific shoreline will encounter a formidable rival in Lake Como.
