CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE

The glamorous shores of Italy’s Lake Como set the scene for this historic and exclusive automobile event (26-28th May) and president Ulrich Kneips, Head of BMW Group Classic shares the best way to enjoy it

THE EVENT

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

(www. concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com) is one of the world’s most exclusive and traditional heritage events for historic automobiles and motorcycles which will be held once more on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was held for the first time in 1929 – at the time it was still a show for new launches in the automobile sector. For many years, BMW Group Classic has been working together with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este as the organiser of the pageant of illustrious rare vehicles.

AMBIANCE

The event will be held at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, which is one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. The pure and classic elegance of this venue makes the Concorso so special. A selection of the finest and rarest classic cars will be on display at the hotel’s park – for me there is no better location to admire these wonderful vehicles.

RUB SHOULDERS WITH

At the Concorso, we welcome our entrants, car collectors from all over the world owning some of the most spectacular automobiles and motorcycles on the globe. Accompanied by the “Friends of Concorso”, the entrants enjoy the event during the weekend, staying in exclusive company. At the grounds of Villa Erba, which is situated only a few hundred metres away from Villa d’Este, everyone is welcome to buy a day ticket and visit various car and motorcycle exhibitions, as well as an auction held by the well-known auction house, RM Sotheby’s.

AFTER DARK

On Saturday night, the entrants and Friends of Concorso will enjoy a special dinner, which is dedicated to this year’s motto, “Around the World in 80 Days – Voyage through an Era of Records”. On this special evening, the guests dress as if they were part of the novel written by Jules Verne in the 19th century.

FIVE STARS

Without any doubt, the best place to stay is the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este where all participants and Friends of Concorso stay during the event. (Via Regina, 40; +39 031 3481; www.villadeste.com).

DINE ON

At the weekend gourmets can enjoy the cuisine of the renowned chefs of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este. On Saturday night at the Motto-Dinner, we cooperate with local caterers under the supervision of multiple-awarded German chef Otto Geisel. Guests visiting the public days at Villa Erba will find several caterers in the park selling mostly Italian snacks.

WEAR

During the day there is no real dress code but as of the elegant character of this event, you will not find one guest dressed too casually. Some our guests often adapt their wardrobe to their cars.

A REAL HIGHLIGHT IS THE PARADE OF THE CARS AND MOTORCYCLES WHICH TAKES PLACE ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, ALL PARTICIPATING VEHICLES PARADE IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL VILLA D’ESTE TO BE SHOWN TO THE GUESTS AND THE JURY. FOR THE PUBLIC AT VILLA ERBA, IT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN THE PARK. ALL CARS WILL BE PRESENTED BY A HOST, WHO TELLS THE HISTORY ABOUT EVERY PARTICULAR CAR TO THE AUDIENCE.