Without a doubt the Concorso d’eleganza at Villa d’Este is among the most exclusive events in the world.
If the cars attending did not confirm this already, then the people attending and the judges present certainly did. It is fair to say the ‘who is who’ of the classic car world descended on Cernobbio-Villa d’Este and some of the finest cars in the world were present. From the only street version of the Ferrari 250 LM, to the most famous DB4 GT Zagato (2VEV) to the beautiful one of three Bugatti Atlantic from 1938 (owner Ralph Lauren came personally to collect the first prize) there were some exceptional cars present.
Later on Saturday RM held their annual Auction at Villa Erba which confirmed the following: Prices for top classic cars remain very strong and prices are heading in one direction only currently: North. Like one collector told me ‘I am continuing to buy aggressively- prices for A+ collector cars will only get more expensive when the Russian, Chinese and Brazilians enter this market in a more aggressive way’. All in all it was another great Concorso with some cars present that you don’t see very often. We hope you enjoy the short report:
Since Aston Martin is celebrating 100 years this year and some exceptional cars were present-lets start with looking at what cars were present. First Aston, the first post-war Aston Martin a 2L Sports from 1948, followed by the stunning DB4 GT Zagato, a DB4 series III, and a DB4 convertible. The last Aston is a DBS from 1970.
Below one of the big stars of this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza: The most important DB4 GT Zagato (the one raced by Jim Clark at Goodwood-2VEV). The car is simply stunning.
What makes this car even more charming is the fact that the owner (a very fine and nice gentlemen) bought it with his wife 40 years ago for £3600 in 1973. Despite numerous generous offers that would send most of us straight into retirement, he declines all of them.
A big surprise was when a gentlemen standing near LME mentioned that the designer of this car was standing nearby. Mr. Ercole Spada. Of course I asked Mr. Spada to stand next to his creation- which many consider the most beautiful car ever made.
Even the back of this car is beautiful. Notice outside fuel cap and roundels which remind you: This car was built for racing and giving the 250 SWB Ferrari a hard time.
Another Aston which LME found very elegant was the DB4 Series III car belonging to a well known Swiss collector.
There is hardly is a better British statement of elegance than the Aston Martin DB4.
Now we move on to Italian cars, starting with Ferrari. There were many wonderful cars especially from the 1950s and 1960s that is really the golden period not only for Ferrari but also for cars in general. We start with one of the nicest 250 TDF that exist- an early series I car belonging to an American collector in Florida.
Notice the absence of louvers on the car which is normally typical of TDF cars. Also the round back of the car is unusual for a TDF which normally has rear ‘fenders’. You can tell from the back window, it rained only slightly but then stopped- although it was cold the weather gods were on our side.
This 250 TDF from 1956 is without a doubt among the most beautiful examples ever built.
Notice the little details like the leather strap to close the engine bonnet.
At nearly every angle- this 250 TDF just looks marvelous.
Next we move on to another Icon for Ferrari. The 250 SWB from 1961- this one was special because it had even the side vents out of chrome- a special order for the first owner of the car- an Italian Doctor.
Here -the special side vents out of chrome.
Although other 250 SWB had side vents, none of them were made out of chrome. The color is a dream.
The back of a 250 SWB is always a pleasure to look at as well. The number plate of the car is original from the first owner.
Next we move on to an equally desirable car. A 250 California Spider SWB open headlight car. I find the open headlights quite attractive.
The instrument panel layout is just a piece of art.
The car looks equally beautiful from the back.
Another very important Ferrari was displayed: The only street version of the 250 LM.
The back window of the street version is stretched out and continues further than the ‘normal race car versions’ of the 250 LM.
Next up, but not less important, Maserati, which had some very rare and important cars on offer. The first is a A6GCS Zagato convertible of which only one was made.
The famous Zagato emblem on the side. The owner is actually one of the biggest Ferrari collectors in the world (Brandon Wang) but apparently has equally good taste when it comes to the ‘other’ competitor outside of Bologna.
Below a beautiful Maserati A6G2000 convertible from Frua.
Moving over to Lamborghini, we start off with the legendary Miura SV.
Perhaps the most beautiful Lamborghini present: The first road car ever made by Lamborghini a 350 GTV Prototype from 1963. Notice the signature of Lamborghini on the bonnet and the beautiful color of the car. The car is owned by a Swiss collector.
A car brand that is dear to me, Porsche displayed one of their finest: A 356 Porsche speedster owned by a Chinese collector. China is only now starting to discover collector cars and will move the market higher when they move more aggressively.
Jaguar was also present, with perhaps the most sought after model and valuable road car: An XKSS that was also favoured by Steve McQueen.
The Concorso d’Eleganza offered much of what the name d’Eleganza implies ‘Elegance’. Nice curves indeed and we are not talking about cars.
Beautiful hats were on display everywhere you looked. These owners are driving a wonderful A6GCS Maserati by Frua spider.
Even the lady in front of me had a nice hat on. And look at the view on to the lake- there is hardly a nicer place on earth to do a car show.
Lastly we move on to a man who pretty much invented Elegance- very much the American way. Mr. Ralph Lauren- an American Icon. Mr Lauren won the best of show with his 1938 Bugatti Atlantic– a true piece of art. Here Mr Lauren is shown standing next to his car.
The car is typical of the time of the 1930s- lots of curves reminding of the Art Deco Period. Even the back is just superb.
The car in its entire splendor. Only three were built and it is said unofficially- if this car would come on to the market, it would fetch the highest sum for any road-automobile in the world.
To see our report Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 see our post here
