Just before the start of summer in Como, you would normally expect sunshine and T-shirt weather, but far from it. Cloudy weather and chilly conditions made for cold feet, but could not dampen the joy of the elegant classics at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on May 25 and 26, 2013.
Only the vehicle owners (or their support team) had extra work to do in the drizzle, as the vehicles had to be dried again and again. But on Sunday, when the gems are traditionally presented to the public at Villa Erba, the sun was shining again.
Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic by Ralph Lauren as a clearance area
It was to be expected that the Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic from 1938 would be a candidate for the "Best of Show". Ettore Bugatti had only built four of these masterpieces and the design by his son Jean Bugatti still leaves viewers breathless today. Ralph Lauren himself came across the pond with the fourth car built and known as the "Pope" Bugatti and not only took the coveted "Best of Show" trophy, but also won three other prizes determined by public vote as well as the jury prize for the "most exiting design".
The jury of Hideo Kodama, Patrick le Quémont, Harm Lagaaij, Stefano Pasini, Winston Goodfellow, Dieter Meier, Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Charles Lord March, Ian Cameron and Martin Roth cannot be blamed for helping the Bugatti to victory; any other result would have been almost inconceivable.
Lamborghini has its own category
The Lamborghini brand turned fifty in 2013, reason enough to set up an entire category for the sports cars from Santa Agata. And some very special vehicles were brought to Como.
Albert Spiess drove up in the first sports car ever built by Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Lamborghini 350 GTV designed by Franco Scaglione. This was presented in 1963, but did not find favor with the public or the company boss. Moreover, only a car without an engine could be presented at the launch, as the specially developed twelve-cylinder engine did not fit in the front. However, these problems were later solved and today the 350 GTV drives under its own power and was awarded a prize.
The winner in the Lamborghini class was the 350 GTS from 1965, one of two unique models built by Touring for the Turin Motor Show. This was the first time since then that the gold-colored Spider had been presented to the public in Como.
But the blue 350 GT, the first Lamborghini ever sold, also deserved a prize. This car has a very special history, as its first owner, Geneva resident Robin Grant, helped with the test work and received the new four-liter engine as a thank you in 1965. As a result, the 350 GT actually became the prototype of the 400 GT; the red and white Lamborghini emblem on the front, which normally adorned the tractors but was fitted at the time due to a lack of alternatives, was retained.
The last Touring Superleggera one-off built, a Lamborghini 400 GT Shooting Brake from 1966, completed the impressive quintet of bulls together with a baby-blue Miura SV.
The very special Ferrari 250 LM
32 Ferrari 250 LMs were built, each unique in its own way and immortalized thanks to the 1964 Le Mans victory. But number 18 was even more special, as it was equipped as a road car and came as master Pininfarina would have liked to build all 250 LMs, had the requirements of aerodynamics and racing not stood in the way.
Number 18 was presented at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, white and equipped with a dark center stripe, electric windows and a pretty interior. And that's exactly how it stood and drove again in the park of the Villa d'Este and deservedly won "Best of Class".
The honorary mention in this class was awarded to a Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France.
Without a prize, but certainly not without attracting a lot of attention, the Lancia Sibilio from 1978 set off on its journey home. Bertone's prototype was supposed to embody the future of automotive engineering around 35 years ago, but its dark brown livery and yellow wheels did not go down well with the public, which is why the one-off was repainted in a lighter shade and fitted with gold wheels immediately after its presentation in Turin. The mechanics of the Lancia Stratos were concealed under the bodywork, which took some getting used to, while the futuristic interior at least allows the vehicle to be moved today.
The beauties of the late fifties
Three open-top Maserati sports cars from the 1950s went head-to-head with three Ferrari classics in the "Prancing Horse versus Trident" class.
The prizes went to the two Ferrari 250 GT SWBs with Berlinetta and California Spider bodies, but it was the Maseratis that captivated fans of design classics. Two models by Pietro Frua and one by Zagato demonstrated what the well-heeled man of the world could buy in the mid-fifties if he had a particular taste.
Aston Martin sports cars from film and television
If a car brand can celebrate its centenary, then the Concorso in Cernobbio doesn't want to stand on the sidelines. For the "Aston Martin" class, however, they had come up with something special.
In addition to one of the four DB 4 GT Zagato cars trimmed for lightness, which took part unsuccessfully in the 1961 24 Hours of Le Mans and was completely restored around 20 years ago, the Aston Martin DBS driven by Brett Synclair alias Roger Moore in the well-known series "The Persuaders" (brilliantly dubbed into German as "Die Zwei") caused a sensation among film and TV series fans. As the V8 was not available at the time, an in-line six-cylinder car was fitted with the V8 type plates and wheels, which the car still bears today after a restoration at the factory, as well as the "BS 1" license plate.
The 1962 Aston Martin DB 4 Convertible, which was on display at the Villa d'Este, also came in front of the camera. In the film "The Italian Job", Sir Michael Caine, alias Charlie Croker, pulled out of the underground parking garage after serving time in prison.
However, it was not the film cars that won the Concorso honors, but the 1962 Aston Martin DB 4 SS Saloon, while the DB 4 GT Zagato was at least honored.
From the Mille Miglia straight to the Concours d'Elegance
When Australians come to Europe, it's best to combine a few classic car events. At least that's what Peter Briggs must have thought when he set off for Italy in his MG K3, one of 33 built and class winner at the 1933 Mille Migla under Eyston/Lurani. So he first took part in the 2013 Mille Miglia, overcame all the rain and floods, crossed the finish line, only to have to clean the car completely so that it could make a good impression at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
It wasn't enough for a victory after all, as Andreas Mohringer took it with his already well-known, but in any case fabulously beautiful Ferrari Dino 166P/206P from 1965, while the baby-blue Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France from 1956 received the "Mention of Honor".
The compact Bandini in the shadow of the Dino
As the smallest of the treasures on display, the Bandini 750 Siluro from 1955 could easily be overlooked, but it presented itself in perfect condition and was also one of the highlights in terms of design. However, the little racer received just as few awards as the Mille Miglia-tested Fiat 580 CS MM from 1938.
Pebble Beach winner also successful in Cernobbio
As expected, the Saoutchik-bodied Mercedes-Benz 680 S from 1928 was the class winner at the "Kings of the Road", having already won "Best of Show" at Pebble Beach in 2012. If it hadn't been for Ralph Lauren's Bugatti standing in its way, it might have been enough for more in Como, as the car impressed both with its shape and its condition. The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sedanca Drophead Coupé from 1933 was also honored in this class.
The Hispano-Suiza from 1929 and the Isotta-Fraschini 8A from 1930 were left behind, even though they both presented themselves in the best light.
In the "Transitions" class, the Ferrari 500 Superfast from 1964 came out on top, while a Jaguar XKSS from 1956 won the "California Dreamin'" group.
Despite its impressive racing history, the Jaguar XK 120 from 1949 did not make it to Concorso honors, while its brand brother Mark VII with bodywork by Stabilimenti Farina even had to miss out on the lap of honour through the park due to fuel supply problems.
Corvettes and special guests
As a special show to celebrate the 60th anniversary, a selection of Chevrolet Corvette vehicles stood in the park of Villa Erba, representing the various generations of the longest-produced American sports car, but standing somewhat apart from all the shining beauties of the occasion. At least one Corvette could perhaps have been included in the Concorso, as there have been numerous individual bodies and prototypes over the years that would certainly have looked good in the field of participants.
At least two other classics made it onto the "main stage". A Rolls-Royce Phantom I, which took part in the Austrian Alpine Rally in 1913 and topped the leaderboard every day, was driven to Cernobbio by its owner. And that was not all. He wanted to drive all the Alpine passes again and then return home in a wide arc, so that around 6,000 km would be covered, the owner said.
The Bentley 8 Litre, which was driven around the Villa d'Este by the widow of the recently deceased Berthold Albrecht, a sworn car fan, also attracted attention after a few brief instructions, but did not officially take part in the beauty contest.
Good vintage
In general, the 6,000 or so visitors, including designer Tom Tjaarda, who was unable to find any of his creations this year but was nevertheless positive about the competition vehicles, were treated to an exciting field of participants, even if there were perhaps a little too many well-known classics among the vehicles. Also, on the 100th birthday of Pietro Frua, one could well have imagined showing an entire class with his creations, there would certainly have been no shortage of choice.
Former and future Concorso participants at RM
Anyone who hadn't seen enough cars on Saturday evening or was even thinking about taking part in a Concorso in the next few years but didn't yet own a suitable vehicle could stock up at the RM Auction. At the auction, not only a Villa d'Este participant from last year came under the hammer, but also a whole series of candidates for beauty prizes. The auction house was successful, 80% of the lots were sold and the prices were high (see separate report ) .
Over 400 pictures of the vehicles are organized in nine picture galleries, one for each class A to I.
Participating vehicles and prices
The following table shows all participating vehicles with body type and designer/body. "Country B" indicates the origin of the owner. The respective awards are documented under "Prizes".
The table can be sorted by clicking on the column heading.
| Class | No. | Vehicle | Bodywork | Designer/body builder | Country B. | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 02 | Mercedes-Benz 680S (1928) | Torpedo Roadster | Saoutchik | USA | Best of Class |
| A | 04 | Hispano-Suiza (1929) | Cabriolet de Ville | Hibbard & Darrin | NL | |
| A | 06 | Isotta-Fraschini 8A (1930) | Torpedo | Castagna | E | |
| A | 08 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental (1933) | Sedanca (3-Position) Drophead Coupé | Gurney Nutting | USA | Mention of Honor, Most Elegant RR |
| A | 10 | Mercedes-Benz 540K (1937) | Cabriolet A | Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen | GR | |
| A | 12 | Rolls-Royce Wraith (1938) | 2-Door Saloon | Erdmann & Rossi | D | |
| B | 14 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I (1928) | Open Tourer Boattail | Jarvis | A | Best preserved pre-war car |
| B | 16 | Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport (1931) | Spider | Zagato | USA | |
| B | 18 | Mercedes-Benz 500K (1936) | Special Roadster | Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen | NL | Mention of Honor |
| B | 20 | BMW 328 (1937) | Sport Convertible | Wendler | CH | |
| B | 22 | Lagonda LG45 Rapide (1937) | Open Tourer | Lagonda | USA | |
| B | 24 | Bugatti 57SC Atlantic (1938) | Coupé | Jean Bugatti | USA | Best of Class, Best of Show, Coppa d'Oro (audience favorite), Best of Show Villa Erba (audience), Best of Show Youth Choice (under 16 years, Villa Erba), "Most exiting design" (jury) |
| C | 26 | Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport (1949) | Convertible | Franay | A | Mention of Honor |
| C | 28 | Jaguar Mk VII (1951) | Coupé | Stabilimenti Farina | F | |
| C | 30 | Bentley R-Type Continental (1952) | Sports Saloon Fastback | H.J. Mulliner | AUS | |
| C | 32 | Talbot-Lago T14 LS (1956) | Coupé | Letourneur and Marchand | USA | Most careful restoration |
| C | 34 | Bentley S1 Continental (1959) | Drophead Coupé | Park Ward | D | Longest journey |
| C | 36 | Ferrari 500 Superfast (1964) | Berlinetta | Pininfarina | B | Best of Class |
| D | 38 | Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports "Spa Replica" (1948) | Roadster | Aston Martin | SGP | |
| D | 40 | Aston Martin DB4 GT (1961) | Coupé | Zagato | UK | Mention of Honor |
| D | 42 | Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962) | Saloon | Touring | CH | Best of Class |
| D | 44 | Aston Martin DB4 (1962) | Convertible | Aston Martin | UK | |
| D | 46 | Aston Martin DBS (1970) | Saloon | Aston Martin | UK | |
| E | 48 | Ferrari 212 Export (1951) | Barchetta | Touring | USA | |
| E | 50 | Maserati A6G 2000 (1952) | Convertible | Frua | A | |
| E | 52 | Maserati A6G/54 (1955) | Spider | Zagato | UK | |
| E | 54 | Maserati A6G/54 GT (1956) | Spider | Frua | B | |
| E | 56 | Ferrari 250 GT SWB California (1961) | Spider | Scaglietti | I | Mention of Honor |
| E | 58 | Ferrari 250 GT SWB (1961) | Berlinetta | Scaglietti | MC | Best of Class |
| F | 60 | Jaguar XK120 (1949) | Roadster | Jaguar | CH | |
| F | 62 | Siata 208S (1954) | Spider | Motto | USA | Mention of Honor |
| F | 64 | Jaguar XKSS (1956) | Spider | Jaguar | UK | Best of Class |
| F | 66 | Porsche 356 A (1957) | Speedster | Reutter | CHN | "Best iconic car" |
| F | 68 | AC Cars Cobra 289 (1965) | Roadster | AC Cars | CH | |
| G | 70 | Fiat 8 V (1953) | Coupé | Rapi | USA | Most beautiful interior design |
| G | 72 | Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France (1958) | Berlinetta | Scaglietti | USA | Mention of Honor |
| G | 74 | Ferrari 250 LM (1964) | Berlinetta | Pininfarina | USA | Best of Class |
| G | 76 | Lancia Sibilo (1978) | Coupé | Bertone | I | |
| G | 78 | BMW M1 (1980) | Coupé | Giugiaro | D | Best preserved post-war car |
| H | 80 | Lamborghini 350 GTV (1963) | Coupé | Scaglione | CH | Mention of Honor |
| H | 82 | Lamborghini 350 GT (1964) | Coupé | Touring | D | |
| H | 84 | Lamborghini 350 GTS (1965) | Spider | Touring | A | Best of Class |
| H | 86 | Lamborghini 400 GT (1966) | Shooting Brake | Touring | F | |
| H | 88 | Lamborghini Miura SV (1972) | Coupé | Bertone | I | |
| I | 90 | MG Magnette K3 (1933) | Sports Roadster | MG | AUS | Best overall appearance incl. driver and passenger |
| I | 92 | Fiat 508 CS MM (1938) | Coupé | Savio | I | |
| I | 94 | Bandini 750 Siluro (1955) | Barchetta | Bandini | GR | |
| I | 96 | Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France (1956) | Berlinetta | Scaglietti | USA | Mention of Honor |
| I | 98 | Ferrari Dino 166P/206P (1965) | Spider | Ferrari | A | Best of Class |
