The Most Famous Concours d’Elegance: Villa d'Este and Chantilly, Refinement and Luxury

Old Europe boasts two examples of how the setting of an event can contribute to its prestige and allure: the Italian and French Concours d'Elegance.

The ancient palace of Cernobbio, on Lake Como, was initially developed as a religious site connected to the Roman Church. Located in one of the world's most beautiful places, it later became the luxurious summer residence of a Cardinal. Over the years, it hosted the Russian Tsarina, known for her lavish parties, and in 1873, it was transformed into a luxury hotel. This hotel, with continuous improvements, has become a sumptuous home for international tourists and a venue for grand events. It was here, in 1929, that the first Concorso d’Eleganza dedicated to automobiles was organized. At the time, it featured contemporary cars, admired and often purchased by attendees. After a hiatus during the war, the tradition resumed in 1949 with the victory of the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS, giving the event its name, Villa d'Este.

The splendid Villa d'Este hosted the first Concorso d'Eleganza in 1929 in one of Italy's most beautiful spots on Lake Como.

Since the 1990s, Villa d'Este has become an annual Concours d'Elegance dedicated to classic collector cars. The number of participation requests far exceeds the available spots: only 50, slightly increased by BMW's sponsorship with a class dedicated to concept cars and prototypes. Entry is highly selective, even for the public and media, enhancing the event's prestige and the elegance of the attendees overlooking the lake. Besides the class awards, two coveted trophies are the Coppa d'Oro, won this year by the McLaren F1, and the Best of Show, awarded to the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, almost a tribute to the famous Italian brand.

The Best of Show 2024 at Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza was the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

Near Paris, another Concours d'Elegance embodies European refinement linked to history. The magical Château de Chantilly, with its towers and surrounding lakes, was built by Henry d'Orléans, son of France's last king, Philippe, and was always intended for art and culture. The event, organized by the brilliant Patrick Peter, combines the grandeur of the location with an event that is both highly refined and rustic, where competitors and guests enjoy elegant picnics and the cars form an open-air museum.

The magnificent Château de Chantilly in France has hosted the Concorso d'Eleganza organized by Patrick Peter since 2014.

The biennial Concours d'Elegance, scheduled for September 15, 2024, also attracts numerous brand clubs. It's a show within a show where art and entertainment bring people closer to the most refined collecting. The main awards, Best of Show, are divided into two categories: pre-war, won in 2022 by the Hispano Suiza H6C Dubonnet, and post-war, awarded to the Talbot Lago T26 GS Barchetta.

Chantilly awards two Best of Shows, one pre-war and one post-war. In 2022, the winners were the Talbot Lago T26 GS Barchetta and the Hispano Suiza H6C Dubonnet.