Like we stated last year (see our post of Concorso 2013 here)– it is really a privilege to attend Villa D’Este for the annual Concorso d’Eleganza.
It is without a doubt the most elegant car event in Europe. It is also the most important classic car show in Europe. It is Europe’s answer to the famed Pebble Beach event in California. Therefore it is no surprise that the cars that are accepted and seen are really exceptional.
This year the weather was splendid, the setting marvelous and the people elegant as usual (this event is closed to the general public and only invited guests were admitted). There were plenty of Maserati cars invited as the carmaker turned 100 this year but we will be showing the Maserati cars separately in Part III in the coming days.
While the event is mainly about cars, we will be showing the people as well, who really add to this elegant setting.
This car was stunning. From all angles.
There is not one single fault in the design. Scaglietti was clearly a genius not only in building but also in designing.
Even from the back-the car is faultless.
This is 1950s design at its absolute best. Cars like this rightfully are being regarded as art. They are also being priced accordingly. While the SWB version still commands a premium – we think the LWB is actually more elegant and attractive than the SWB.
The elegance of the Concorso at Villa d’Este. This car felt rightly at home here. An Italian beauty in a beautiful Italian setting.
Not all 250 Ferraris are created equal. Although both look similar below and both are 250 Ferrari from similar years, the one on the left is a California Spyder and the one one on the right is a 250 S2 Pininfarina Cabriolet. Different designers. Different price. But share the 250 series name.
Next we stay with Ferrari and show you another dream within the legendary 250 series. An Interim Ferrari 250 LWB. Nr 1519 GT
This car looks very similar to a SWB. But it is still a LWB and thus called interim. It was the bridge between the TDF (also a LWB) and the SWB.
This car is an all alloy car much like the 250 TDF (tour de France).
Notice the outside fuel cap. Only 7 of these cars were built. Rarer than any SWB. In our opinion and also many others- there are few cars that look better from behind (maybe a 300SL Gullwing is competition but that is it).
Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza is about cars but also about people. There were some attractive looking people there. The lady in the hat below – bellisima!
Lets get back to cars. Continuing with our favourite, Ferrari, here the Iconic Ferrari 250 GTO. Careful this is a series II car.
GTO’s were made in two series. A series II car like the one below just sold a few weeks ago for an estimated $48m. In case your wondering, series I cars are still more valuable. They trade far above the $50m level.
Next a nice 14 Louvre Tour de France.
This TDF is especially important because it was also the car that was owned and raced by Olivier Gendebien, perhaps the greatest gentlemen racing driver that ever lived (he did not race in F1 but rather in road races like the Mille Miglia and the Tour de France which he won numerous times).
This car had an incredible racing history, perhaps the best racing history of any TDF. While most collectors are attracted to the 250 SWB, we think the 250 TDF is a more interesting car, with better history in relation to Ferrari and racing.
The last Ferrari we will show is a stunning 500 TRC which belongs to a charming Italian owner.
We had the pleasure of sitting next to him at the opening dinner. He has owned this car since the beginning 1990s and he said it gives him more pleasure than the 250 California Spyder LWB which he brought last year. Why? Because its more fun and more aggressive to drive.
The TRC is a four-cylinder car but since its very light at under 8oo kg the car is very fun to drive. The owner has driven more than 10 Mille Miglia’s in this car.
For those who enjoy Fashion, the Concorso d’Eleganza offers much to see.
There was an elegance to the Villa d’Este that is unique. Pebble beach might be more well known globally but this Concorso is more elegant.
We move onto German, where we saw a rather special 300SL Roadster Mercedes Benz from 1958 with original factory hardtop.
The most impressive about this roadster was the interior. The leather was still original from when it left the factory in 1958! Imagine, after 55 years this car still has original leather seats.
This is every collectors dream come true.
This year Concorso was perfect. The weather, the cars and the people made it a splendid show. Our expectations are very high for next year.
For a Maserati Special Concorso Villa d’Este Part III click here.
