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Motoring

Centurion reflects on our Concorso d'Eleganza highlights

by Cornelia Marioglou | June 11th 2012 | 07:52 pm

Each year at Cernobbio on the shores of Lake Como car enthusiasts can admire some of the most significant milestones in automobile history. What started in 1929 as the first edition of the Coppa d’Oro di Villa d’Este organised by the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the Automobile Club di Como and the Comitato die Cura di Como, since 1995 under the patronage of the BMW Group has become one of the most important events in the world for classic car fans.

The enchanting backdrop of the Villa d’Este, with 61 of the most spectacular vintage vehicles, today’s most extravagant concept cars, as well as 35 motorcycles decoratively presented in the lush gardens, attract admirers from all over the world. These were some of our favourite participants in this year's Concorso d'Eleganza at the Villa d'Este:

Entry Number 2: Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1922

Rolls-Royce founded its reputation for building the best motor cars in the world with the legendary Silver Ghost, initially known simply as “40/50 h.p.”. The majestic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was produced in the American production facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts, with 6 cyl., 7428 cc engine, and a very rare body known as Picadilly Roadster. The sporty body, also called the “Playboy Roadster” is a rare find as only 6 of them were produced in the year 1922.

Entry Number 10: Cord 812 S/C 1937

A beige Cord with 8 cyl., 4730 cc engine and a special visible steel exhaust system. The American automobile manufacturer Auburn produced and sold a small number of technically innovative and extravagantly designed luxury cars under the brand Cord in 2,200 units with different types of bodies, including two seaters and four seaters. Even a radio was included – revolutionary for that era.

Entry number 12: Mercedes-Benz 540 K 1939

Built in 1939 for Alfred Krupp, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K on display was especially designed to the needs of the industrial magnate. At the time the most powerful car that had ever been built in Sindelfingen, Germany, it was also the most expensive. Today it is owned by Berthold Albrecht, based only 1 km away from where it was used by the Krupps. Created on a short wheelbase chassis, a one-off, the cost in 1939 was a mind blowing 40,000 German Reichsmarks. With a 5 speed gear box, it was very innovative and when engaged with the supercharger, the mighty 8 cylinder engine generated up to 180hp which speed up the gem to 180 km/h.

What do these cars have in common? A majestic appearance, and the fact that they were competing in the A class for "Graceful Open-Air Style". The other classes held some noteworthy surprises. Rare automobiles from the 1920’s to the 1970’s divided into 8 more classes defined the competition, amongst them such finds as entry number 32, a Czech Tatra built in 1939, competing in Class C, the "Art of Streamline", or the compact Moretti 750 Grand Sport with entry number 42 in Class D: "Little Jewels" in the competition. Built in 1954, it was once driven by well-known playboy Porfirio Rubiros, competing in rallies in the US (only 8 of these still exist).

At Lake Como, however, it was not about winning the Cup but attending this prestigious gathering and celebrating the mystique of historic cars. Keen to exhibit their treasures, the attendees were enthusiastic to be part of the spirited atmosphere and honoured to be invited by the jury to show their cars to the international audience.

Full results of 2012's winners can be viewed on the Roll of Honour