Motoring Magic on the Shores of Lake Como

by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy BWM Group Classic

Raindrops sparkled like diamonds as their descent from heaven-to-earth was interrupted by a bounce off the highly polished chrome bumpers of some of the world's most coveted automobiles arrayed in the gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Italy, for the annual Concours d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.  

While an intermittent drizzle on the private Saturday afternoon garden party exhibition forced owners of open-top cars to employ creative umbrella placement to protect their precious interiors, it didn't dampen the spirits of the soignée attendees who were there to ogle marvels of mobility in all their beguiling diversity.  

As presenting sponsor, BMW Group Classic kicked off the festivities by unveiling its 20th BMW Art Car designed by Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian American artist known for large-scale, multi-media works serving as a visual articulation of contemporary experience. Later that evening, two world premieres were held: the BMW Concept Skytop, influenced by predecessors BMW Z8 and BMW 503, and the BMW R 20 concept, a homage to the Big Boxer Roadster by BMW Motorrad. Co-sponsor Rolls Royce toasted its 120th anniversary with a historic class at the Concourso and a Royce Cullinan Series II display.

The prestigious Best in Show award was bestowed upon an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a stunning piece of automotive history owned by the HM Collection from Belgium. This Grand Prix car, styled in the coachwork design of a spider by Figoni from the 1930s, stood out among the impressive lineup of automobiles. The 12,000 attendees at Sunday's public portion of the event—the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este —were met with sunny skies for the exhibition, parade of cars, and presentation of winners by Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange und Söhne added to the winner's prestige by gifting them a bespoke model of the 1815 Chronograph in white gold. The People's Choice award went to a 1995 McLaren F1 owned by Tony Vassilopoulos from Great Britain.

The event concluded with Käs, on behalf of BMW Group Classic, presenting a € 50,000 contribution to Matteo Monti, the Mayor of Cernobbio. This significant donation, reflecting a portion of the ticket sales and an additional contribution by BMW Group Classic, is earmarked for a local children's charity, furthering the event's impact beyond the world of luxury cars. 

 See additional event images on Sophisticated Living's website: slmag.net/motoring.