Vintage masterpieces and hypercars converge at the elegant resort for a stylish weekend of Italian motoring culture and lifestyle, September 26–28, 2025.
Palazzo di Varignana the official host of the third edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, announces the prestigious event’s return to the sweeping hills of Italy’s Motor Valley from September 26 to 28, 2025. Blending design, history, and lifestyle, the prestigious Concours presents a curated display of 35 pre-1973 classic automobiles along with an exclusive Hypercar class for contemporary models produced after 1973, all showcased within the estate’s landscaped grounds. The show will unfold over three days of curated automotive beauty, luxurious hospitality, and scenic drives through the heartland of Italian motoring heritage.
Following the success of the 2024 edition, during which Best of Show honors went to Giuseppe Matildi’s 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, the 2025 event is set to raise the bar once again with 35 automobiles presented, divided into six judging classes. This year’s esteemed jury is led by the event’s President, Stefano Pasini, a celebrated automotive historian and renowned authority on Italian design, and includes a distinguished international jury of nine automotive, design and cultural experts who will preside over the competition:
- Stefano Pasini, President of the Jury, automotive historian, renowned authority on Italian design and author of over 30 books.
- Lorenzo Ramaciotti, former Chief Design Officer of both Pininfarina and FCA, credited with shaping numerous icons of automotive style.
- Stephen Bayley, British essayist and founder of the Design Museum in London, widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in design and visual culture.
- François Melcion, long-time director of Retromobile Paris, recognized for his contributions to Europe’s automotive heritage.
- Alessandra Giorgetti, collector and Vice President of the Touring Superleggera International Register, a key figure in the Italian grand tourer world.
- Peter Read, passionate collector and former chairman of the London Concours jury, also affiliated with the Royal Automobile Club.
- Laura Kukuk, one of the world’s leading experts in vintage car authentication and certification, and a judge at Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach.
- Adolfo Orsi, historian and author of the acclaimed Classic Car Auction Yearbook, a reference in the world of major international auctions.
- Gianni Mercatali, journalist and organizer of historic motoring events, with a life dedicated to cultural communication.
A Hollywood icon on display: Rita Hayworth’s Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Cabriolet
Among the most anticipated stars of this year’s event is a true diva: an extremely rare 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pininfarina, painstakingly restored and formerly owned by none other than Rita Hayworth, the epitome of 1950s Hollywood elegance and allure.
One of just 40 built, this car embodies the apex of post-war Italian automotive elegance, combining Pininfarina craftsmanship with Alfa Romeo’s sporting DNA. Delivered new in California by legendary importer Max Hoffmann, the car resided in the US for decades before undergoing a full restoration in 2010. After shining at events like the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the car is now ready to dazzle aficionados and collectors once more in the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley.
Design meets art and engineering
Alongside the Alfa Romeo 6C, the 2025 Concours will feature an outstanding lineup of historically significant cars. Highlights include the iconic 1970s Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4, a rare Bugatti Type 49 from the pre-war era, and a coveted late-1950s Ferrari 250 Cabriolet Pininfarina. Already announced are a pre-war Jaguar SS100 and a truly unique piece of rolling art: the 1979 BMW M1 “Exclusiv” by German artist Walter Maurer.
This special M1, created in direct collaboration with BMW Motorsport, blurs the line between performance design and conceptual art, with bold black strokes, flat color fields, and high-contrast patterns. Unlike its track-focused Art Car cousins, this model was made for the road and kept by Maurer for over 40 years, a true statement of creative freedom and racing spirit.
A weekend of Italian lifestyle and motoring passion
Following the success of its first two editions, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 returns as the grand finale of the motoring season, offering an exclusive three-day weekend celebration curated by Palazzo di Varignana tailored for vintage car lovers.
A special occasion that – under the esteemed patronage of the Motor Valley Association and ASI Automotoclub Storico Italiano, and with the prestigious sponsorship of Cribi, the event blends automotive culture, design, and lifestyle with world-class cuisine and luxury hospitality offering guests an unforgettable weekend at the resort.
