The 2023 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an esteemed automotive event, continues to captivate enthusiasts with its unrivaled charm and a rich history dating back to 1929. This prestigious gathering showcases the most exquisite classic and concept cars, celebrating automotive heritage like no other, which makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
With its stunning lakeside location and carefully curated selection of automobiles, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este offers a truly refined and intimate experience that appeals to enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the artistry and history of automotive design.
The event is linked to the long history of automotive tradition associated with Lombardy, the center of the Italian auto industry and home to numerous designers, coachbuilders, and racing teams. When combined with the beauty of Lake Como, the wonderful atmosphere of the car carnival truly permeates the entire coast around Cernobbio.
Every year, the Concorso d Eleganza Villa d Este presents an exciting blend of classic cars and modern vehicles and provides the opportunity to see the past and the future of motoring presented side by side.
In this spirit, we put up a handpicked selection of captivating automotive highlights, ranging from revered classics steeped in heritage to cutting-edge new releases.
1968 Ford GT40
This year, organizers celebrated the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. With a particular class dedicated to glorious race cars, the Ford GT40 held the central position. Not only has this model won Le Mans four times (1966 to 1969), but this particular example saw the winners circle twice (1968 and 1969), which is an incredible achievement. The Ford GT40 was conceived after a failed attempt by Ford to buy Ferrari in the early ’60s. Enzo backed off from the sale in the late stages of the deal, which made Henry Ford II furious and looking for revenge. He figured out that the best way to beat Ferrari would be in Le Mans, and after enormous effort and investment, Ford did just that four times in a row. To see GT40s in action, the blockbuster movie “Ford vs. Ferrari ” provides an exceptional example.
2024 Rolls Royce Spectre
As a primary sponsor of this prestigious event, BMW always uses the opportunity to present new models. This year, it debuted a very important car for the Rolls Royce brand – Spectre. This elegant, two-door coupe is the first fully-electric Rolls ever made and a big step for this company. The model that was presented is the production version, and the first examples will be delivered later this year. With over 580 hp and a massive 100 kWh battery pack, this Rolls will match the performance and smooth power delivery of its V12 kin. However, it will do it in absolute silence, with effortless acceleration and long range. This car also has electric motors front and back, and it is all-wheel-driven.
1935 Duesenberg SJ – Best of Show
Despite looking like a classic car exhibition, the Concorso d’Elegance Villa d’Este is actually a competition. But not by engine displacement, power, or performance but by beauty, originality, and exclusivity. This car had it all and deserved the prestigious Best of Show award. Initially owned by Maharaja Holkar of Indore, this gorgeous Duesenberg SJ was one of the most powerful cars of its time. With a supercharged, straight-eight engine delivering 320 hp, it was clothed in a seductive Gurney Nutting roadster body. This example was one of the very few cars exported to outside the USA and was first delivered to London. After a very meticulous restoration, it returned to America and has entered a few events since. However, the beauty, performance, and originality convinced judges at Villa d’Este to give it a Best of Show.
2023 BMW Concept Touring Coupe
Amongst the new cars shown on the Villa d’Este lawn, the 2023 BMW Concept Touring Coupe received a large share of attention. Not only for its elegant lines but for the fact that this is a custom-made coupe based on the popular Z4 roadster. If you remember the suave-looking Z3 Coupe from the early 2000s or its younger brother Z4 Coupe, you will see the resemblance and why this car is a significant addition to the BMW lineup. At this moment, BMW is quiet on whether this concept will ever see the light of day as a production model. However, judging by the reception, enthusiastic reviews, and sheer number of people taking pictures, it is a definitive “yes” from the crowd. We just hope that BMW will produce it along with the matching luggage.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder
It is interesting that two famous Ferrari 250 series were presented at this year’s Villa d’Este. One, the mighty 250 GTO, promoted the racing aspect of this iconic brand. But the second, the 250 GT California Spyder, symbolized a more relaxed and indulgent approach. This light blue example was even more exciting because it once belonged to the famous French novelist Françoise Sagan. This car was her favorite transport and the very inspiration for the legendary saying – “Whiskey, gambling, and Ferrari are better than housework.” After a long-term restoration, it is back in its original condition, which is why the judges awarded it in the prestigious “Copa d’ Oro” category
2023 Bugatti W16 Mistral
Bugatti was one of the supercar brands featured in a particular class. It presented a Mistral W16, an excellent open-top version of Chiron. The name comes from the strong wind that blows in southern France and embodies the cars seductive open-air feel with incredible firepower from its W16 quad-turbo engine. Based on Chiron, W16 Mistral has a new body, details, and design but the same 1600 hp power output and drivetrain. This is, of course, a limited-run model, and as you probably guessed, all models have been spoken for.
1970 Porsche 917 K
Even though the Porsche 917 wasn’t the first Porsche to win at Le Mans, the 917 did it in a big way. With a fire-spitting and massive flat-12 engine, a special aero package, and unique construction, it was the ultimate racing car of the 1970 season and a template for all advanced Porsche racers during the 70s. This particular example is the winner of the 1970 Sebring race and a Le Mans participant, alongisde being one of only a few chassis still operational. Since 2023 marks 75 birthday of this famous company, seeing one of its most cherished race cars on the lawn and hearing it run was very special indeed.
2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept
Amongst the new models presented at this year’s Villa d’Este, there was one exceptionally exciting concept recently approved for serial production. It was also the first time any Korean manufacturer was invited to this event. Presented last year, the N Vision 74 is one of those cars we cannot wait to see on the road. Blending 70s aesthetics with modern material and technology, N Vision 74 looks like long lost concept car but with a modern twist, which was precisely the idea behind this car. It was well-received, and we are now waiting to see in what exact form will be resurrected. Will it have a hybrid or hydrogen powertrain, or will it be fully electric? A turbocharged ICE engine? At this point, it is anybody’s guess.
