CLASS OVERVIEWConcorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024

THE CLASSES OF 2024
Beauty contests for motor cars developed somewhat in the manner of fashion shows for the latest luxury apparel in Milan and Paris. If we look at the beginnings of the ‘Concours d’Élégance’ for automobiles it was all about the latest developments in coachwork. The most illustrious coachbuilders invariably strove to achieve show-stopping results. Clients would order the chassis from a manufacturer and had the coachwork styled and produced by an independent coachbuilder. Naturally enough, the beauty contests foregrounding elegance also served as trade fairs showcasing the performance of coachbuilders.
And just as back in the day, the lady of the house might have commissioned a unique individual dress from her favourite dressmaker, well-heeled clients in the automotive sector would order bespoke coachwork. This was a scenario where stylists could let their imaginations run free. Very often, the only specification was the manufacturer’s radiator grille – but the coachwork designers frequently went beyond the stipulations even there.

• CLASS A THE DAWN OF THE PERFORMANCE AGE

• CLASS B SHAPED BY THE WIND:
 THE EVOLUTION OF AERODYNAMICS

• CLASS C “THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD” FOR 120 YEARS:
 ROLLS-ROYCE CELEBRATES AN HISTORIC BIRTHDAY

• CLASS D “FASTER!” 
THE ARMS RACE ON THE ROAD

• CLASS E THE BEST OF ITALIAN GRACE AND PACE: 
MASERATI AT 110

• CLASS F GENTLEMAN DRIVERS:
 STYLE FOR THE FORTUNATE FEW

• CLASS G TIME CAPSULES:
 CARS THAT THE OUTSIDE WORLD FORGOT

• CLASS H THE NEED FOR SPEED: 
SUPERCAR STARS OF THE VIDEO GENERATION