Once more, the magnificent ambience of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the neighbouring park of Villa Erba formed the backdrop for the pageant of rare beauties. The visitors were intrigued by the elegance of the exhibited vehicles and the especially unusual and illuminating episodes from automobile history. Thousands of visitors embarked on a sublime and fascinating journey in time through the history of mobility, with the benefit of bright sunshine and summer temperatures.
This year’s motto of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017 is “Around the World in 80 Days – Voyage through an Era of Records”. It comes from the novel by Jules Verne and harks back to the era at the end of the 19th century. This was a time when rapid technological progress enduringly expanded the opportunities for mobility and covering large distances. The field of participants was also drawn from different parts of the globe with competition vehicles from 16 countries. In their day, a large number of classic vehicles had created sensations with successes in motor sport, speed records or trailblazing technical innovations.
The members of the Jury were made up of renowned experts in vehicle history and well-known enthusiasts. They conferred awards on the individual class victors and the winners of numerous special prizes selected from the 51 automobiles being showcased at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017. “Here before us, we can see eight wonderful class winners, each of which could also have deservedly earned overall victory,” declared Ulrich Knieps, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at the grand finale with the “Best of Show” for historic automobiles. “The Jury’s selection of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Prototipo has conferred the award on a particularly fascinating representative of automobile history that is utterly unique. This decision is entirely in the character of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.”
| 1 - Trofeo BMW Group - Best in Show by the Jury |
2 - Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este - Best of Show by Public Referendum at Villa d'Este |
| 3 - Trofeo Rolls Royce-to the most elegant Rolls Royce by the Jury |
| 4 - Trofeo BMW Group Ragazzi - By Young people's referendum ( until the age of 16 ) |
| 5 - Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes - By Public referendum at Villa Erba |
| 6-Trofeo BMW Group Classic - for the most sensitive restoration by the Jury |
| 7-Trofeo Vranken Pommery - to the best iconic car by the Jury |
| 8 - Class Winners and Mention of Honor |
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1 - Trofeo BMW Group - Best in Show by the Jury
and -Trofeo BMW Group Italia - By Public Referendum at Villa Erba
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- Alfa Romeo Giuletta Sprint Speciale (SS) Prototipo 1957 - Corrado Lopresto (IT) |
The victorious Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Prototipo was designed by Franco Scaglione (1916 – 1993) in 1957. The chief stylist at the time of the great Italian coachbuilder Bertone developed the coupé based on three aerodynamic studies that emerged from the cooperation between Bertone and Alfa Romeo from 1953 to 1955 under his leadership. To this day, they are known as B.A.T. Mobiles – the acronym stands for Alfa Romeo Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica. The prototype had an equally elegant and streamlined alloy body. A four-cylinder engine generating 100 hp was mounted under the bonnet and this prototype was a precursor for the series model Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale presented in 1959. It can therefore be considered as a synthesis between fact and fiction.
The victorious one-off special is owned by Corrado Lopresto. He registered the vehicle at the beauty contest on the shores of Lake Como in the name of Giovanna Scaglione, the daughter of the famous designer, and accepted the prestigious special prize from the hands of Jury President Lorenzo Ramaciotti. “We are overjoyed to have received this prize and doubly delighted because this is the first time that the car has been awarded a prize by a Jury,” declared Lopresto. “I feel sure that the Jury has primarily paid tribute to the design because at the time it was very futuristic. Franco Scaglione was a genius and the automobile sector owes a great debt of gratitude to him.”
The overall victory for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Prototipo means that a vehicle from Italian production has won the most important award from the show presenting classic cars on the shores of Lake Como for the fourth time in succession. The successful home performance of the Alfa was completed by winning the Trofeo BMW Group Italia. This award was the outcome of a public referendum. A majority of the visitors to the park of Villa Erba also voted for this unique special from Bella Italia. |
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2 - Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este - Best of Show by public referendum at Villa d'Este
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- Lurani Nibbio 1935 - Frederico Göttsche Bebert (IT)
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The most traditional prestigious award – the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este is also conferred by public referendum. This special prize was awarded on Saturday to the Lurani Nibbio record-breaking vehicle built in 1935. The visitors to the park of Villa d’Este were enthused by the pristine condition of the compact, open single-seater and with its fascinating family history. It is the creation of the Italian journalist, publisher, automobile designer and racing driver Giovanni Lurani Cernuschi, VIIIth Count of Calvenzano (1905 – 1995). He designed and built the vehicle himself and went on to break numerous speed records driving the car.
The car was powered by a 500 cc two-cylinder motorcycle engine from Moto Guzzi that developed 46 hp, and the Lurani Nibbio broke four World Speed Records with its designer at the wheel. Another eight records followed on from optimisation of the body in 1939. Later a 250 cc engine was mounted in the Lurani Nibbio and the car broke six more speed records in the period up to 1947. The grandson of the constructor, Federico Göttsche Bebert, entered the Lurani Nibbio in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017. The vehicle has been in the possession of the family until the present day. He brought his grandfather’s car back to life again and was very proud to accept the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este. “It is an incredible feeling to be able to celebrate the successes of my grandfather on a stage like this after so many years have passed by,” he declared.
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3 - Trofeo Rolls Royce-to the most elegant Rolls Royce by the Jury
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-Rolls Royce Phantom I 1926 Brougham de Ville Charles Clark - Chris Meany (AU)
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related article Rolls Royce Phantom I Springfield Roadster 1932 with body by Brewster
This exceptional Rolls Royce was originally ordered by an American businessman, at the time Financial Director of English Division of Woolworth retail company, for his wife. The Coachwork was by Charles Clark and son Ltd from Wolverhampton. This car was sold for £561.500 (Euros 647.224) at 2016 Bonhams Auction Sale in London.
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4 - Trofeo BMW Group Ragazzi - By Young people's referendum ( until the age of 16 )
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- Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo Cabriolet 1932 by Castagna - Alain Lecocq (ES) |
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related article Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Zagato 1929-1933
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5 - Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes - By Public referendum at Villa Erba |
- Renault Trezor 2016- Renault |
related article Renault Trezor Concept 2016
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6-Trofeo BMW Group Classic - for the most sensitive restoration by the Jury
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-Bentley MkVI Cresta 1948 by Pininfarina - Fred F. Kriz (MC) |
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7-Trofeo Vranken Pommery - to the best iconic car by the Jury
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-Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB Competizione 1960- Destriero Collection (MC) |
related article Ferrari 250 GT SWB
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8 - Class Winners and Mention of Honor
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Class A : SPEED DEMONS: ENDURANCE PIONEERS OF THE GOLDEN AGE
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- Class A Winner : Ballot 3/8 LC, Open Two-Seater, Ballot, 1920, Alexander Schaufler (AT) |
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- Class A, Mention of Honor :Lurani Nibbio, Open Single-Seater, Riva, 1935, Federico Göttsche Bebert (IT)
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- Class A : Bentley 3 Litre 1922 two seater tourer by Park Ward - Peter Briggs (AU) |
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related article Bentley 3 Litre 1921 - 1927 - Le Mans Winner 1924 - 1927
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- Class A - Bentley 4.5 Litre 1929 open single seater by Birkin & Couper - Jurgen Ernst (DE) |
Sir Henry Birkin is a well known Bentley Boys and participated at Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of a Bentley. He established Birkin & Couper Ltd with fellow racing driver Mike Couper and started preparing high performance Bentley. One of its main argument was the use of supercharger, a solution that W.O. Bentley did not recommand because it would affect engine reliability. Birkin & Couper Ltd prepared this single seater 4.5 Litre supercharged Bentley for Land Speed Record attempt at Brooklands. The car indeed shattered the Brooklands Outer Circuit Lap Record in 1931.
This unique automobile was sold at 2012 Bonhams Auction Sale at Goodwood for £ 5.041.500 ( Euros 6.374.383.
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- Class A -Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix 1931 - Richard T. Collier (USA) |
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.related article Bugatti Type 35 and derivatives Type 37, 39 and 51 1924 1931
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- Class B : TRAVELLING IN STYLE: AROUND THE WORLD IN 40 YEARS
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- Class B Winner - Duesenberg J Convertible Berline, Convertible Sedan, Murphy, 1930, Ion Tiriac (RO) |
.related articleDuesenberg Model J Convertible Coupé 1929 - Coachwork by Walter M Murphy
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- Class B - Mention of Honor -Lancia Dilambda, Torpedo Sport, Viotti, 1932, Albert Kaliminian (US) |
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- Class B - Lancia 12 HP Tipo 51 Alfa 1908 - Corrado Lopresto (IT)
The prototype of the ALFA 12 HP prepared by Vincenzo LANCIA appeared in form of an operating chassis in September 1907. Le Lancia ALFA 12 HP, the world's first Lancia was introduced at the 1908 Turin Motor Show with a choice of four different body style. Here is a double phaeton. The engine is a four cylinder in two blocks 2543 cc producing 24 hp at 1450 rpm. The car weighed 710 kg (1450 lb) and was capable of a maximum speed of 90 kph (56 mph). |
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- Class B - Hispano Suiza T 49 1927 Weymann Sport Saloon by H.J. Mulliner - Marco Riccardo Gastaldi (MC)
also Trofeo FIVA for the best preserved pre war car |
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- Class B - Itala Tipo 61 1928 Cabriolet by Farina - Luis Felix Bustelo (AR) |
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- Class C : GOODBYE JAZZ, HELLO RADIO: FULL SPEED INTO THE 1930S
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- Class C - Winner - Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo, Cabriolet, Castagna, 1932 - Alain Lecocq (ES)
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related article Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Zagato 1929-1933
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- Class C - Mention of Honor - Tatra 77, Streamline Saloon, , 1934- Tomas Hoferek (CZ)
also Trofeo Foglizzo for the best interior design |
related article Tatra 87 Aerodynamic Sedan 1939
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- Class C - Mercedes Benz 540 K Cabriolet A 1938 two seater convertible Sindelfingen - Peter Hertel (DE) |
See related article : Mercedes Benz 500 K Cabriolet Spezial A 1936
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- Class C - Horch 853 A Sportcabriolet 1939 - Saulius Karosas (LT) |
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- Class C - Mercedes Benz 770 Cabriolet D 1939 four door cabriolet Sindelfingen - Bernd Werndl (DE) |
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- Class D: FASTER, QUIETER, SMOOTHER: HEROES OF THE JET AGE
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- Class D - Winner - Fiat 8V Supersonic, Coupé, Ghia, 1953 - Lennart Schouwenburg (NL)
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related Car Review - FIAT 8V 1952-1954
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- Class D - Mention of Honor - Bentley MK VI, Drophead Coupé, H. J. Mulliner, 1947- Norbert Seeger (LI) |
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- Class D - Bentley Mk VI Cresta Coupé 1948 by Pininfarina - Fred Kriz (MC) |
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- Class D - Salmson G 72 Coupé 1951 by Saoutchik - Daniel Marachin (FR) |
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- Class D - Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Convertible 1951 by Pinin Farina - Rose Marie & Herbert Wysard (USA) |
related Car Review - Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Competizione Chassis 920. 002 - 1948
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- Class D - Lagonda Rapide 1962 four door saloon by Touring - Edouard Mignon (CH)
also Trofeo Automobile Club di Como for the car driven from farthest away
The Lagonda Rapide is a four door saloon version of the Aston Martin DB4. It allowed the revival of the Lagonda Brand. |
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- Class D - Maserati 5000 GT coupe 1962 by Allemano - Roland D'Ieteren (BE) |
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related Car Review -Maserati 5000 GT 1962
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- Class E - THE GRAND TOUR CONTINUES: THE NEXT 40 YEARS
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- Class E - Winner - Ferrari 250 Europa GT Speciale, Coupé 1955 by Pinin Farina - Audrey & Martin Gruss (USA)
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related article Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe 1955 by Pinin Farina
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- Class E - Mention of Honor - Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Coupé, Mercedes-Benz, 1955 - Andries Meuzelaar (BE) |
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related article Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe 1955
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- Class E - Siata 208 S spider 1954 by Motto - Marc Behaegel (BE) |
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- Class E - Lancia B24 Aurelia Spider 1955 by Pinin Farina - Paolo Bianchi (IT) |
related Car Reviews :Lancia Aurelia B20 GT 1951 1958
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- Class E - Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport Berlinetta 1956 by Frua - Wendy and Jonathan Segal (USA) |
| This Maserati A6G 2000 Berlinetta by Frua was part of the Baillon Barn found Collection
proposed during Retromobile 2015 in Paris at Artcurial Auction Sale. The car was sold for 2.010.880 Euros. (see Retromobile 2015 and Artcurial Auction)
related Car Review : Maserati A6G 2000 by Zagato - 1954 - 1955
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- Class E - Lancia Flaminia Sport Coupe 1959 by Zagato - Leo Schigiel (USA) |
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| - Class E - Lamborghini 350 GT Coupé 1965 by Touring - Bénédicte & Véronique Laureys (BE) |
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Class F - FAST AND FLAMBOYANT: PLAYBOYS’ TOYS
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- Class F - Winner - Lamborghini Miura P 400, Coupé, Bertone, 1968 - Jean-Pierre Slavic (CH) |
related articles Lamborghini Miura 1966 1972 - Lamborghini Miura S Coupé Bertone 1969
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- Class F - Mention of Honor - Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California Prototipo, Spider, Pinin Farina, 1957 - Robert Bishop (USA) |
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- Class F - GHIA L 6.4 Coupé 1962 by Ghia - Jack Braam-Ruben (NL)
also Trofeo Julius Baer for the car which showcases exceptional craftmanship from its time |
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This car was jointly produced under Italian and American direction and designed by Chrysler's Chief Designer Virgil Exner. It was exclusively supplied as a convertible. Two special coupes were also produced. From 1956 until 1958, Turin-based Ghia only manufactured 117 automobiles using its own bodies adapted with mechanical components shipped to Italy. An updated Ghia Serie II was then produced using a 6.4 Litre engine and a slightly modified coupe body again prepared with Virgil Exner. 26 examples have been produced. The Dual Ghia is propelled by a 335 bhp, 383 cu. in. OHV Chrysler “Wedge” V-8 engine with a Carter four-barrel carburetor, three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, independent front suspension with torsion bar and tubular shock absorbers, solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and tubular shock absorbers, and front Girling disc brakes with rear Chrysler hydraulic drum brakes. At RM Sotheby Auction in Monterey in 2016 a similar coupe was sold for 577.500 US$.
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- Class F - Aston Martin DB4 GT Coupe 1962 by Zagato - Peter Goodwin (USA) |
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related article Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 1960
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- Class F - Sheby Cobra 427 1966 - Brendan M. Finn (USA)
and Trofeo Auto & Design for the most exciting design |
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related article shelby american ac cobra 427 1965
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| - Class F - Ferrari 365 California Spider 1967 by Pininfarina - William Heinecke (TH) |
related review : Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Prototype 1967
Only 14 Ferrari 365 GTB Spider have been produced by Pininfarina. The first model was exhibited at 1966 Geneva Motor Show . This spider is based on 2650 mm wheelbase chassis of the 330 GT 2+2 and is propelled by 60° 4390 cc V12 engine. One such spider was sold for US$ 2.970.000 at 2013 Pebble Beach GOODING Auction Sale.
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- Class F - Ferrari 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer 1976 by Pininfarina - Gert Purkert(DE)
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta Boxer is the first road legal production Ferrari is engine and transmission behind the driver seat. The engine is a 180° 4390 cc V12 producing 380 hp at 7200 rpm. The prototipe prepared by Pininfarina was exhibited at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. The first production model of the Ferrari BB was delivered in 1973. 929 examples have been produced. In 2011, at Monterey RM Auction a Ferrari GT/4 BB 1974 was sold for US$ 130.000. Also in 2011 at Pebble Beach a Ferrari 365 GT4 BB 1975 that have been the property of Clint Eastwood was sold for US$ 211.500 at GOODING Auction Sale. In 2014 at London RM Auction Sale another Ferrari GT/4 BB 1974 was sold for £ 212.800 (US$ 134.490). In 2016, at Scottsdale GOODING Auction Sale one of 387 first Series 365 GT4 BB produced in 1975 was sold US$ 495.000. |
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- Class G - SUPERGIOIELLO: LITTLE TOYS FOR BIG BOYS
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- Class G - Winner - Alfa Romeo Giuletta Sprint Speciale (SS) Prototipo 1957 - Corrado Lopresto (IT) |
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- Class G - Mention of Honor - Fiat 8V, Berlinetta, Vignale, 1955 - Jan de Reu (BE)
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related Car Review - FIAT 8V 1952-1954
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- Class G - Intermeccanica Imp 700 GT Coupe 1961 Fratelli Corna - Sven Stockmar (DE) |
Intermeccanica from Italy entered the automobile business with engine tuning activities. The company end up building small coupe using Fiat components and Steyr Puch 500 cc engine. Some twenty examples are reported to be produced a few of which for road use while others were racing cars. Later Intermeccanica became known for its American V8 propelled coupe and spiders.
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- Class G - Cisitalia Abarth Coupe Scorpione 1961 by Allemano - Sergio Lugo (AR) |
Cisitalia was famous for its prestigious 202 berlinetta with body by Pinin Farina which ended up as art exhibit at the New York Museum of Art. The company eventually went bankcrupt for excess expenses in racing cars. A limited production coupe based on Fiat 600 was completed with Abarth for increasing engine performance and Allemano for the bodywork. One such automobile was sold for Euros 50.600 at Bonhams Auction in Spa Francorchamps 2013.
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- Class G -Fiat 1100 barchetta 1946 by Frua - David Word (US)
This Fiat 1100 spider is a one-off produced by Pietro Frua for Luigi Critterio and that was in 1946. |
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- Class G - OSCA MT4 Berlinetta 1952 by Vignale - Bob White (USA) |
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The Maserati brothers served a 10 years contract with the Orsi family after selloing their company in 1937 and immediately created their new company under the name Officine Specializzate Costruzioni Automobili (OSCA). One of their first project was the sports racing MT-4 barchetta that will gather success on the track; the most famous is 12 Hours Sebring victory with Stirling Moss at the wheel. For Le Mans 1952, the Maserati brothers had an MT-4 with aluminium berlinetta body prepared by Vignale.The car weighed 657 kg (1450 lb) and was propelled by 90 hp 1342 cc all aluminium four cylinder engine. The car driven by Damonte and Lacour battled in 1500 cc class but did not finish the race after 20 hours on clutch failure.
related article O.S.C.A. MT4 Sports Racing Car 1948-1955
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- Class G - Astra Coupe 1952 - Franz Millnerritsch (AT) |
The Astra Coupe is an aluminium prototype designed by Jay Everett and built in the USA. It is propelled by a 4977 cc American V8 engine.
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- Class H - SHAPED BY SPEED: RACING THROUGH THE DECADES
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- Class H - Winner -Maserati 300 S, Open Two-Seater, Fantuzzi, 1958 - Andreas Mohringer (AT) |
related Car Review see : Maserati 300 S Shortnose - 1955-1957 – including chassis 3058 form Parravano
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- Class H - Mention of Honor - Abarth 1000 Bialbero Record, Closed Monoposto, Pinin Farina, 1960 - Luca Bertolero (IT)
also Trofeo ASI for the best preserved post war car
This Fiat Abarth 1000 Bialbero monoposto is a record breaking prototype built by Abarth and Pinin Farina with Fiat components. The streamlined shape was tested and improved in the wind tunnel of the Politechnic Institute of Torino. The car is propelled by a 982 cc 105 hp four cylinder engine in longitudinal position behind the driver seat; it is connected to a four speed gearbox. The car has broken several world speed records of his time on the Monza speedway. Dimensions length 4555 mm; width 1550 mm; height 1200 mm and wheelbase 1785 mm. Claimed top speed 220 kph. |
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- Class H - Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione Berlinetta 1970 by Pininfarina - Max Lustenberger (CH) |
related article Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Prototype 1967
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- Class H - Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spyder N.A.R.T. 1972 by Michelotti - Michel Abellan (CH) |
The styling of this Ferrari 365 GTB/4 spyder was designed by Michelotti on request of Luigi Chinetti for the N.A.R.T. It was entered in competition such as Le Mans 24 Hours.
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- Class H - Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 1973 - Sabino Ventura (IT) |
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6 - Concept Cars and Prototypes - Design Award and some participants |
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-- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Renault Trezor 2016- Renault |
Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes by Public Referendum at Villa Erba
related article Renault Trezor Concept 2016
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- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Giugiaro designed TECHRULES Ren Turbine Range Extender Electric Supercar Project |
Techrules exhibited the final production design of its first series hybrid supercar at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. ‘Ren’ is the first production vehicle from the China-based automotive research and development company, and features its proprietary Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology.
The aerospace-inspired design is optimised for aerodynamic efficiency, with a striking modular three-cockpit design that has been crafted by world-renowned automotive designers, Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro. A sense of drama is assured by the distinctive fighter jet-style canopy that rises up to enable occupant access and futuristic elements such as the front laser headlights and ‘star-burst’ reversing LEDs.
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- Concept Cars and Prototypes - BMW Concept 8 Series 2017 |
related article BMW Concept 8 Series 2017
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