“The Symphony of Engines” in Villa d’Este

Lake Como | Italy
Notable collectors from every corner of the globe exhibit some of their most valuable findings, of the two or four-wheeler variety

A piece of living history

Car manufacturers and collectors are faced with a robotic, electrical future which will completely change the face of transportation. Meanwhile, thousands of people converge at the banks of Lake Como in Italy to celebrate the best the world has seen since the internal combustion engine was discovered about a century ago.

Vintage models, sexy curves, premium editions, classic luxury, powerful motors and the most iconic appearances are sure to impress. An exclusive, traditional “competition of elegance” for historic vehicles takes place every spring at Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, on the banks of Lake Como in Italy.

An exclusive, traditional “competition of elegance” for vintage vehicles takes place every spring at Villa d’Este of Cernobbio, on the banks of Lake Como in Italy.
Classic and vintage cars, but also motorcycles and even three-wheelers from various eras are displayed in a highly atmospheric setting and compete against each other for the favor of their audience, as well as an international, high-stakes panel of judges. At the same time, prestigious car manufacturers present their new models, contributing to this most harmonious meeting point of past and future.

The beautiful scenery, impeccable hospitality, meticulous organization, and luxurious events scheduled at Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, as well as the finesse and originality of the refurbished vehicles and an enthusiastic audience make up the timeless charm of the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza.

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This Villa d’Este show is among the most well known events worldwide, on a par with the Pebble Beach Concours in California.
This extravagant tradition began on September 1st of 1929, when the first exhibition took place, titled of “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este”, co-organized by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Comitato di Cura di Como.

This extravagant tradition began on September 1st of 1929, when the first exhibition took place, titled of “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este”, co-organized by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Comitato di Cura di Como. With a participation of more than 80 luxury cars, the Concorso d’Eleganza gained a place of prestige from the get-go, on a par with similarly aristocratic events taking place at the time in Paris and Monte Carlo. Its great popularity offered a perfect venue to showcase new models.

An exclusive, traditional “competition of elegance” for vintage vehicles takes place every spring at Villa d’Este of Cernobbio, on the banks of Lake Como in Italy.

Nowadays, participation is offered to vehicles that were designed between the 20s and the 70s, which are invited to take part in four categories: Historic cars, historic motorcycles, concept cars and prototypes, and concept motorcycles and prototypes. Since 2008, the Concorso d’Eleganza has been co-organized by the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the BMW Group, and every other year, Sotheby’s hosts its yearly auction for vintage and classic cars at the event.

Nowadays, participation is offered to vehicles that were designed between the 20s and the 70s, which are invited to take part in four categories: Historic cars, historic motorcycles, concept cars and prototypes, and concept motorcycles and prototypes.
This “competition of elegance” for cars and motorcycles holds many awards in store: a total of 8 for cars and 6 for motorcycles. Some notable mentions are “Goodbye Roaring Twenties” for cars from 1929, “Speeding Against the Clock” for high-performing racing legends, “Still in Action” for motorcycles that are over 100 years old, and “Concept Bikes” for new models or prototypes from manufacturers and independent designers.

The beautiful scenery, impeccable hospitality, meticulous organization, and luxurious events scheduled at Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, as well as the finesse and originality of the refurbished vehicles and an enthusiastic audience make up the timeless charm of the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza.

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