Lake Como, a destination typically associated with serenity, luxury, and beauty, annually hosts one of the most prestigious and exclusive events, not only for car-fanatics, but also for those who want an insight into some of the world’s most luxurious buys. The elegance of the classic cars displayed at the annual Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este is further accentuated by the beauty of its surroundings, on the shore of the regal Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, Cernobbio in Lake Como, as the sun and its rays highlight the features of these masterpieces.

If the destination itself wasn’t glamorous enough, the atmosphere of the event invites guests with high-style and class, almost as if one has been lifted into another era, surrounded by classic cars, and gentlemen in their appropriate attire of bow ties and pocket squares. Each of the 52 cars on show, which together span eight decades of history, boasts its own story and secrets, welcoming other vintage car enthusiasts to revel in its glory. Perhaps the most magnificent include the red Ferrari 275 GTB/4 which belonged to Steve McQueen, ‘The King of Cool’, and the Ferrari 330 GTC which belonged to Marcello Mastroianni, another iconic movie star. To add to the indulgence, there is also a Lamborghini driven by Princess Grace of Monaco, and Elvis Presley’s own BMW roadster.

Since 1929, this event has been held in the same extravagant location, under the sponsorship of the BMW group. Each year, the historic cars are judged by the elite group of visitors who travel from around the world to appreciate these delights, as well as a word-famous jury led by their President, Lorenzo Ramaciotti, an Italian car designer himself, and responsible for brands including Alfa Romeo and Maserati. The eight categories he will carefully and exclusively select from include Hypercars of the 1990s and Pre-War Roadsters. Applications to enter the competition this year have already opened, which generates speculation on which automobiles from a range of eras of vehicle and musical history will be highlighted at the prestigious event as unique masterpieces and rare gems.

Last year, under the motto ‘The Symphony of Engines – 90 years of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este & BMW Automobiles’, David Sydorick, American car connoisseur, was awarded ‘Best of Show’, and received the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, for his 1937 two door coupé – a captivating piece epitomizing style and class. Chic and sophisticated, Sydorick’s valuable is only one of the many on display surpassing $1 million, a figure of course excluding unique creations such as the $12.5 million Bugatti La Voiture Noire.

The official opening of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este takes place on Friday 22^nd May 2020. Yet the excitement will continue to mount throughout preparations, as the vehicles will be showcased on Saturday morning in the exclusive gardens of the Grand Hotel. The presentations will be lavish and extravagant as always, whilst the stories of each car that the owners will share will offer a deeper insight into the life behind these masterpieces. Tickets for the exclusive extraordinaire begin at $550 per person, however, for those who prefer a lower price for the priceless viewings, the general public can sneak a peak of the cars and motorcycles on public days. On the final day of the event, a procession will be staged nearby, where the public will be offered the incredible opportunity to closely inspect the jewels, often intermingled with famous faces, designers and renowned icons.

Another iconic event not to be missed is the Concorso di Motociclette, which will celebrate its 10^th anniversary this May. The motorcycles displayed offer a one of a kind experience and tell their own stories, reflecting those of their owners, and capturing the speculation of those who come to visit. Both the Concorso di Motociclette and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este offer a one of a kind beauty pageant like no other, the peak of luxury, elegance and prestige.