The mobile rarities that make up the field of participants for the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este are revered as "works of art on wheels". This year, visitors to the beauty contest for historic automobiles and motorcycles organized by BMW Group Classic and the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este will be reminded of how this title took on a new meaning 40 years ago.
Seventies style is the motto
At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2015, the glamor of the Seventies comes back to life. "Seventies Style - The Jetset is back" is the motto of the Classic Weekend on Lake Como, which will bring together owners and enthusiasts of classic vehicles in a particularly exclusive setting from May 22 to 24, 2015.
The Concorso di Motociclette is part of the program for the fifth time. Another highlight is the review of "90 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom".
Who is the fairest of them all?
The focus of the three-day event on the grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio this year is once again the beauty contest, where historic vehicles of outstanding class and fascinating history meet in various competition categories.
To mark the model anniversary, Rolls-Royce Phantom cars from various decades will be competing in a separate class for the favor of the jury and thus also for the coveted trophies of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. In addition to the judgment of the experts, the affection of the public will once again be in demand, whose votes will decide the awarding of several special prizes.
Also taking part: beauties on two wheels
A select field of participants also awaits fans of classic two-wheelers. The Concorso di Motociclette has established itself as one of the highlights of the second day of the event. As last year, the convoy of rarities on two wheels will make a stop before the Historic Car Parade at Villa d'Este on its way from Como to the grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio. At the end of the ride, the jury will inspect the motorcycles.
Special exhibition for art lovers
The supporting program for visitors, participants and guests of honour will also be designed in the style of the furious Seventies, with the Villa Erba park open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. This year's special exhibition in the rotunda of Villa Erba is dedicated to the art cars that first captivated both art and motorsport fans in the Seventies. In this decade alone, four powerful works were created; after Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol left their artistic signature on a BMW racing car. The latest in the series is the BMW M3 GT2 designed by Jeff Koons.
A long tradition
The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is considered one of the world's most exclusive and traditional stages for historic vehicles. The event in Cernobbio in northern Italy was first held in 1929 as an exhibition of new releases from the automotive industry and has been dedicated to vehicle history since the 1980s. In 1999, the BMW Group took over the patronage and since 2005, BMW Group Classic has organized the rarities show together with the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este. In addition to classic cars that are characterized by their special aesthetics and historical significance, design studies and prototypes from various eras can also be admired at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
Find out more on the website of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
