It was once said that that the Concorso d'Eleganza in the Villa d’Este is the closet place to heaven on earth. There is magic in the air and a fabulous atmosphere as invited guests can view some of the most beautiful cars in the world next to the sparkling waters of Lago di Como.
Some of the highlights of the event included the one-off Ferrari Superamerica 45, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, Delage D8 S, Ferrari 212 Export, Siata 400 F Berlinetta, Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Scaglietti, Delage D8 S, Ferrari 212 Export, Siata 400 F Berlinetta, Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Scaglietti and a Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Berlinetta.
“Our aim was to take this long-established event into new territory while preserving its character,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. “The main initiative we introduced to give people extra opportunity to visit the Concorso was the addition of a second Public Day,” continued Baumer. Dr Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este.
William Loughran Ltd was represented in the Concorso d'Eleganza by displaying the last DB4GT Zagato to be produced. This Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and desirable classic cars of today, only 19 were produced between 1960 and 1963. 50 years-on and the “Concept Cars and Prototypes” category, was won by the new Aston Martin Zagato celebrating its world premiere at the Villa d’Este.
The new V12 Zagato was launched over the weekend and Aston Martin have officially stated that they will produce a number for road production, the car is based on a V12 Vantage. This is a project by Aston’s chief designer Marek Reichman and the Zagato coach house company.
The original idea to build this car was to compete in GT level racing and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aston’s first collaboration with the Italian company Zagato – the DB4GT Zagato.
It has a V12 motor in standard tune producing 510bhp with a roll cage and stripped-out bodyshell. This helps the car get from 0-62mph in less than four seconds. The chassis features a retuned version of the regular V12 Vantage’s double-wishbone suspension. The V12 Zagato will make its racing debut at the VLN four-hour race at the Nürburgring, where it will feature a more extreme aerodynamic package.
The CEO of Aston Martin Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of roadgoing V12 Zagatos.”
Another model making its debut at the event was the BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled by the Bavarian company to mark the 75th birthday of its iconic BMW 328 sports car from the 1930s.
