Lancia Astura series II berlinetta Castagna 1933 prize winner as best in show.
Story and photos by Alessandro Gerelli
The Concorso Villa d’Este was held on May 20-22. Saturday’s competitive event is held at the Villa d’Este, and on Sunday, all the cars are shown in the nearby Villa Erba; this day is open to the public.
While often confusing, the official definition is Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, while Villa Erba is a location within the show.
The Concorso Villa d’Este has a very long history since 1929, but only recently a new class “Concept Cars and Prototypes” was included in the show.
This year I looked at the new creations of a make or of a coachbuilder, and compared them with their original or older cars in the same show.
Of course there are the pictures of the many other jewels shown in the crowded court of Villa Erba, where I took the following images on Sunday.
Old and New
Alpine Vision coupé 2 seater by Renault, 2016.
Alpine Renault A110, 1973.
Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept, 2016.
Aston Martin V8 Zagato, 1985.
Aston Martin DB 4 GT Zagato, 1961.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Virtual racing coupé, 2015.
Bugatti 57 SC Atalante, 1937.
Pininfarina H2 Speed, 2016.
Ferrari Testarossa spider Pininfarina, 1986.
Bentley Speciale coupé Pininfarina, 1968.
Maserati A6 GCS berlinetta Pinin Farina, 1954. Prize winner as best in show..
Lancia Astura Series IV convertible by Pinin Farina, 1937.
The interior of the Lancia.
Some elegant tools in the back of the Astura.
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring, 2016. Winner of the design award for concept and prototype cars.
The rear of the Alfa Disco Volante.
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport coupé, Touring, 1944.
Lamborghini Athon roadster by Bertone, 1980.
The dashboard and steering wheel of the Athon.
Lancia Stratos by Bertone, 1975. Winner of the young people prize.
Other Jewels
Maserati 200 SI by Fantuzzi, 1957.
Alfa Romeo RL Normale, 1925.
Ferrari 250 GT coupé Boano 1956.
Siata 208 S spider, Motto, 1954.
Fiat Moretti 850 Sportiva SS, 1968.
Porsche 550 RS with an original wing, 1955.
Facel Vega Facel II, 1962.
Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa, 1964.
Bizzarrini GT Europa 1900, 1968.
Mazda RX Vision coupé, 2015.
Dual Ghia covertible, 1957.
Fiat 8V Supersonic coupé, Ghia, 1954.
The back of the Supersonic with its big bumpers.
Lancia Aurelia B52 cabriolet, Vignale, 1953.
Ferrari 225 S spider, Vignale, 1952.
Ferrari 250 Europa coupé Vignale, 1953.
Lopresto’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ coupé Zagato, 1961. Winner of best preserved vehicle prize.
Work in progress on the Giulietta SZ.
I’ve never seen a best in class winner listed as “best in show in its class.” It’s confusing, as there is “best in.class” and “best in show.” Why was it described that way?
The bumpers on the 8V Supersonic coupe, Ghia probably have Giovanni Savonuzzi turning over in his grave. The car owner gets the Bozo award.
I had read somewhere else that the wing on the Porsche 550 was added by Michael May one year after the car was delivered to the original owner.
As an answer to Mr. Katz, yes the two Best in Show awards is confusing, but the Lancia won at the Saturday event at Erba and was by Public Vote, the PF Maser won at Villa d’ Este on the Sunday event by the official judges for the event. The two estates are next to one another.
Thank you Denton!
Ed.
Just to be precise: the Maserati has won the best in show prize from the jury on Saturday at Villa d’Este, while the Lancia won the public best in show at Villa Erba on Sunday.
From Alessandro Gerelli
The Porsche 550 with the wing does have an Italian connection. It was the brainchild of Michael May who later worked for Ferrari, I believe on fuel injection.
To clean up the confusing judgments: The Lancia Astrua S2 Berlinetta won the Coppa d’Oro as best of show by public referendum on Saturday at Villa d’Este; the Maserati A6GCS/53 Pinin Farina was best of show by the jury.