Amit Saraswat 
The idyllic setting of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como once again transformed into a stage for a remarkable celebration of automotive history as the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este concluded its 2024 edition. From May 24th to 26th, the weekend unfolded like a dream for car enthusiasts, showcasing a dazzling array of historic vehicles and captivating visitors with a journey through the evolution of the automobile.
This year’s event crowned the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a masterpiece of 1930s design clothed in a stunning Figoni spider coachwork, as the “Best of Show.” The elegant victor, emerging from the prestigious HM Collection in Belgium, received the coveted Trofeo BMW Group trophy presented by Helmut Käs, head of BMW Group Classic, and Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange und Söhne. The win not only cemented the car’s place in automotive history but also served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.
A Legacy of Power and Beauty: The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300
Produced from 1931 to 1934, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 stood as a titan of automotive engineering and design in its era. The beating heart of this machine was a straight-eight engine, a configuration renowned for its smooth power delivery. In the 8C 2300, this engine displaced a mighty 2.3 litres and unleashed a thrilling 165 horsepower, enough to propel the car to a top speed exceeding 100 miles per hour – an impressive feat for the time. Adding to its allure was the car’s lightweight construction, achieved through the use of innovative materials like aluminium. This combination of power and agility made the 8C 2300 a dominant force on the racing circuit, securing numerous victories in prestigious events like the Mille Miglia.
Beyond its track prowess, the 8C 2300 was a style icon. Renowned coachbuilders like Zagato, Touring, and, in this case, Figoni, clothed the chassis in breathtaking coachwork, transforming it into a rolling piece of art. The Figoni spider body on the winning car exemplifies this philosophy, with its sweeping curves and elegant proportions that perfectly complement the car’s mechanical prowess.
A Multifaceted Celebration of Automotive Excellence
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este wasn’t just about one car. The event featured a diverse selection of historic vehicles competing in eight different classes, each representing a distinct chapter in automotive history. From early classics to iconic sports cars, the competition offered a glimpse into the evolution of design, engineering, and cultural influence of the automobile. Visitors were treated to a visual feast, witnessing the craftsmanship and innovation that have driven automotive progress over the decades.
The allure of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este extended far beyond the competition itself. The event offered a platform for other automotive-related exhibitions and displays. The unveiling of the 20th BMW Art Car, designed by Julie Mehretu, alongside other iconic BMW Art Cars with Le Mans racing history, served as a bridge between the worlds of art and automobile design. Public Days provided a chance for car enthusiasts of all stripes to immerse themselves in the automotive world. “Wheels & Weisswürscht – Amici & Automobili” showcased a vibrant display of automobiles from various marques, while the Public Day – il Festivale attracted a record-breaking crowd of nearly 12,000 visitors.
The excitement wasn’t limited to admiring historic vehicles. The BMW Group Innovation Isle offered a glimpse into the future of mobility, showcasing new drive systems and technological innovations from the brand. A special tribute was dedicated to the great Marcello Gandini, a master of modern Italian automobile design, who passed away recently. Young visitors and car enthusiasts alike had the opportunity to test their skills on the Carrera Track and Sim Racing simulator.
A Commitment to Community and a Look Towards the Future
The weekend culminated in the traditional parade of all the competing cars, offering a spectacular display of automotive history. From the sleek lines of early classics to the powerful forms of modern supercars, the parade encapsulated the enduring allure of the automobile. The event concluded with a charitable donation of €50,000 to the local children’s nursery in Cernobbio, solidifying the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este’s commitment to its community.
As the curtain closes on another successful edition, the excitement already builds for 2025. The shores of Lake Como will once again beckon automotive enthusiasts with the promise of a weekend filled with automotive elegance
