This year’s prestigious Concourso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este under the name “The Symphony of Engine”, which took place from May 24th to 26th in the town of Cernobbio near Como Lake, celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. On September 1, 1929, the “beauty” competition of the then new cars was organized in the same place for the first time. In mid-80s, the event got its present form selection of the most beautiful oldtimer. In 1999, BMW took over the patronage of the event, and since 2005, together with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the entire organization of this world-famous event.
The selection of the most beautiful car was launched in 1929 just in the park in front of the Villa d’Este. The photos were most likely created in the thirties. Photo: Villa d’Este
This year’s big winner of the oldtimer car race was American David Sydorick with the Alfa Romeo, 8C 2900B, Berlinetta, Touring, 1937. He won the Tofeo BMW Group category as the most beautiful automobile by the jury and won the “Best of Show” award at the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B is one of the 30 vehicles of this series of Milan’s manufacturer, in production from 1937 to 1940, in a particularly attractive configuration. The chassis of the highly successful 8C 2900 was used as a basis. The 8-cylinder engine made of lightweight metal was used for the drive. With two above-mounted camshafts and a double compressor, the engine reached 180 hp and a speed of up to 185 km/h. The chassis was available in two wheelbases, Corto (short) with 2799 mm and Lungo (long) with 3000 mm. As the first of only five long-wheelbase vehicles, the Alfo was designed by the Carrrozzeria Touring. The combination of extraordinary technology and beautifully designed bodywork is still impressive after 82 years.
Text: Georg Gedl
Photo: Georg Gedl, BMW Group Classic
