Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2021 - Prelude Rally
It has been a long, long wait. Firstly, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was postponed from the usual end of May to the end of October 2020. Unfortunately, with the pandemic taking its toll automotive passionates had to wait even longer - and it was not May again, it became October… 2021. This magnificent concours will be held in a closed formula, welcoming only participants, guests and press. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to visit on the public days but do not worry - we will try to get you covered with a thorough reportage!
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has its concours part held over the weekend, but there is one more important part to the tradition… On Thursday there is the participants’ touristic rally around the picturesque Lago di Como region. This year was no exception and a few dozen cars went for a drive. I managed to catch some of them on the run, forming a prelude gallery to the main event - enjoy!
Ferrari 250 GTO, 250 GT by Scaglietti and 400 Superamerica… or an Alfa Romeo “Supergioiello”?
The convoy was simply spectacular, as you might expect from probably the best concours in the world. First and foremost, there was Simon Kidston making an entrance by driving a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - chassis no 3451GT, originally delivered to Pietro Ferraro on who together with Ludovico Scarlatti won its class at the Targa Florio. Wearing the Cavallino Rampante were two other amazing vehicles - a 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Tour de France and a 400 Superamerica Aerodinamico Pininfarina Coupé. Best cars from best coachbuilders!
One could not miss a marvellous Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint “Supergioiello” closely followed by a turquoise Fiat, of which model I am not exactly sure! BMW, who continue to sponsor the event, brought few of their vehicles along for a walk. We could admire a vast selection of models, ranging from a surprising E30 M3, through a Z1 wrapping on a birthday boy - the E9 3.0 CSL celebrating its 50th anniversary. There was one more German visitor - a Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion… of which there were circa twenty produced!
All the cars together with the classic Como views and its seaplanes brought my typical Concorso-mood back! I hope you are well warmed, too! Get ready for the weekend and stay tuned!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
