Story and Photos by Jonathan Sharp
Mathias Doutreleau’s Concours d’Elegance Suisse, held on June 18-19, 2022, will probably be the hottest Concours of the year. By hot I mean 36 Degrees centigrade (96.8 Fahrenheit) hot, and burning sun all day long. More of a laid-back garden party than a formal concours. the event is held annually at the Chateau Coppet located on the shores of Lake Geneva, about a 15-minute train ride from Geneva.
The medieval Chateau was founded around 1280 by Humbert IV of Thoire and Villars. Stormed and burned by the Bernese in 1536 during the conquest of the Pays de Vaud only the south wing of the original medieval building remains. The chateau was acquired in 1657 by Frederick Burgrave of Dohna who together with his son remodeled the chateau in a classic U shape. Jacques Necker, Genevan banker and former minister to Louis XVI, King of France, acquired the chateau in 1784 for use as his summer residence and descendants of his family still live in the chateau.
Whilst the main Concours is held on the Sunday the event starts on the Saturday with a tour for entrants which this year travelled from Coppet to Corseaux for lunch, before returning to Coppet late in the afternoon in time for an evening drinks party. On Sunday morning many of the attendees enjoyed a live presentation (in French obviously) ‘the birth of a car’ by Piero Stroppa, a designer for Bertone between 1965 and 1969, on the design methods and model conceptions used during that time.
Piero Stroppa makes a point during his lecture. I understand it was very informative, but it was in French!
In addition to the classes being judged the event also showcased a homage to Bertone to celebrate the styling house’s 110th birthday. Such is the multi lingual nature of the Country the MC for the event was the entertaining Peter Wallman who did a sterling job in keeping the attendees well informed and engaged. This was the first time I had attended the event having first heard about it back in about 2017 whilst attending Retromobile so even having to suffer a 16-hour flight delay returning to the UK would I attend again? Yes, I think I would.
Robert Temperli’s 1949 Saoutchik bodied Delahaye 135M from the L’Elegance European 1945 – 1955 class.
1949 Saoutchik bodied Delahaye 135M
From the Art & Precision Les Carrossiers Suisse class, Jean Marc Robert’s 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring – Graber.
Rene Noppel’s 1965 ASA 100 GT was not judged in the Carrozzeria Bertone 110 and de style class.
The new Lamborghini LPI 800-4. Gandini may not like it but I think it looks great in orange.
From the L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939 class, Philippe Douchet’s 1930 Alfa Romeo 1750GS Zagato.
Another side of Philippe Douchet’s 1930 Alfa Romeo 1750GS Zagato.
Displayed as part of the Carrozzeria Bertone 110 and de style, from a private collection, 1977 Lancia Stratos Safari alongside Samuel Guignard’s 1981 Fiat X/19.
Anthony Colle’s 1954 Delahaye 135MS Faget-Varnet Varnet winner of the L’Elegance Europeenne 1945 – 1955 class and the Grand Prix du Concours d E’legance Suisse best in show award. Three more views are below.
1971 Lamborghini Miura S from a Swiss Private collection ‘Carrozzeria Bertone 110 ans de Style’
From the L’Elegance De Ville 1930 – 1939 class, Florian Koepfer’s 1937 Peugeot 201M.
1937 Peugeot 201M.
Marco Gastaldi’s 1951 Lancia Aurelia B52 Bertone.
Lancia Bertone dash.
1951 Lancia Aurelia B52 Bertone.
From Martin Waltz’s Volante Collection, 1951 Delahaye 135 M Gascogne Dubos
1951 Delahaye 135 M Gascogne Dubos
Delahaye engine shot.
From L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939 class, Markus Andre’s 1935 Mercedes Benz 290 A by Lang.
1935 Mercedes Benz 290 A by Lang.
Eric Sage’s 1927 Delage D1, L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939 class.
From the collection Herve, Suisse 1924 Avions-Voisin C24. From the Avions-Voisin 103 Anniversaire class
From Avions-Voisin 103 Anniversaire class, 1928 Avions-Voisin C14 lumineuse from the Fondation Hervé Collection..
Matthias Palm’s 1939 Maybach SW38 Peters & Sohne.
From the Art & Precision: Les carrossiers suisses class, From a collection privee, 1937 Talbot Lago T15 Worblaufen – Fritz Ramseier & Cie.
Duse Automobiles, Suisse’s 1935 Nash 400 from the L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939.
Christoph Grohe’s 1962 Alvis Graber Special, Art & Precision Les Carrossiers Suisse.
1957 Fiat 600 Viotti(G Michelotti), Christian Hartmann, Little Dream class.
Fiat Viotti
Another Little Dream, Bernard Naef’s 1948 Fiat Topolino 500B
1939 Lagonda V12, L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939, from AGP Diffusion SA.
From L’Elegance Sportive 1920 – 1939, AGP Diffusion’s 1935 Alvis Speed 20 SC Vanden Plas
From L’Elegance de Ville 1930 – 1939, Rolls Royce Phantom 1, From a collection privee (Suisse)
During the morning the visitors and entrants were treated to a presentation by Piero Stroppa who had worked in the design department of Bertone during the 1960s and had a hand in the design of the Miura and Alfa Romeo Montreal.
lo and behold
Click below for a PDF with complete results
Congratulations to Mathias Doutreleau for the success of this exceptional show of beauties, and Piero Stroppa for his precious insight over the Italian genious of the sixties. Wish I had been there ! Switzerland has a lot of treasures to offer in its unique landscapes, of which the vineyards along the Lake of Geneva are the most outstanding.
Salute to my friend Alberto Mastelli who was there too as a membe r of the Jury : the choice must have been hectic !
Great to see photos of cars and shows that we will never be able to see in person. Thank you so much!