The 2012 edition of the famed Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was staged 25-27 May amongst the gardens and grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and neighbouring Villa Erba on Lake Como in Cernobbio, Italy.
Cernobbio on Lake Como once again became a magnet for car and motorcycle fans from far and wide. On display at the 2012 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este were a range of classic automobiles and cutting-edge concept cars that thrilled the crowds who had flocked there.
At the end of another weekend on the shores of Lake Como, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este proclaimed its worthy winners. The judges and the public were of one mind: the 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS 6th Series Coupé bodied by Figoni claimed the Trofeo BMW Group presented by the jury, and thus the Best of Show accolade, while also securing the public prize, the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este. In the Concept Cars and Prototypes category, meanwhile, the winner was the Alfa Romeo 4C. Appearing out of competition in this year’s line-up was the BMW Zagato Coupe, making a high-profile world debut.
“We experienced a high-calibre event with a unique field of competitors,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. “We are particularly delighted at the splendid turnout of almost 6,000 visitors on Sunday,” he added.
The Trofeo BMW Group in the second Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for motorcycles was awarded to the Italian Gilera 500 Rondine from the Museo Piaggio. Hendrik von Kuenheim, Director of BMW Motorrad, commented, “This Concorso reflects the enthusiasm and sheer passion we have been pouring into our motorcycles for almost nine decades now.”
Including the aforementioned award winners, notable entrants at the 2012 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance included the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster; 1935 Avions Voisin C 25 Berline Aerodyne; 1939 Aston Martin C Type Speed Bertelli Roadster; 1937 Delahaye 145 Coupe by Chapron; 1963 O.S.C.A.-Fratelli Maserati 1600 SP Coupe; 1954 Moretti 750 Grand Sport; 1959 Aston Martin DBR1; 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO; 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Zagato; 1968 Ford GT40 Mk. III and 1969 Porsche 917K.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2012 – Picture Gallery (click image for larger photo and description)
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[Source: BMW Group]
Between these pictures and Dirk’s gallery, this is now firmly implanted on my bucket list. (And I even think I could work a vacation with my wife around it…)
Great stuff guys – thanks.
Really enjoy seeing the modern concept cars against the great classics. Special line-up at the extra special setting.
Great cars (and wonderful and very interesting motorcycles too: historical, concepts and rare prototypes), great location, great event. What else?