Held on the picturesque shores of Italy’s Lake Como since 1929, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is regarded by many as the most significant event in the classic car calendar and the one that does the most to celebrate the perseveration of historic cars and motorcycles.
For three days each May, the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba play host to some of the most beautifully conceived and immaculately maintained production and prototype vehicles and this year will be no exception.
Among the special events and exhibitions organized for this year’s gathering, which runs May 24-26, are a celebration of 60 Years of the Corvette and a showcase of BMW motorcycles spanning the company’s 90-year history. But this year will also blend a reverence for the past with anticipation of the vehicular stars of the future with a special beauty pageant of prototype and concept cars, some of which, like the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, will be making their world debut at the event. And, unlike awards for the classics that will be on show, voted for by an expert judging panel, the event’s visitors and members of the public will be invited to vote for which future concept car is the best in show.
While many of the events planned throughout the weekend are exclusive to participating classic car owners, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will open its doors to the public on Sunday when they can see all of the cars competing for prizes. Those with a greater passion for all things automotive but without a concourse-quality classic to enter, can also obtain tickets for access to some of the events across the weekend.
