With its second edition less than two months away, the event’s organisers have released details of the enthralling ensemble of pre-1973 automobiles that will grace the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 between September 27-29 and September 2024.
Each model represents a genre-defining moment in automobile history and was painstakingly selected by a highly esteemed panel of global automotive experts for its pinnacle design values, purity of provenance, and exquisitely executed engineering.
A total of 30 automobiles will be presented in the beautiful setting of Palazzo di Varignana against the majestic backdrop of the Bolognese Hills. Seven internationally renowned automotive critics and leading authorities will judge the automobiles across several classes: Prima Del Temporale (Pre-War Period), Eccellenze Di Stoccarda (Excellence from Stuttgart), Il Meglio Di Motor Valley (The Best of Motor Valley), and British Postcards.
The members of the jury for the 2024 edition are Stefano Pasini, the President of the Jury and renowned author of over 30 automotive books; Stephen Bayley, architect, writer and contributor to Octane magazine; Alessandra Giorgetti, the Vice President of Registro Internazionale Touring Superleggera, François Melcion the Director of Retromobile Paris, Gianni Mercatali, legendary luxury communications and business leader, Lorenzo Ramaciotti, the former Group Chief of Design at Fiat Group Automobiles, overseeing design for all the Fiat Group brands and Peter Read, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Committee.
As with the successful inaugural event last year, the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 has attracted numerous collectors, indicating how firmly the event is now established in the global luxury automotive calendar.
Museo Nicolis, Benz 8-20 Jadgwagen del 1914. Photo by Ivano Mercanzin.
Those bringing venerated examples from their exceptional car curations include Silvia Nicolis, with the 1914 Benz 8/20PS Jadewagen, which normally resides in the Nicolis Museum amongst hundreds of other exhibits. Featuring a beguiling coach-built body by Schebera, a company in Heilbronn, not far from Stuttgart, the 8/20PS Jadewagen was originally ordered by an Indian Maharaja.
The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 organisers are also delighted to welcome Corrado Lopresto and his family back. After winning Best in Show last year, they have released back to the event the fabled 1947 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Coupe Touring (below) from their collection.
Fully restored in 2017, the car is one of just five prototypes built by Isotta Fraschini between 1947 and 1959 to revive the brand.
One very special automotive ‘guest’ attending the event is the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815, essentially a Ferrari and arguably the ‘first’ Ferrari in all but name. Upon leaving Alfa Romeo in 1939, Enzo Ferrari was legally bound not to use his name on any motorcar or company for four years, so he founded Auto Avio Costruzioni in Turin instead. While the company’s main purpose was to produce milling machines and aircraft parts, it soon also ventured into the automotive sector.
Auto Avio Costruzioni produced only two cars, both spiders, one long-tail and one short-tail, utilising the chassis and eight-cylinder in-line engine of the Fiat 508C. Sadly, the long-tail version was destroyed, but happily, the short-tail version survived. It once belonged to the great driver Alberto Ascari and is now in the custody of collector Mario Righini, who is bringing it to Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, where the organisers have established a special class of one in the car’s honour – FuoriConcorso – a special guest.
The 1966 Lamborghini Miura prototype (above), brought by German collector Dr. Gebhard, represents one of the most historically important models in the history of the House of the Raging Bull and denotes the very genesis of the supercar age. Also on display will be a somewhat later, but no less majestic, 1970 Lamborghini Miura S, a car with a rich history uncovered during its restoration.
Initially painted by Arancio Miura, the car underwent six repaints before being delivered in Rosso. The original prototype, designated 0502, was used by Lamborghini and Bertone to showcase the Miura in various colours, testing market reactions during its debut in 1966.
This prototype, which appeared at major events like the Geneva Motor Show and the Monaco Grand Prix, featured experimental elements and did not have a Lamborghini badge at the rear. Its journey through 20 colour changes reflects Lamborghini’s early production and marketing strategies. Finally, in 2011, the Miura was repainted in its original Arancio Miura, connecting its historical and aesthetic legacy.
A different take on the theme of the classic Italian supercar is presented in the muscular form of a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4 competition car. It is one of the most historically significant examples of the breed and was raced by works driver Mario Casoni, who won the Italian GT Championship and the Giro Automobilistico d’Italia with it in 1973. The car is still campaigned successfully today by its current custodian, Pietro Silva, who drives the Pantera in historic races.
A 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo with bodywork by legendary London-based coachbuilder James Young Limited, which transitioned from horse-drawn carriages to build its first car in 1908, will join the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705. The pristine condition in which the Alfa Romeo is presented belies the hard life it is often subjected to by its current owners, Umberto and Alice Galloni.
The couple regularly enthusiastically campaigned the Alfa Romeo on gruelling long-distance rallies such as the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, where they mastered the desert roads to a podium finish in 2023.
Last year, Hidetomo Kimura travelled from Japan with his stunning Fiat 750 GT MM Zagato and is back this year with an equally captivating 1950 Fiat 1100 Ghia.
Every single one of the thirty automobiles selected could be described as a highlight vehicle. Further notable models include two magnificent Ferraris, a 1966 330 GTC and a 1967 275 GTB4. A Maserati 3500 Vignale Spyder and a Mercedes 300 SL Roadster represent two markedly different but equally delectable approaches to sublime open-top touring, while a Bugatti Type 35 and a 1925 Bentley 3-Litre pour fresh fuel on the eternal debate over the most iconic automobile of the 1920s.
Making his debut at the event is Alessandro Squarzi. World-renowned as a key opinion leader in the style and fashion industry, Squarzi has a lifelong passion for all things vintage, including the magnificent 1955 Porsche Speedster (above) he brings to Palazzo di Varignana. Other displayed examples of the hallowed Stuttgart marque include a 1955 Porsche Speedster Pre-A and a 1973 Carrera RS 2.7.
Carlo Gherardi, Founder of Palazzo di Varignana, commented, “Last year, we were left almost short of words at the magnificent response to the first Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, the kindness of the collectors who supported us, the quality of the automobiles on display, the knowledge of the judges and the sheer enthusiasm of all who attended.
“This year, the sheer number and unsurpassed quality of the cars will enable us to raise the bar even higher. Once again, we look forward to welcoming our guests through the gates of the Palazzo di Varignana as we come together to celebrate the very highest level of automotive design and engineering and the great passion we all share for the finest automobiles on the planet.”
Supported by Lallier Champagne and Bper Banca and endorsed by the Motor Valley Association and Automotoclub Storico Italiano, the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 will provide a weekend of unsurpassed automotive splendour for collectors, enthusiasts, and aficionados as it draws the European Concours season to a stunning conclusion.
For more information on the event and for anyone wishing to purchase limited tickets, please visit www.palazzodivarignana.com.
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