- Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este and Villa Erba 2016 -

see also previous Concorso d'Eleganza : Villa d'Este 2015 - Villa d'Este 2014 - Villa d'Este 2013 - Villa d'Este 2012 - Villa d'Este 2011 - Villa d'Este 2010 - Villa d'Este 2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - And Other Motor Shows and Events from around the world here

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is one of the world’s most exclusive heritage event for historic automobiles and motorcycles. The event has a long tradition extending back to the year 1929, when the first exhibition entitled “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” was held in Cernobbio, Northern Italy, as a showcase for new launches in the automobile sector. This was followed by decades of changing fortunes. In 1999, the BMW Group became the patron, and since 2005, BMW Group Classic has joined forces with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este as the organiser of this pageant of rare beauties, which several thousand enthusiasts and participants come to see from all over the world each year.

The automobile contest sees 52 vehicles of outstanding class and with fascinating histories competing in nine categories for the favours of the Jury and the public audience. . The beauty contests are the centre of attention in the stylish environment of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba

The parkland and green spaces of the Villa d’Este luxury hotel and adjacent Villa Erba once again provided the perfect backdrop for this illustrious and long-established event centred around historic cars and modern prototypes. Visitors from around the world greeted the parades of competition models with waves of applause in recognition of the elegance and aesthetic beauty of the rare classic machines and the extravagance of the prototypes and concept cars.
 As ever, the best was left until last. The jury of experts provided the event with its crowning moment as the Trofeo BMW Group for “Best of Show” was awarded to an Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina 1954. The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este prize decided by public referendum was won by a Lancia Astura II Serie Berlinetta by Castagna from 1933. And in the Concept Cars and Prototypes competition the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider by Touring Superleggera was presented with the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award.

see BMW M1 Hommage Concept 2008 - BMW M1 1978

- Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina 1954 - Destriero Collection MC

Aldo Brovarone had created this body style for Cisitalia in 1952. When that Company went bankrupt, Aldo Brovarone presented his project to Battista "Pinin" Farina who employed him and decided to produce the project on a Maserati A6 GCS chassis. This car purchased by Count Alberto Magi Diligenti who entered it for the Mille Miglia 1955. Four similar berlinettas were produced.

related Car Reviews :Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina 1953

Eighteen months after it was first registered, this Lancia Astura was given its dramatically styled streamline body by coachbuilder Castagna. The coachwork had previously been completed on an Alfa Romeo 8C. The modification involved the wheelbase being shortened significantly to 2.88 metres for racing purpose on the orders of Benito Mussolini's son Vittorio. Probably at the same time, the 2.6 Litre eight cylinder engine was replaced by a three Litre (2973cc.) V8 engine generating 82 hp and originated from a Lancia Astura Serie III. This power unit is still installed in the car today and includes a unique conversion to dry-sump lubrication. In 1935, the car was entered in  the 24 Hours Race in Pescara - and was presented in the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este just five weeks later.

- Alfa Romeo Giuletta SZ Coupé Zagato 1961 - Corrado Lopresto I

Alfa Romeo Giuletta Sprint Zagato, abbreviated SZ, was styled as captivatingly as it was successful in motor sport. However, in direct comparison with the Lotus Elite, undoubtedly the the most redoubtable rival racing car , the original Alfa Romeo SZ was deficient in terms of top speed. The original Alfa Romeo SZ designated Coda Tonda or round tail by no means represented the ultimate in streamlined design. In autumn 1960, Elio Zagato and his Chief  Designer , 23 year old Ercole Spada, set about radically developing the shape of the body.

 They modified the aerodynamic design of a Giuletta SZ, measured the increase in speed on the autostrada, further optimised the silhouette, and carried out the next test with the accelerator pedal floored. Finally, they achieved the ideal form which improved the top speed by 20 kph - primarily thanks to the Kamm tail with the sharply cut-off rear end. This experimental vehicle is presented here with the charm of its original development prototype condition. The vehicle was the prototype for the SZ Coda Tronca of which only 30 units were manufactured up until 1962.

related article Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1 Tubolare Zagato 1963-1966

- Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV Coupé Bertone 1971 - Adrien Labi US

This Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is the example that was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show on March 11th 1971 on the Bertone stand. Since this was a pre-production vehicle and as such represents an incomplete evolution of the Miura S, it deviates from the subsequent series model in a number of details. This make it a unique, one-off model evinced, for example, by the trim around the headlamps.

related article Lamborhini Miura -Lamborghini Miura S Coupé Bertone 1969 - Lamborghini Miura SV 1971

- Lancia Stratos Coupé Bertone 1975 - Marco Magnani I

The Lancia Stratos was specifically developed to fulfil the homologation criteria for Group 4. The car won the World Rally Championship in the years 1974, 1975 and 1976.

related article Lancia Stratos HF Prototipo 1970

6 - Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes - By Public referendum at Villa Erba

- Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder by Touring Superleggera 2016 Touring Superleggera I

more informations and pictures Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder Touring Superleggera 2016

A wheelbase of 3.48 metres and a total length of 5.38 metres - impressive statistics of this nature alone situate this peerlessly elegant four-seater convertible in the realms of genuine luxury vehicles. That is to say until you take a look under the bonnet and cast a quizzical glance over the narrow-angled 2973 cc. V8 power unit. This engine is so diminutive that it appears completely overshadowed by the generously proportioned engine compartment. The Lancia Astura in the final Series IV appears like a behemoth when at rest but the motor car is actually revealed to be thoroughly agile and lithe, while the supple three litre engine generates utterly respecrable power. Before it was sold to the current owner in 2011, Switzerland had been the home of this car, where it was put through a mechanical overhaul in 2002. Over the past several years, a complete restoration was carried out at automobile restorer Bachmann based in south-west Germany.

When he was just 21 years old, Adrian Squire started to build sports cars which were able to compete on equal terms with the high-performance racing cars manufactured by leading brands like Alfa Romeo and Bugatti. In order to achieve  his objective, he only used the best components such as a Wilson preselector gearbox and extremely lightweight brake drums made of magnesium.

The crowning glory of his design was the twin-camshaft 1496 cc. four cylinder engine from Anzani, which was able to generate 110 hp thanks to the use of a supercharger.
The engine propelled the car to a top speed of 100 miles an hour and the young manufacturer from Oxfordshire guaranteed this performance when the windscreen was folded down. Since the best components were also the most expensive, the Squire 1.5 Litre came with a price tag of around 1200 ponds sterling - three times as much as the price for a Jaguar SS100.
Squire closed his doors after manufacturing only seven cars.

Valfried Zethrin was the first owner of the model presented here? This is the first of only two Squire sports cars with long chassis, while the other five models were two-seater roadsters with a short wheelbase. Six cars of this fascinating marque have survived the ravages of time and today they all from part of major collections.

- Class A : Delage CO 4.5 Litre Salamanca Gallé 1920 - Albert Fellner AT

This type of the bodywork was very popular in the United Sates where it would be called "Convertible Town Car". The rear of the vehicle can be opened and when the rear windscreen is folded down this automobile can be transformed into an open tourer. The coachbuilder Louis Gallé had his shop in Boulogne sur Seine near Paris just eight kilometre from the Delage factory.  This car near hundred years old is propelled by a 4.524cc. 6 cylinders engine.

Trofeo FIVA - The best preserved pre war car

The first race-bred Alfa Romeo after the First World War was designed on the basis of the three-litre formula, although the technical platform was also intended to permit a civilian version. The RL model made its debut at the end of 1921 with this model appropriately named "Normale". The 2916 cc in line six cylinder engine was fitted with overhead valves actuated by a side camshaft, and it generated a respectable 56 hp. Out of a total of 2640 cars in the RL Series which were produced up until 1927, only a few were exported. One vehicle was exported to Spain a a motorized chassis, the Alfa Romeo RL N presented here is that vehicle

The Coachbuilder Carroceria J. Farré from Barcelona used the very best materials to create the body as a Coupé de Ville and the car was delivered to Mallorca in 1925. It remained there for three quarters of a century and was lovingly looked after in family ownership. This has rendered any form of restoration superfluous.

When Rolls Royce launched the model Phantom II in 1929 there was no official plan for a short wheelbase version. A special short wheelbase version was, however produced for Sir Henry Royce. This car achieved the Grand Prix d'Honneur at the Concours d'Elegance held in Biarritz in 1930. A specific demand resulted from that event and by 1935, 281 Continental cars had been produced. They differed from the standard Phantom II in having a lower steering column and harder chassis with remote-controlled Hartford shock absorbers. Most of the units also used a special camshaft setting that increased maximum output from 1230 hp to 140 hp.

During the mid-1930s, many world-class sports touring cars were becoming ever more luxurious and by the same token also heavier. Bentley therefore enlarged the inline six cylinders engine installed in the 3.5 Litre from 1933, by increasing the bore of the cylinders to 4.25 Litre (4257cc.) displacement in 1936. The appropriately designated Bentley now generated 125 hp instead of 115 hp and 1234 such automobiles were produced until it was replaced by the Mk V in 1939. The majority of these aristocratic automobiles were styled by Park Ward. The coachbuilder Hooper only prepared two "all weather touring cars for this model. This is one example finished in drophead coupé.

Eighteen months after it was first registered, this Lancia Astura was given its dramatically styled streamline body by coachbuilder Castagna. The coachwork had previously been completed on an Alfa Romeo 8C. The modification involved the wheelbase being shortened significantly to 2.88 metres for racing purpose on the orders of Benito Mussolini's son Vittorio. Probably at the same time, the 2.6 Litre eight cylinder engine was replaced by a three Litre (2973cc.) V8 engine generating 82 hp and originated from a Lancia Astura Serie III. This power unit is still installed in the car today and includes a unique conversion to dry-sump lubrification. In 1935, the car was entered in  the 24 Hours Race in Pescara - and was presented in the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este just five weeks later.

Out of 17 Bugatti Type 57 coupés that were built on the 57 S chassis, there are now 14 still in existence. The optional supercharger enabled the engine to produce up to 200 hp and allowed a top speed claimed at 210 kph. The supercharged version bears the designation Type 57 SC.

related Car Review -Bugatti Type 57 SC Atalante Coupé Gangloff 1937 - Bugatti 57 S Atalante 1938

- Class B - Aston Martin International Coupé Bertelli 1932 - Walter Frey Collection SZ

The Aston Martin International presented here was completed by coachbuilder Enrico Bertelli in a closed saloon body on a Le Mans chassis in the second series. Enrico Bertelli was the brother of the Aston Martin Chief Engineer and he was the official coachbuilder for the Aston Martin Company at the time. The legend goes that Enrico Bertelli prepared this special body in order to be able to bring his children at school on rainy days in England.

- Class B - Austro Daimler ADR 6 Bergmeister Cabriolet Oeffag 1932 - Michael Kaufmann AT

Even tough the ADR6 gives the impression of being like a fairly normal luxury car, it is in fact a racing car camouflaged as a road going automobile. The aluminium six cylinders engine was fitted with an overhead camshaft driven by a vertical drive shaft. The high compression of 7.3:1 for the time ensured that the power unit generated 120 hp at 4500 rpm, which propelled the car to a top speed of 160 kph (100 mph) provided that a body with reasonably favourable streamlined styling was fitted. The body on thi ADR6 automobile, like most cars of this type, was styled by former aircraft manufacturer Oeffag in Wiener Neustadt. There were good reasons for the ADR6 being designated with the soubriquet of Bergmeister or "mountain champion". With plenty of torque, the engine predestined this automobile for some expeditious ascents up steep  Alpine roads in Austria.

- Class B - Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Coupé Turinga 1944 - Frederico Vitto IT

If we look back through the prism of history, it appears to be nothing short of a miracle that luxurious automobiles were being created in Central Europe while the Second War was reaching its brutal climax. Especially since most manufacturers had converted their operations entirely to armaments production to help the war effort. In 1944, three Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 chassis were produced and completed into two coupés and a convertible. These automobiles were created by Carrozzeria Touring or "Turinga" as the company was known officially at the time. This was because the fascists under Mussolini had prohibited the use of Anglicisms. The purchase order for these three luxury cars predictably came from a neutral country. It was placed by Luigi Fallai, the Alfa Romeo importer based in Stockholm. This car was delivered in hazelnut brown and stayed in Sweden until a few years ago.

related Car Reviews :

• Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Superleggera Touring 1939
• Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Bertone 1942

- Class C - Winner - Bentley T Special Coupé Pininfarina 1968 - Anthony Bamford UK

At first glance, an observer is confronted with an exceptionally confusing mixture of styles when looking at this powerful fastback coupé. Headlamps from the Opel Admiral, taillights from the Fiat Dino Spyder, the roof section of the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2- and the classic Bentley radiator positioned majestically at the front of the car. The solution to the puzzle is that this is a one-of model, created by Pininfarina in 1968. More precisely, by Paolo Martin, who rose to become the styling supremo at the distinguished coachbuilder during the course of the same year. In October 1968, Pininfarina presented this vehicle at the London Motor Show. After being shown at two more exhibitions, the car was acquired by Lord Hanson for the sum of 15,000 pounds sterling in 1969 (the equivalent of two production Bentley T automobiles). In historical terms, this unique specimen was notable especially as an inspiration for the Rolls Royce Camargue, which Pininfarina built in limited number from 1975.

- Class C - Mention of Honor - Rolls Royce Phantom IV Sedanca de Ville Hooper 1952 - Ion Triac RO

also Trofeo Rolls Royce - The most elegant Rolls Royce by the Jury

The most exclusive model series that was ever produced by Rolls Royce can be the Phantom IV which was produced between 1950 and 1956. Only 17 cars were produced, and it was equipped with a 5675cc. eight-cylinders engine. This automobile was only supplied to the fleets of head of states and monarchs. Five models were supplied to the English royal family, three automobiles each went to Spain's General Franco and the Emir of Kuwait, two were delivered to the reigning houses of Persia and Iraq. The only Phantom IV styled with the Sedanca de Ville body went to His Majesty Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan III in June 1952. After his death in 1957, the Rolls Royce changed hands a number of times. Five years after the former Romanian professional tennis player Ion Tiriac acquired this unique aristocratic specimen, he presented it at the 2016 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

- Class C - BMW 503 Coupé 1956 - Eiko Seekamp DE

The spectacular BMW 507 was the absolute star at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955. It even stole the limelight from the BMW 503, which made its debut on the same occasion as a coupé and a convertible. The understated elegance of this four-seater luxury touring car, which was, as it were, designed by Albrecht Graf Goertz, which revealed on second glance - and the hierarchical status became obvious at the latest when studying the price list. The BMW 503 had a wheelbase 2.84 metres equivalent to the saloon. Not only was its price tag higher than that of the extrovert 507 roadster- it was actually the most expensive German production car of its period. However, in return, it was the first German automobile to come with electric windows, and as a convertible with just 139 units being produced, it was the first one  to be equipped with a soft top that featured fully automated mechanism. The coupé shown here was one of the very first units out of a total of 273 cars manufactured.

See related artcile : BMW 507 Roadster 1956 - 1959

- Class C - Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I Convertible Freestone & Webb 1958 - Orin Smith US

 This Rolls Royce represents the uncompromising two-seater convertible with completely retractable soft top and extra-long baggage compartment to the rear. This unusually styled automobile is graced with a pair of rather exposed tail fins over the typically conservative tail of the Silver Cloud. This body was the latest completed by Freestone & Webb before the gates of the workshop were closed for ever in 1958.

- Class C - Bentley S2 Continental Fastback Coupé H.J. Mulliner 1960 - Fred F Kritz MC

Trofeo BMW Group Classic for the most sensitive restoration by the Jury

Aristotle Onassis demonstrated his taste and impeccable sense of style when he ordered this icon of automobile elegance. His reason for subsequently cancelling the purchase order has never been revealed. Nevertheless, the vehicle was completed in May 1960 - as the only Bentley S2 Continental Fastback ever built. It is propelled by the advanced V8 all-alloy engine with a displacement of 6230cc.

- Class C - Facel Vega Facel II Coupé 1962 - Hartmut Ibing DE

Only 183 Facel II were produced between 1961 and 1964. An exceptionally high proportion of them went to international celebrities.  This example is one of the only 71 fitted with a manual gearbox from Pont-à-Mousson, which made them significantly more expensive than the basic type with automatic transmission. At the same time, the manual shift version was equipped with two instead of one Carter four barrel carburettors, which raise the output of the 6286cc Chrysler V8 from 355 to 390 hp.

related Car Review - Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina 1953

In 1953, Carrozzeria Ghia implemented the conceptual blueprint penned by its designer Giovanni Savonuzzi outlining a radically styled sports car incorporating a jet design.

Out of a total of 14 similarly styled Fiat 8V Supersonic automobiles created by Ghia Lou Fageol purchased two. The car shown here was fitted with bumpers to suit his personal style.

In 2015 at Pebble Beach, an ex-Lou Fageol 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic Berlinetta by Ghia was sold for US$ 1,815,000 at Bonhams Auction Sale.

related article : FIAT 8V 1952-1954

- Class D - Siata 208S Spider Motto 1954 - Jan de Reu BE

Only 35 units of the Siata 208S were built between 1953 and 1955. Most Siata 208S were sold in the USA and a majority had their original 1996cc Fiat engine swapped by an American V8. When the cars achieved the well deserved status of highly collectable rare sports cars, they were retrofitted with the original Fiat engine.

- Class D - AC ACECA Bristol Coupé 1956 - Francis Maret CH

Trofeo Automobile Club di Como - to the car driven from farthest away

The AC ACECA was the coupé version of the AC ACE launched in 1953, which underwent direct evolution to create the AC Cobra in 1962. The supplementary designation refers to the optional supply of the six cylinders engine from Bristol. This in turn was a minimally re-worked development of the fantastic BMW 328 engine from 1936, although the power had been significantly enhanced. 169 AC ACECA Bristol were produced at the AC plant in Thames Ditton in the South of England from 1956 to 1963. The Switzerland importer Hubert Patthey had aerodynamic modifications carried out for three of these coupés by the prestigious body specialist Ghia Aigle. The modifications comprised a longer, more tapered front section and covered headlamps. This AC ACECA Bristol refined by Ghia Aigle is the only roadworthy example of its type in existence.

- Class D - Fiat Moretti 850 Sportiva SS 1968 - Patrick Bischoff CH

The gradual advent of unitised body structures in the 1950s led to the progressive disappearance of the distinguished branch of business occupied by coachbuilders. These body designers had been developing beautiful coachwork creations to clothe motor cars for decades. In view of this trend, the fact that a number of coachbuilders in Italy were able to keep their heads above water was all the most exceptional, particularly since they were surviving on small-series production of special bodies that generated low levels of profit. One final flourishing adventure of this type was represented by different versions created by Moretti on the platform of the rear-engined Fiat 850 launched in 1964. This particular car is the first creation by Swiss designer Dany Bravand for the Turin coachbuilder.  

- Class D - Alfa Romeo Giuletta SZ Coupé Zagato 1961 - Corrado Lopresto I

This is one of 24 examples of the early Fiat 8V Berlinetta by Zagato. In 1955 and 1956 it participated in the Mille Miglia with Franco Cortese at the wheel. Elio Zagato won his own personal victory with this car , the "Coupe René Larroque" in Marseille.
In 2010 at Pebble Beach, a similar 1954 Fiat 8V Berlinetta by Zagato was sold for US$682,000 at Gooding Auction Sal

related articles FIAT 8V 1952-1954 - FIAT 8V Zagato Berlinetta 1953

- Class E - Mention of Honor - Maserati 200 SI Barchetta Fantuzzi 1957 - Egon Zweirmüller AT

also Trofeo ASI - The best preserved post war car

Maserati's intitial idea to replace the venerable Type A6 GCS with a modern machine for sophisticated sports car racing originated directly from the marque's most powerful opponent. The Ferrari 500 Mondial had been specially designed for private drivers and it was the ultimate benchmark in the mid-1950s. This threw down the gauntlet to the competitor from Modena, who was not slow to come up with a compelling response. The self-assured answer came at the end of 1955 in the form of the Maserati 200 S. Its impressive power unit consisted of a 190 hp 1994cc four cylinders engine with two camshafts and dual ignition. The car was renamed 200 SI in the course of harmonisation with the new regulations in the 1957 season that were widely recognised. These rules required token elements such as doors, windscreen wipers, an emergency top and a minuscule boot. The abbreviation SI logically stands for "Sport Internazionale". The car presented here with chassis number 2413 has unique appeal in its un-restored state.

- Class E - Ferrari 225S Spider Vignale 1952- José M. Fernandez ES

In 1952, this Ferrari 225S was driven to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, which was staged for sports cars in that year rather than for Formula One. The car was driven by its first owner Count Vittorio Marzotto. He was the oldest of four racing driver brothers hailing from the traditional Marzotto textile dynasty. Position two to five were also taken by four of the seven other Ferrari 225S cars that lined up on the starting grid. This achievement provided impressive testimony to the superiority of this model within the strong field of competitors. Overall, just 14 cars were produced of the 225S Vignale Spider powered by a Colombo twelve cylinders engine producing 210 hp.

In 2012 at Monaco, a 1952 Ferrari 225 Sport Spider Tuboscocca by Carrozeria Vignale was sold for Euros 2,520,000 at RM Auction Sale.

related article Ferrari 225 S Berlinetta Vignale 1952

- Class E - Porsche 550 RS Roadster Wendler 1955 - Ugo Gussalli Beretta IT

Michael May, Swiss engineer and ex-Formula One driver, is well known for a number of developments in automobile engineering. However, hardly anybody knows about his aerodynamic experiments with the bizarrely modified Porsche 550 RS, even though May has gone down in history as the first engineer ever to carry out practical tests with adjustable spoilers in motor sport. Moreover, the lap times he achieved with this concept in training for the 1000 kilometre race at Nurburgring in 1956 generated protests from the competition and the extravagant and barnstorming machine was prohibited from lining up on the starting grid. The Porsche was restored together with the outlandish equipment in 2015.

related Car Reviews : Porsche 550 - 1500 RS Spider 1954

- Class E - Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa Coupé Sibona Bassano 1964- Alex Vazeos GR

The Abarth Simca presented here successfully competed in the German Racing Championship (DRM) in 1965 and 1966, five times on the Nurburgring alone. Subsequently it was the only car of this type to receive a license for use on German roads. In 2010, the Greek collector Alex Vazeos acquired the 1300 GT Corsa and returned the high performance automobile to its original competition condition in the course of a complete restoration.

In 2015 at Paris Grand Palais Bonhams Auction Sale, a 1965 Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa from Maranello Rosso Collection was sold for Euros 128,800. At Goodwood Bonhams Auction Sale the same year another 1965 Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa was sold for Euros 112,274 (£ 82,140).

related Car Review : Abarth Simca 1300 GT 1962

- Class F - Winner - Ferrari 275 GTB4 Berlinetta Scaglietti 1967 - David Moores UK

It is in 1967 that the Ferrari 275 GTB became 275 GTB4 when the 3286cc V12 was equipped with twin overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank. The famous actor and racing driver Steve McQueen, well known for his film on Le Mans 24 Hours, ordered this car in 1967. The legend says that the car was delivered to him when he was working on the film Bullit.

In 2014 at Monterey, California, this particular Ferrari 275 GTB4 was sold for US$ 10,175,000 at a RM Auction Sale. This can be compared with US$ 9,405,000 for a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione prepared for the Scuderia Filipinetti for Le Mans , Spa Francorchamps or Imola endurance races. The Filipinetti Ferrari was sold in 2015 at Bonhams Scottsdale Auction Sale.

- Class F - Mention of Honor - Dual Ghia Convertible Ghia 1957 - Arnold Stevens US

also Trofeo Foglizzo - The best interior design by the Jury

This car was jointly produced under Italian and American direction and designed by Chrysler's Chief Designer Virgil Exner. Apart from two special coupes, it was exclusively supplied as a convertible. From 1956 until 1958, Turin-based Ghia only manufactured 117 automobiles using its own bodies adapted with mechanical components shipped to Italy. The Dual Ghia convertible is propelled by a 230hp 5155cc V8 from Chrysler. It is estimated that only 29 such convertibles have survived in a roadworthy condition.

In 2007 at Monterey California, a 1957 Dual Ghia Convertible was sold for US$ 199,500 at a Bonhams Auction Sale.

- Class F - Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1952 - Oliver Wittibschlager CH

In 1952, Clark Gable had this particular roadster delivered to him on the film set in Cornwall, Southern England, where he was just filming the romantic adventure film "Never Let Me Go". From there, he drove the XK120 down to Tessin in Switzerland together with model Suzanne Dadolle, where the car was serviced - while Clark Gable enjoyed the "Dolce Vita" with his girlfriend in the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como.

related Car Review see : Jaguar XK 120 1950

- Class F - Ferrari 330 GTC Coupé Pininfarina 1966 - Carlo Confidati IT

This particular Ferrari with 3967cc V12 engine producing 300 hp and a five-speed gearbox mounted to the rear axle, has been owned and driven by film actor Marcello Mastroiani.

- Class F - Ferrari 365 GT 4 Berlinetta Boxer Spider Scaglietti 1975 - William Heinecke TH

This Ferrari 365 GT4 BB Spider was delivered to film actor Clint Eastwood at Carmel in California when he was playing as Inspector Callahan in "Dirty Harry". At the beginning of the 1980s, he had the coupé re-engineered as a spider with removable roof segment.

This Aston Martin DB4 GT prepared by Zagato was styled by young designer Ercole Spada. Only 19 vehicles were built between 1960 and 1963, six of them with left-hand drive. The road-going version with bumpers and subtle alloy embellishments is even more of a rarity. This car is the one that was exhibited by Zagato at the 1961 Turin Motor Show.

related car review : Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 1960 - Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept 2016 including 1960-2016 Zagato Aston Martin 56 Years for 12 Models

After Goitto Bizzarini had celebrated some notable successes with his GT Strada 5300 sports car, he set his sights on even more ambitious goals. He wanted to create a dream automobile for everyone and he was aiming at large-scale production. His relationship with General Motors was flourishing and he therefore abandoned his original idea of using a Fiat 1500 engine as a power unit. Instead, he focused his attention on the 1897cc four cylinders engine from Opel. The car became known as Bizzarini  GT Europa 1900. The silhouette of the extremely low-slung plastic body exhibited a very close relationship with the 5300 GT Strada. The financial means were, however, lacking and only 11 pre-production prototypes were completed before the manufacturer filed for bankruptcy.

By the late 1950s, Pinin Farina had established itself as the preferred coachbuilder for Ferrari. The coachbuilder had expanded its workshop for coachwork production but it was not sufficient to attend the demand of the Ferrari 250 GT coupé. The production of some Ferrari 250 GT were then completed by Carrozzeria Boano, a coachbuilder established by Mario Boano and which completed 82 250 GT coupés of Pinin Farina design.
In 2010 at the Pebble Beach Gooding Auction Sale, a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT with coachwork by Boano was sold for US$ 605,000.
In 2013, a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT with coachwork by Boano was sold for US$ 836,000 at Scottsdale Gooding Auction Sale

related article Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe 1955 by Pinin Farina

When Lancia presented the Aurelia in 1950 it was a highly innovative automobile for its time. There was a 1991cc aluminium  V6 engine, a rear mounted gearbox, rear wheel suspensions by means of individual single semi-trailing arms. In view of these details, it was a logical step to use the unitary body design based on a Lancia patent from 1919. There was still a well-heeled clientele that was prepared to pay for tastefully styled unique coachwork bodies. That was why Lancia offered an option supplying Aurelia engineering with a separate chassis. A total of 98 of these B52 chassis were dispatched to various coachwork stylists between 1952 and 1953. This convertible B52 by Vignale is one example.

The history of automobiles has rarely witnessed the launch of such a bold and ambitious project as the Spanish sports car brand Pegaso. Chief engineer Wilfredo Ricart had previously been working as an engine designer at Alfa Romeo before he came back to Spain and prepared the Granturismo project at ENASA national truck and buses Company. He wanted to build a national prestige automobile for Spain and his ambition was to create a car that would be a match for the competition. Powered by a 2814cc V8 engine with four gear-driven camshafts, four Weber carburettors, a torsion bar sprung De Dion rear axle including a transaxle gearbox and internal brakes. All the components used in the car were sophisticated, expensive and above all unconventional. The end of the line came after eight years and the construction of 86 incomparably capricious sports cars styled in almost 30 different coachworks. This bright green Z-102 Coupé was created in 1951 as the second Pegaso prototype. Today, it is the oldest surviving vehicle of the fascinating yet tragic brand.

related article Pegaso Z102B Touring Berlinetta and Spyder 1951-1956

Visitors to the Ferrari stand at the Paris Motor Show in 1953 had all reason to be shocked when they discovered the spectacular one-off model on show. The styling was designed by Giovanni Michelotti for the Carrozzeria Vignale probably inspired by the Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta prepared by Vignale for the 1952 Panamericana race. The opulent chrome trim adorning the front end, the rear fenders fin extensions and the ornamental elevated beltline and sculpted colour contrast, each of the stylistic details defining this work of art is somewhat extravagant. Ferrari produced a total of 21 units of the 250 Europa powered by 200 hp 2963cc Lampredi V12 engine. 18 of these automobiles received a coupé coachwork  by Pininfarina. The Carrozzeria Vignale completed four bodies of different style on first series 250 Europa. This model is thus quite unique.

related article Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe 1955 by Pinin Farina

- Class H - Winner - Lamborghini Countach "Walter Wolf" LP400 Bertone 1975 - Jota Collection IT

The Canadian oil magnate collected Lamborghini Countach. He had them fitted with more powerful engines, and styled and equipped to suit his own tastes -for example with wide wheels in a five-hole design and appropriately flared wheel arches or a flamboyant aerofoil at the rear. The LP400 which is presented here, is the most famous example of all.

related Car Review see : Lamborghini Countach by Bertone 1971 1978

At the 58th Turin Motor Show held in April 1980, Bertone introduced a new concept car based on a Lamborghini chassis. The name Athon refers to the Egyptian cult of the Sun and was appropriate for a roadster completely devoid of a top and intended as a fair-weather car.
The engine is a 260 hp 2996cc transverse mid mounted 90° V8 DOHC four inverted twin choke Weber 40 DCNF with five-speed manual gearbox.

In May 2011 this Lamborghini Athon by Bertone was sold for Euros 347,200  at RM Sotheby Auction Sale in Villa Erba.

- Class H - Lamborghini Miura P400 SV 1971 - Adrien Labi US

This Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is the example that was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show on March 11th 1971 on the Bertone stand. Since this was a pre-production vehicle and as such represents an incomplete evolution of the Miura S, it deviates from the subsequent series model in a number of details. This make it a unique, one-off model evinced, for example, by the trim around the headlamps.

related articles Lamborhini Miura - Lamborghini Miura S Coupé Bertone 1969 - Lamborghini Miura SV 1971

- Class H - Rolls Royce Camargue Beau Rivage 1982- Sven Stockmar DE

The Rolls Royce Camargue styled by Pininfarina and launched in 1975 was undoubtedly the most expensive production automobile during the eleven years of the model production. In 1982 Hooper created the Camargue Beau Rivage, which enriched the Rolls Royce stand at the Geneva Motor Show in the following year. The unique, one-off Camargue was the only one of the 531 units to be bodied with a sliding roof, and additionally it was equipped with a wealth of luxury features including a television.

- Class H - Aston Martin V8 Zagato 1985 - John Dennehy NZ

At the start of the 1980s, Aston Martin joined force with coachbuilder Carrozzeria Zagato to create a 432 hp super-car. This was not about a link cultivated between two centres of excellence steeped in tradition and recalling the legendary Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato built in 1960. The result was revealed as a bold emancipation from the constraints of family likeness inherent in previous Aston Martin models. This car is one of the first series examples of the 52 coupes that were produced up to 1990.

related Car Review : Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept 2016 including 1960-2016 Zagato Aston Martin 56 Years for 12 Model

- Class H - Ferrari Testa Rossa Spyder Pininfarina 1986 - Ronald Stern GB

In 1984, the Testa Rossa model replaced the Berlinetta Boxer as Ferrari flagship model. When the Testa Rossa was designed no thought was given to an open-top model. Nevertheless, a number of coachbuilder carried out the necessary modifications to make this a reality. Twelve were indeed restyled at Pininfarina, mostly for the Sultan of Brunei and therefore fitted with right hand steering. However, none of these conversions were given the official blessing of Ferrari except for a single example that Ferrari actually commissioned officially from Pininfarina. Gianni Agnelli , President of the Fiat Group, took delivery of this silver TestaRossa Spider in June 1986.

This car was sold for Euros 1,210,100 at Artcurial Auction Sale during Retromobile 2016 in Paris.  

Since the East African Safari Rally in 1953 it was thought that no European driver would ever be able to win the Rally. Then in 1972, Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm lined up at the start of the race with their works Ford Escort RS 1600 and after 5000 murderously arduous kilometres through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda they were the first to cross the finishing line in Dar es Salaam on Easter Monday. It was a truly historic victory.

This Porsche did not start life as a Porsche 911 but under the designation Porsche 901 at the beginning of 1964. Up to November 1964, 82 Porsche 901 had been produced before name designation changed to Porsche 911. This car, in particular, was first to participate in motorsport with a fifth place overall and a class victory in the GT category at 1965 Monte Carlo Rally.

This Austin Healey 3000 was originally built as a works car solely for rally races in the 1964 season. It campaigned with great success in major road and circuit races. It gained victory at the Alpine Rally in 1964 with Hopkirk and Liddon. It took second place in the three litre class behind a Ferrari 250 GTO in the Targa Florio 1965 with Makinene and Hawkins. It took fourth place overall in the 1000 miles at Brands Hatch 1965 with Hopkirk and Mac.Today, "ARX91B" is one of just two Austin Healey works racing cars which have never had significant modifications out of a total of 24 vehicles prepared.

related Car Review : see Lancia Stratos HF Prototipo by Bertone 1970

The Alpine Renault A110 presented here is one of the original vehicles from the 1973 works team that won the first year of the Rally World Championship. The automobile styled Alpine Renault which stood about hip height at 1.13 metres. An output of some 175 hp was generated from the 1.8 litre capacity. The "Equipe Tricolore" had accumulated 148 points, while Fiat and Ford trailed behind with 84 and 76 points respectively

related Car Review : Alpine A110 1962 to 1973 - Road and Racing version

This car is designated BMC Cooper S as the official designation of the works car for the Monte Carlo Rally 1966. Before the rally, the competitors had protested because of a failure to fulfill the requirements for Group 1 homologation. Neither of the two BMC labels Austin or Morris on their ownmet the condition that 5000 Cooper S cars had been produced under that label alone. When they crossed the finishing line in Monte Carlo three of these works Mini Cooper S were way ahead of the field but they were disqualified because of illegal lighting. In 1967, BMC Cooper S "GRD195D" was finally permitted to demonstrate its driving qualities. Timo Makinen drove this Mini Cooper S to victory in the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland.

related Car Review : BMC 850 Austin Seven , Morris Mini Minor and derivatives 1959-2000

6 - Concept Cars and Prototypes - Design Award and some participants

- Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider by Touring 2016 - Touring Superleggera

Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes by Public Referendum at Villa Erba

related article Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder Touring Superleggera 2016

- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept 2016 - Aston Martin

related article Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept 2016 including 1960-2016 Zagato Aston Martin 56 Years for 12 Models

- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo 2015 - Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

related article Bugatti Vision GT (Gran Turismo) 2015

- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Pininfarina H2 Speed Prototype 2016 - Pininfarina S.p.a.

related article Pininfarina H2 Speed concept car 2016

- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Mazda RX Vision Concept - Mazda Motor Corporation

related article Mazda RX-VISION Concept 2016 - Rotary engine

- Concept Cars and Prototypes - Alpine Vision Concept 2016 - Renault

related Car Review : Alpine Vision Concept 2017