Class C - Open Cars 2005

1940-1959: Open Cars "Le temps du changement"

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50. Fiat 1100, 1947
6 Zylinder, 1098 cm³

Body: Spider, Stabilimenti Farina
Entrant: Hubert Cinotti (I)

This Fiat 1100 with a cabriolet body by Stabilimenti Farina was the winner of its category in the 1947 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In the late 1940s, the chassis of the Fiat 1100 was a favoured basis for the creative designs of the Italian stylists, who presented them at motor shows and Concours d’Elégance.

52. Ferrari 212, 1951
12 Zylinder, 2562 cm³

Body: Spider, Vignale
Entrant: Jeff Fisher (USA)

This one-off model built by Alfredo Vignale in Turin was initially sold to Count Umberto Marzotto of Trissino in 1951. He contested several races with it, as did Countess Pallavicini, who used the car for hillclimb events. In June 1951 the Swiss motoring journal Automobil Revue was already testing the racing Spider on Modena’s Aerautodromo. The one-off model, restored by Paul Russell and Company in Massachusetts with two-tone paintwork typical of Vignale, today forms part of an unusual American collection in Florida and was shipped to Italy especially for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

54. Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS, 1951
6 Zylinder, 3557 cm³

Body: Cabriolet, Touring
Entrant: Corrado Lopresto (I)

The 17th September, 1949 was a happy day for Alfa Romeo and Carrozzeria Touring. It was on this day, in the gardens of Villa Olmo at Cernobbio, that the most famous of all Concours d’Elegance took place. The extraordinary 6C 2500 Super Sport coupé, indisputably an aesthetic masterpiece by the Italian Master coachbuilder Touring, was awarded the Gran Premio by the public. From that time on this model has been known as the Villa d’Este. Several examples, such as this one taking part in the Concours, were convertibles.

56. Bentley R Type Continental, 1955
6 Zylinder, 4900 cm³

Body: Drop Head Coupé, Park Ward
Entrant: Fred Kriz (MC)

Just four drophead coupés based on the R Type Continental chassis left the workshops of Park Ward. This car was displayed at the London Motor Show and counts the Prince of Prussia among its more celebrated previous owners.

58. Lancia Aurelia Spider America, 1955
6 Zylinder, 2500 cm³

Body: Spider America, Pininfarina
Entrant: Almar gouweloos (NL)

Alongside the BMW 507, the Lancia Aurelia Spider America also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Its timelessly beautiful design by Pininfarina is compelling primarily for its consummate proportions.

60. BMW 507, 1957
8 Zylinder, 3168 cm³

Body: Roadster, BMW
Entrant: Francesco Gandolfi (I)

First unveiled 50 years ago, the design of the BMW 507 Roadster enthralled the public and the motoring world alike. The 8- Zylinder roadster designed by New York-based Albrecht Count Goertz was built 252 times in all. It was also available with a hard top and has retained its appeal to this day thanks to its elegant design language.

62. Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc, 1957
6 Zylinder, 2995 cm³

Body: Roadster, Mercedes-Benz
Entrant: Ernst Theodor Henne (CH)

In its time, the Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc with a price tag of 35,000 deutschmarks was the most expensive car in the German market. Out of a total production run of just 200 examples of the 300 Sc, 53 were roadsters and 49 cabriolets. The paintwork and interior fittings are in their original condition.

64. Lister Jaguar, 1958
6 Zylinder, 3781 cm³

Body: Open two-seater, Lister Ltd.
Entrant: Christian Jenny (CH)

In building his Lister Jaguar, Brian Lister primarily used components from the D Type Jaguar which had built up a highly successful record on the race track. After being purchased by its current owner in 2003, the car is on public display for the first time in Europe.

66. Ferrari 250 GT California Spider, 1959
12 Zylinder, 2953 cm³

Body: Spider, Pininfarina/Scaglietti
Entrant: Peter S. Kalikow (USA)

New York Ferrari collector Peter S. Kalikow is exhibiting this wonderful long-wheelbase California Spider in honour of the 75th anniversary of Pininfarina. Sergio Scaglietti built the bodies designed by Pininfarina, and a total of 50 units were produced. The first owner of this cabriolet was a Belgian woman; later the car went to the President of the Warner Brothers film company in the USA. It has been owned by Peter S. Kalikow for more than 20 years.

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