COPPA D’ORO VILLA D’ESTE
Best of Show by Public Referendum – Perpetual Challenge
Aston Martin Bulldog, 1979 (Philip Sarofim, United States)
Corriere d’Eleganza XIConcorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2022
Dear Friend of the Concorso,
The first day of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has just drawn to an end with the award of the legendary Coppa d’Oro. This trophy is traditionally bestowed by Public Referendum. The Jury chaired by Lorenzo Ramaciotti also conferred numerous special prizes. This was a day full of joy and amazing encounters with exceptional automobile gems directly on the shores of Lake Como.
However, this also meant that the Jury had a really hot day – indeed in both senses. The Jurors carried out their detailed review and appraisal of a truly blue-riband field of more than 50 outstanding Historic Cars in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. An honourable and onerous task which ultimately required decisions after deliberations about many different factors.
The public also voted for their favourites. At the end of the parade shortly after 17.00, the spectacularly angular Aston Martin Bulldog – just 1.09 metres in height – once again rolled in front of the spectators as the outstanding winner of the day. Once upon a time, English manufacturer Aston Martin only just fell short of breaking through the 200 mph barrier with this one-off vehicle entered by collector Philip Sarofim. The world-famous sports car was presented at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este with its impressive gullwing doors, perfectly restored and entirely race ready – it was fittingly awarded the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este.
The weekend was preceded by the Prelude Tour on Thursday. This took participants in their Historic Cars on a journey from the centre of Milan to their destination in the harbour of Cernobbio. On the Friday evening, two anniversary models celebrating world premieres drove into the park of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este to honour the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH: BMW M4 CSL and BMW M RR 50 Years were presented to the invited audience as part of the BMW Group Cocktail.
Once again on Sunday, tomorrow will be dedicated to the participants and their Historic Cars. We then expect two more of the three most important prizes as the finale: the Trofeo BMW Group for the Best of Show and the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for the Concept Cars. The Jury will also award the class prizes.
The excitement will continue. Fine conditions also look set to keep going. The forecast remains stable promising more summer weather.
With best wishes,
Your Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Team
The special prizes of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2022
TROFEO BMW M
For the most powerful car
Ferrari F40 LM, 1993 (Stefan Näf, Switzerland)
TROFEO FIVA
For the best preserved pre-war car
Bugatti Type 59 Sports, 1934 (Fritz Burkard, Switzerland)
TROFEO ASI
For the best preserved post-war car
Maserati A6 GCS MM, 1954 (Ulrich Schumacher, Liechtenstein)
TROFEO AUTOMOBILE CLUB COMO
For the car driven from farthest away
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, 1960 (Erich Oswald, Germany)
TROFEO VRANKEN POMMERY
For the best iconic car
Mercedes-Benz 710 SS, 1929 (Eric van Lammeren, Germany)
TROFEO AUTO & DESIGN
For the most exciting design
Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale Tre Posti, 1966 (RQ Collections, United States)