Anantara Concorso Roma: A Grand Celebration of Classic Automotive Wonders

Without a doubt, Italy stands as an authentic symbol of the golden age of automobiles. Legendary brands like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Lamborghini, and OSCA — just to mention the immediate post-war period — along with renowned coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Zagato, Bertone, and Italdesign, represent the pinnacle of a profession that remains unforgettable, with their masterpieces displayed in the world’s most prestigious collections.

What city could be more fitting than Rome — an eternal symbol of the greatness of an empire that shaped Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — to provide the magical backdrop for a Concours d’Elegance destined to become a must-attend annual event?

Anantara Concorso Roma will take place in Rome from April 24 to 27 in two truly magical locations: Piazza della Repubblica and Villa Borghese.

As is often the case — the Romans themselves used to say "nemo propheta in patria" (no one is a prophet in their own land) — the idea came from a famous American collector of classic cars who built a prestigious hospitality empire starting in Thailand: William Heinecke. A man of remarkable taste and vision — one only needs to look at the magnificence of his hotels and resorts — who recognized the necessity for an event of this stature to exist.

The Concours, scheduled from April 24 to 27, will unfold in two breathtaking locations: the grand Piazza della Repubblica, where the festive Fountain of the Naiads — nymphs who safeguard the waters — stands at the heart of the square, surrounded by the majestic and refined Anantara Hotel from William Heinecke’s luxury chain. Meanwhile, Villa Borghese will host the public car exhibition in the picturesque area of Casina Valadier, which overlooks Piazza del Popolo. Simply magnificent.

Fifty exceptional cars, ranging from 1902 to the early 2000s, are registered for Anantara Concorso Roma, making this first edition truly unmissable.

Magnificent — just like the extraordinary automobiles competing in the Concours, which will be judged by an esteemed international jury led by Adolfo Orsi Jr., a descendant of the family that helped shape Maserati’s legendary status. The selection of the fifty accepted cars was an incredibly rigorous process, given that the number of applicants far exceeded the available spots.

The event has already demonstrated strong international appeal, with 50% of participating collectors coming from the United States and Asia, 40% from Europe, and 10% from Italy — an impressive turnout for its inaugural year.

Adolfo Orsi Jr., chief judge of Anantara Concorso Roma, seated at the wheel, surrounded by organizers Giles Selves, Jeremy Jackson-Sytner, and Francesco Mennella.

The lineup features only the rarest and most exceptional automobiles, many of which are unique. Among them: the Ferrari 275 P, which triumphed at Le Mans in 1963; the Lamborghini Miura — specifically, the very car that starred in The Italian Job; the Alfa Romeo 20-30 HP from 1920; and the Maserati MC12, the dominant force in the European GT Championship. The full list has yet to be revealed, but these few names already set the tone for an extraordinary event.

One thing is certain: for those who recall the timeless film Roman Holiday, resisting the temptation to attend will be nearly impossible. So, see you there!

The Miura P400 #3586 from The Italian Job will be one of the featured cars—an unmissable opportunity for enthusiasts to admire it up close.