The history of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este began 75 years ago. Today, this automobile gathering held on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy ranks as Europe’s premier event of its kind, uniquely bringing together classic masterpieces of design and cutting-edge prototypes. From 23rd – 25th April 2004, the organizers of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este celebrated this 75th anniversary in fitting style. Lending its support to the organization of the event once again was the BMW Group, under whose patronage it was being staged for the sixth time. Credit Suisse was co-sponsor of this prestigious Concours.

On Saturday, participants, judges and motoring specialists gathered in the grounds of Villa d’Este to appraise the vehicles on show. In Sunday’s glorious weather, several thousand visitors flocked into the parkland of the neighbouring Villa Erba to pay tribute to the four-wheeled gems on display there before selecting the winner by public referendum. Ever since the revival of the Concorso d’Eleganza, interest in the event has increased year by year, as witnessed not only in the long lines of visitors on Sunday but also in the expanding numbers of media representatives.

The main prize by the jury for the most beautiful car in the show went to a fabulous Ferrari 250 GT Convertible with Pinin Farina body. Built in 1957 for Genovese shipping magnate Giorgio Fassio, the automobile is owned since 1984 by the well known American Ferrari collector Peter S. Kalikow. The New York real estate tycoon won Best in Show with Ferrari s/n 0777 GT, a gorgeous and elegant dark blue Cabriolet, one of only forty units built. It had been painstakingly restored by marque specialist David Carte of Edinburg/VA.

The ex-Gianni Agnelli Ferrari 375 America Coupé Speciale Pinin Farina 1954, s/n 0355 AL, owned by Jack E. Thomas of St. Louis/MO also made an overseas appearance at Villa d'Este. It was the first time after 45 years since this automobile returned to its native country. The car had been completely restored by Motion Products Inc. in Neenah/WI, a company run by Ferrari experts Wayne Obry, John Kies and Bill Murphy. Among the visitors at Villa d'Este was also Signor Brovarone, the man who had originally designed the lines of this highly unusual Ferrari . He recognized his own drawings, which had been placed in front of the car. Naturally he was very happy to see "his" Ferrari again after so many years and he showed a lot of emotions and had fascinating stories to tell. Jack Thomas' Agnelli Ferrari received two major awards: The prize for the best and most sensitive restoration, sponsored by Ruote Classiche, plus the Press Award (Corrado Millanta Trophy).

After an extremely successful tour of European shows and winning Best in Show at Villa d'Este in 2002, the 1952 Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Cabriolet ex-King Leopold of Belgium was again present this year, to everyone's delight, and much in keeping with what the event was so famous for in the early 1950s. This Italian beauty belongs to computer mogul Arthur W. Zafiropoulo of Atherton/CA. who had the black convertible especially airfreighted from USA to Italy, just for this weekend.

There was a number of Zagato-bodied Ferraris in the show, including a very rare Ercole Spada designed Testarossa FZ93, a much more successful effort than the earlier Chinetti commissioned cars built in the 1970s. Dutch collector Edgar Schermerhorn showed a red 330 GTC Coupé which had been rebodied by Zagato. This car had spent most of its life in USA and only recently returned to Europe.

Among the Ferraris shown was also a yellow 250 GT SWB Berlinetta bodied by Scaglietti, owned by a Swiss collector, and a nice darkblue 250 GT SWB California Spider with open headlights, owned by a German Ferrarista.

The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este (Best of Show by Referendum) was awarded to a Lancia Astura Double Phaeton with bodywork by Castagna from 1933. A historical footnote: this car also took the award in the year of its launch. This car also won the Trofeo BMW Italia. As a tribute to Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, the Chairman of the Jury who died mid-2003 aged 86, the Concorso d’Eleganza introduced the first special prize for the most elegant car body. This went to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Coupé Villa d’Este Helvetia 1951 owned by Albert Obrist. The silver and black two-tone painted Coupé had been restored by Dino Cognolato in Padova for the former Swiss Ferrari collector.

Each year, a car designer constitutes the focus of the event. This time it was the Carrozzeria Zagato. In a special exhibit, the Italian company presented works from its 85-year history. In honour of this anniversary, the Jury presented a special Zagato award. The Trofeo Zagato went to an 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ Coupé Zagato owned by David Sydorick of Beverly Hills/CA. In keeping with the traditional spirit of the contest, the last three years have also featured a design award for the best contemporary concepts and prototypes. This year ten cars were showcased, including a Nissan that marked the first involvement by a Japanese car manufacturer. The Concorso d´Eleganza Design Award and the BMW Group Design Award both went to the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, which premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

The organizers of the Concorso never lose sight of the worthy tradition in which the event is rooted and have worked unceasingly to develop it further. It is clear that the future needs heritage. Ever since the first Concours d’Elégance held at Villa d’Este in September 1929, the event has continued to attract considerable interest. The appeal of the event is still on its outstanding tradition and its original format for a select group of connoisseurs, enthusiasts and experts. The date for next year’s Concours has already been communicated: 22-24 April 2005. Mark your calendar now!

© Marcel Massini 30/04/2004