It was 80 years ago that the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este drew visitors to the shores of Lake Como for an automotive beauty contest- and 80 years ago that BMW produced its first automobile. These award-winning brands have hosted Europe’s premier classic car show at the Hotel Villa d’Este for the last decade, and will celebrate their respective milestones this coming April 24-26, 2009 at this year’s Concorso, where over 50 cars will be submitted to a vote by the public and a jury.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009
Over the weekend of 24 – 26 April 2009, the glorious 16th century gardens of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como, Italy will once again be the confluence point where tradition, sleek design, and elegance meet as the most beautiful cars from past eras and the boldest concept cars of the present are presented to the jury. First staged in 1929 at the same location, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este now ranks as the world’s most tradition-rich event of its kind.
“The past 80 years have shown the high status that BMW accords to design and style. The same applies to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. And that is not least of all why we are a perfect fit,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Classic and Chairman of the Concorso. Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., concurs, adding that “it also reflects our sheer enjoyment in hosting such an extraordinary occasion.”
Following the exclusive presentation for invited guests on Saturday at Villa d’Este, Sunday sees the Concorso open up to the public on the neighbouring grounds of Villa Erba, allowing all car fans an opportunity to experience these four-wheeled dreams close up. In addition to the automobiles already presented on the previous day, numerous other high-calibre classics will be on display in special shows.
Featured Autos:
Bugatti Atlantic 57SC, 1938
This model was the only Bugatti to go into series production before the war. It was bought in 1988 by Ralph Lauren, and fully restored by Paul Russel. It makes its first European appearance in 18 years at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, Berlinetta, 1938
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, in its time one of the world’s fastest automobiles, emigrated from Italy in 1947 and will be parked on Italian soil again for the first time since then this April.
Related
Momo Mirage, 2 + 2 Coupé, 1972
American and former Concorso winner, Peter S. Kalikow, built and designed only 5 of these cars with Pietro Frua. One of three that he owns will be on show this April during the Concorso.
www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com
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