A Look at Lugano

Story and photos by Paul Sable

After attending as a judge over 200 concours during the past 30 years, including 20 years at Pebble, 28 at Amelia plus a host of others, I have come to know many American and European cars. So, since I was invited to attend the 3rd Lugano Concours (held 17 May 2024) in Switzerland as a judge (with the added benefit of being a spectator at Villa d’Este), I accepted the invitation.

I was really looking forward to seeing some unique and perhaps rare cars that I have never seen before. Plus my wife and I have never been to Switzerland, and Villa d’Este was a real treat. Here is an overview of this unique and enjoyable concours event, which has never been the subject of an article in VeloceToday.

The Lugano event was spectacular. The quantity of cars (under 70) was delightful, which were displayed in connecting plazas in the beautiful city of Lugano. I was truly moved by a few things:
• The beautiful plazas with shops, restaurants and the display of cars, all on red carpets.
• It was truly a community event (no tickets or fees) with families and car enthusiasts seeing fan cars and having fun. A very informal and enjoyable affair.
• The quality of the cars was excellent with the classes well represented.
• Our hosts treated the judges royally and, in fact, had a period bus to transport us to the many events they had scheduled. The spectators, vendors, administration and participants were all very friendly and enthusiastic.
• But for me, seeing and experiencing cars I have never seen before and, in fact, a few I never knew existed, was a highlight. My favorite car that I failed to take a picture of was a 1937 Mercedes Benz 500 K, built by Graber and all original and in the same family since new. The elderly gentleman was delightful to talk to and he drove his car to the show. Seeing three custom coach work Lancias was amazing and the Ferrari Class was superb.

Of 30 judges (at least 10 from the US) judging 10 classes, this was one concours that they all enjoyed and they also were impressed with the diversity and quality of cars. The show was fun and that is how I would describe the entire weekend.

I judged the cars by Graber class, which were fantastic and some are highlighted in the photos. The Swiss Graber is not as well known as Ghia, Pininfarina, etc. but did great and exciting coachwork. They also had a Mercedes Benz Gullwing class with 6 of the best MB 300SL’s I have ever seen, all years, all colors and all top quality.

Allow me to share with you some of the unique cars that I favored due to their rarity, uniqueness, or coachbuilders.

Please welcome Paul Sable, a retired University Professor and now a full time Car Guy. He has been a Chief Judge or Honorary Chief Judge at 80 Concours events around the world. He is currently writing a book with Geoffrey Hacker about hand made cars of the 40s and 50s, and is an acknowledged expert on Ghia.