The Pinnacle of Classic Car Celebrations

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the most prestigious elegance competitions for automobiles, was held from May 20-22, 2016, on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como.

This year, 52 historic cars, 6 concept cars, and 30 historic motorcycles filled the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the venue for the first day, and Villa Erba, the venue for the second.

The BMW Group, a sponsor since 1999, unveiled the "2002 Hommage" concept car, a tribute to the half-century anniversary of the legendary "2002" model, at the eve-of-event reception. At the Villa Erba venue, a special exhibition showcased a collection of homage cars from throughout the brand's history, celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Lancia Astura Serie II (1933)

Maserati A6GCS (1954)

The "Coppa d’Oro," awarded by invited guests on the first day, went to the 1933 Lancia Astura Serie II. While its coupe body, crafted by Castagna, appears understated by today's standards, this vehicle was built for Vittorio Mussolini, the son of Benito Mussolini, to compete in races.

Meanwhile, the "Best of Show" award, selected by a panel of nine judges, was bestowed upon the Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta, designed by Pininfarina. An anecdote recounts that an Italian nobleman purchased it on the spot at the 1954 Paris Motor Show to participate in the Mille Miglia.

One of the nine categories introduced this year was titled "From the Silver Screen to the Studio Set." This class featured five automobiles with connections to Hollywood and Italian stars.

From the Silver Screen to the Studio Set

The first car in this category was a 1952 Jaguar XK120, formerly owned by Clark Gable. He took delivery of the car in western England, a filming location for "Mogambo" in 1953, and after shooting concluded, drove it with his model girlfriend across continental Europe. It is said they even stayed at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este en route to Switzerland's Ticino region.

After Gable sold the car upon his return to the United States several months later, it changed hands, moving to South Africa and then Switzerland. It was purchased by the current owner's father in 1982 and remained untouched for 34 years before undergoing a meticulous restoration for its unveiling here.

Jaguar XK120 (1952)

Ferrari 330 GTC (1966)

The first owner of the 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC, notable for its deep black paint, was the famously debonair Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni.

He acquired the car for his girlfriend.

According to Simon Kidston, the esteemed master of ceremonies at Villa d’Este, Mastroianni initially aimed for the license plate "1000000." However, his girlfriend, upon going to the Rome motor registry office to collect it, called Mastroianni to say, "Marcello, it's too bad." Incidentally, the number they were after was secured by Giovanni Agnelli of the Fiat founding family. Even Italy's preeminent actor, it seems, lacked sufficient influence on that occasion. The fateful license plate, "Roma 999978," remains with the car to this day.

Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1967)

Dual Ghia convertible (1957)

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a former favorite of the "King of Cool" Steve McQueen, which impressively won its class, also has a storied past.

The original Golden Brown Metallic color deeply disappointed McQueen upon delivery. Consequently, it was repainted in Canti Red before its first drive.

Later, in 1971, he gifted it to his friend, the Hollywood actor Guy Williams.

Villa d’Este Forges New Categories

The story continues. In the 1980s, it passed to a British businessman who, regrettably, had the roof cut off and converted it into a spyder.

Later, the car was acquired by enthusiast and Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan, who decided to restore it. He brought the car, along with remnants of the roof discovered at the British businessman's estate, to Ferrari Classiche, Ferrari's official restoration department, and succeeded in returning it to its original McQueen-era configuration. Subsequently, in 2014, the car was sold at auction in Pebble Beach, USA, and found its way to its current owner.

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (2016)

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept (2016)

The number of participating vehicles this year was 52. This is less than a tenth of the number seen at American concours d’elegance events.

However, these cars, associated with well-known 20th-century personalities, clearly stimulated greater interest among visitors than in previous years. The evidence was clear: each time a car's history was recounted, the grandstands erupted with cheers and applause.

Lamborghini Countach (1976)

Ford Escort RS1600 (1972)

This year's Villa d’Este confirmed that the world's oldest existing automotive concours continues to maintain its allure while pioneering new categories.