The "Heritage of Italian Lifestyle" at the Palazzo di Varignana.
Corrado and Elena Lopresto's 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring won the esteemed "Best of Show" title in the first Concorso d'Eleganza Varignana 1705 competition, which was place at the Palazzo di Varignana in Bologna, Italy.
This award had two historical significances: firstly, it was the first vehicle competition of its kind to be held in the center of the famous Italian Motor Valley; secondly, it was the 300th prize won by the well-known collector Corrado Lopresto.
A distinguished panel of automotive experts, comprising Dr. Gianni Mercatali and Dr. Alessandra Giorgetti, eminent figures in international automotive juries, Eng. Lorenzo Ramaciotti, a former head of Pininfarina design and President of the Villa d'Este Elegance Competition, and President of the Jury Stefano Pasini, a renowned author of over thirty automotive books, painstakingly deliberated in the lavish setting of Palazzo di Varignana's Royal Train before choosing the winners in each category.
1939 Alfa Romeo 6c 2500S Berlinetta Touring
The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring was praised by the judges for its exceptional design, extensive history, and painstaking restoration that has kept the vehicle in immaculate condition. It even retains its original license plate and registration document, which identify it as belonging to Prince Caetani. Out of the twenty-three exquisitely chosen cars from all around the automotive globe that were on display, the automobile won the most awards for its amazing designs and deep histories.
The climax came on Saturday night at a private supper held in the Palazzo Bentivoglio's exquisite rooms. A very moved Corrado Lopresto said, "Everyone's desire is to win best in show. I'm thrilled to have taken part in the inaugural edition of this event, which I think will set a new standard for the worldwide elegance competition circuit."
Alongside other remarkable winners, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring also took first place in the "Pre-war Elegance" competition. The 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, driven by Luca Patron, is a noteworthy example of one of the final four Alfa Romeos built by English coachbuilder James Young. It won the "Heroic Races" class.
1950 FIAT 1100 E Vistotal
A beautiful 1950 FIAT 1100 E Vistotal by Silvia Nicolis from the Nicolis Museum in Verona was the star of the "Italian Fine Gems" class. The "Vistotal" panoramic windscreen, a representation of 1930s design, and the transparent plexiglass steering wheel were only two of the fine elements included in this custom design by Milan-based Carrozzeria Castagna.
Andrea Baroni's 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso won the "Great Class Sports Car" prize, outperforming others with its grace and beauty.
Gianmarco Rossi's 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider, which was unique in the "Grit & Style" category because of its Resinflex inside and uncommon Pininfarina hard top, was included.
Last but not least, Lorenzo Matteucci's 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL won the "German Icons" category. It is a powerful racing vehicle that has been remarkably well preserved and is instantly recognisable because of its distinctive "inca orange" paint job.
1935 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Prix
Words like passion, perfection, and obsessiveness perfectly capture the essence of the event, which was felt all weekend long at Palazzo di Varignana. Echoing the words of Enzo Ferrari, President of the Jury Stefano Pasini stressed that "The car is an expression of freedom".
The Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) President, Alberto Scuro, emphasised the significance of preserving these historical gems' authenticity in all contexts—on the road, the racecourse, or during historical reenactments. The Concorso d'Eleganza Varignana 1705 attracted participants and aficionados from all over the world by evolving beyond its original purpose as a competition and into a celebration of beauty, elegance, and a common enthusiasm for motors.
Palazzo di Varignana, an elegant resort tucked away in the picturesque Bolognese hills, further cemented its status as a sanctuary of Italian hospitality and culinary quality, representing the "Heritage of Italian Lifestyle" with its remarkable and fascinating environment.
Alessandro Maccaferri's 1993 Porsche 964 Speedster was given the "Spirit of Varignana" trophy in honour of this ethos, as it best captured the distinctive personality influenced by the Palazzo di Varignana and matched the lifestyle it symbolises.