2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: Celebrating the beauty of vintage cars

Marked by a focus on originality, perfection and noble spirit; the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is one of the most prestigious concours events in the world.

The event was held for the first time on September 1, 1929 under a joint initiative by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and the Comitato di Cura di Como. Since its start, the Concorso di Villa d'Este was on a par with other similar events held in Paris and Monte Carlo.

For the year 2011, the splendid grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and neighboring Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como will once again serve as a unique stage for the most beautiful cars and motorcycles from the past and the most extravagant concept cars of today.

Starting May 20, the Concorso will serve as the dream destination for all car and motorcycle lovers as there will be numerous high-end classics on display in special exhibitions.

This kind of tradition can only thrive through ongoing development; in other words, it's a matter of cultivating a tradition of change, so to speak, stated Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and Director of BMW Group Classic.

The official launch of the 2011 show, which was done earlier this month, announced the first Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este for motorcycles as well as a high-end car sale by RM Auction.

Based on the criteria familiar from the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, such as design, state of preservation and originality; a jury of five will select the best in class and an overall winner from among the 40 or so competing motorcycles.

A novel aspect this year is the special focus within the competition under the overarching theme of the sixties. Under this, around 20 iconic automobiles in three vehicle categories will represent this style-setting decade for the motoring enthusiasts gathered at Lake Como. The names of the sixties vehicle categories alone promise a high level of quality and style-consciousness: 'The Glamour', 'The Sport' and 'The Unexpected'.

During the annual press conference at the Geneva Motor Show the selecting committee for the event offered a few tasters from the exclusive field of participants. These include Rolls-Royce Phantom II Special Town Car, Brewster (1933), Jaguar E-Type Coupé (1961) and the Alfa Romeo TZ2 Coupé, Zagato (1965).

Picture Courtesy: BMW/handout.