Glorious past & promising future unite at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2013

Held for the very first time in 1929 in Cernobbio, northern Italy, one of the world’s most prestigious classic car, better known as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este since 1999 has been taking place annually in the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba under the patronage of the BMW Group.

Like in previous years, this years gathering was something very special and adopted the “90 years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary as its focal point. A special exhibition along the shores of Lake Como featured over 30 leading lights from BMW’s history including the company’s first motorcycle, the BMW R 32 presented in1923. A special section was dedicated to 60 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette.

This year also marked the third edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for motorcycles, which reached its climax on the central stage in the grounds of Villa Erba with the presentation of the Trofeo BMW Group. The jury awarded the prize to the IMZ M-35K.

A more befitting atmospheric backdrop could not have been asked for the world premiere of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé and BMW Concept Ninety, which left crowds speechless courtesy their innovative design and scintillating craftsmanship.

Historic Cars at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013

Privileged visitors at this tradition-steeped event were left gazing upon an ultra-exclusive line-up of historical cars and motorcycles like the very rare Bugatti 57SC  Atlantic from 1938, which was awarded the “best of show” by a select jury.

Powered by a 3.3-liter twincam straight-8 engine producing somewhere between 200 and 210 horsepower, the Atlantic also won the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este prize decided by public referendum. The Concept Cars and Prototypes class was headed by the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Commenting on the turnout and overall response this year, Dr. Ralf Rodepeter, Director of the BMW Museum and member of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 Selecting Committee said, “The competition entrants and the special exhibitions at this year’s event have taken it to a quite extraordinary level.We’re therefore delighted that more than 6,000 visitors came along to experience the event on the Sunday alone.”

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2013 brought together 50 cars and 35 motorcycles from widely varying eras in automotive history. In addition, six concept vehicles and prototypes went on show, each representing their own distinctive perspective on forward-thinking automotive design. This link between traditional and future-focused aesthetics in vehicle construction was once again the central theme this year for the world renowned classic car event in Italy.

  Historic Cars at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013