Just when I think the cars at Concorso Villa d’Este cannot get any better, they do.
This year was incredibly strong especially in terms of elegance. Then again it was not surprising as the motto was Hollywood on the lake. Instead of writing much as an intro I will comment on the cars I saw and people that were there. I hope you enjoy the 2018 Concorso villa d’Este.
As usual there was a dinner before the main event Saturday. In Italy, I always make an effort to be more elegant than normal.
That includes my accessories. From left to right (Zino platinum Z chubby, Bogart DuPont lighter, Patek 425, Cigar cutter unsigned sterling silver circa 1990s).
Off to dinner in a chauffeured BMW long version 7 series. Wearing a newly acquired 1940 Patek Reference 425 and enjoying it immensely.
The watch, it seems, is in better shape than my shirt.
The main motto of this years eleganza was to be found below. Hollywood.
The first car I saw parked in front of the hotel was a Miura SV belonging to the commentator – speaker of the event.
The colour and extra’s make this Miura one of the most beautiful in the world. It originally belonged to the Italian industrialist Innocenti.
The white inside is perfect for the car. Even though this car was not part of the Concours – I was obsessed by it.
The outside filler cap a wonderful extra that is just makes this Miura more special.
The back of the car which is growing on me.
I wonder how good the rear view visibility is though.
One last view of this dream Lamborghini. If I have ever had any doubts about the Miura – I don’t anymore.
I was already late for the cocktails though, so time to go to the gardens.
Champagne was ready to be served (Pommery was a sponsor it seems).
The elegance of the people was undeniable.
Italian food is always colourful.
The next day instead of being driven by the BMWs – I opt for the bicycle to avoid the traffic to Villa d’Este.
At 10:00am the grounds are still relatively empty.
The first car I see and pay attention to is this sublime Ferrari 335 sport. Notice the six double Weber carbs that can be seen below.
The car was restored by Paul Russell and is owned by a well known Austrian collector.
The car is one of the very few Ferrari’s that was not only built but also designed by Scaglietti.
See the Scaglietti logo below in yellow and blue – ‘Scaglietti Modena’.
The car ended up winning best of show for not only its rarity and importance in Ferrari history but also because of its restoration by Paul Russell (who is also the driver behind the wheel in the picture below).
Let’s stay with Ferrari and move on to the 250 series.
The colours were nice on this car but only from the back (I found the front not flattering).
The next car I fell in love with, especially from a design perspective.
Its a Ghia bodied Cadillac which had the most beautiful side – profile I have ever seen.
The details on the car were marvellous.
Apparently, the car was given as a present by the Prince Aly Khan (son of Aga Khan IV) to his ex – wife Rita Hayworth – the famous American actress AFTER the divorce. Unthinkable today, and we must admire men who were that easygoing and effortlessly cool with their money back then.
Another car that had this American – Italian combination was this Chevrolet – Corvette that was built by Scaglietti.
A broader view of the car below. I have been told by the owner that this car is unique and only made once.
Next up is perhaps my favourite car of the entire concourse this year.
It is a 212 export Ferrari from 1951. It was a masterpiece in elegance. Notice the air in-take above the wheel in chrome.
The steering wheel and dashboard were a piece of art. The font of the speedometer and rev counter is delightful.
The car was bodied by Vignale who I consider the king of elegance. Look at the door handles.
The car from the side. Driven by its owner Peter Kalikow – one of the earliest and biggest collectors of Ferrari based in NY.
If you want to read about his collection (he owns some exceptional Ferrari’s) – see my interview I did with him here.
Below a relaxed and elegant Kalikow looking superb as always.
Speaking of elegance – there was an abundance of it everywhere you looked at Villa d’Este.
Hats and beautiful colours wherever you looked.
We should take a closer look at the IWC Da Vinci she was wearing. One of the few IWC watches I care for: a perpetual calendar chronograph.
She also took this superb picture below – with the new feature of portrait on the Iphone X.
On the subject of watches – an American collector was wearing this sublime 1950s Rolex 6062 triple calendar in pink gold.
I also spotted this delightful Audemars in gold.
But the star watch in my opinion was this extremely rare Rolex ref 6270 with a unique bezel in baguette diamonds.
Gold it seems is making a huge come-back in the vintage watch world.
The elegance of Concorso Villa d’Este is unique.
Not only many guests at Villa d’Este were wearing hats. The judges* wore them too (lady on the right is Yasmin Le Bon).
This young lady showed both beauty and color and fit right into the world of Concorso Villa d’Este.
Getting back to beautiful cars – I love the Bugatti Atalante 57 from 1937 with its two tone colour.
Sticking with pre -war elegance this Lancia Astura was surely difficult to beat. Also 1930s.
Even though this Jaguar XK 120 was not that old – it too carried a sporting elegance that was unmatched.
It is the only Jaguar in the world that was bodied by Pininfarina in the 1950s.
Staying with Jaguar, this C – type was not bad either.
Aston Martin is also a legendary British brand with a great history.
This DBR 3 is among the most collectable race – cars from Aston Martin.
It looked mean and aggressive from the front.
Looking under the hood – 3 weber carburettors made sure that it gave Ferrari and Porsche’s a run for their money.
There were not only cars to admire.
This Harley from the 1920s was beautiful.
As well as this old friend. BMW Zabrocky from 1969 – a 2 cylinder 728cc bike.
Getting back to cars – this Porsche Carrera GTS was not bad either.
This next car stole everybody’s heart and won the public choice award for most beautiful car.
Red and Italian. You will win hearts easily with that combination.
It was the tip0 33 Stradale from Alfa Romeo.
I will end with the car that captured my heart. The 212 Export Ferrari.
See you next year Villa d’Este in 2019.
*(Talking of judges – one man was missing and that was bon vivant and connaisseur Philip Rathgen -CEO of classic driver.
The event is not the same without this man who would have added a good dose of elegance (and humour) to the event. You better be there next year Philip!).
