Polish Concours of Elegance – Rozalin 2022
CLASSIC CAR SEASON FINALE, LIKE NEVER BEFORE
The first weekend of October marked a classic car event the Polish automotive scene has never seen before. Evolving from a concept called Varsopolis, the Polish Concours of Elegance (Konkurs Elegancji) celebrated its sixth edition and for the third consecutive time transformed the Rozalin Palace into a vintage motoring Mecca.
Even the weather turned out to be a petrolhead’s ally on this special day. Despite a rainy night and a very damp, cloudy morning, the skies cleared with every minute. By the time the gates opened for visitors, the autumn sun has paid a surprising visit, too. It invited everyone to sip champagne and lead passionate discussions amongst an array of splendidly picked automobiles.
GREAT SELECTION OF CARS IN THREE CLASSES
The exhibition lawn in front of the Palace welcomed thirty cars split into three classes - Elegance, Sport and Open – covering an impressive time span from 1934 all the way to 1991. That counts as 57 years of automotive history with some really interesting vehicles included, all very well described by hosts Patryk Mikiciuk and Anna Ganczarek-Ral.
In the Elegance class, one could admire a wonderfully yellow yet distinguished 1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 Convertible, parked right next to a three year older Mercedes 230N roadster. The patina and smell of original leather seats of the latter worked like a true time-machine! Another gem was a very unusual 1936 Cord 810. Whilst its look is considered quite controversial by many, this exhibit’s style and condition was unquestionable and therefore awarded best in class trophy. Interestingly, the model’s upgraded version – a supercharged Cord 812 Phateon – also claimed a prize at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
The Palace welcomed thirty cars covering an impressive time span from 1934 all the way to 1991!
The Sports class had some strong headliners, too! There were two Porsche 356 – a Speedster and a tuned coupe, followed by a 1991 Porsche 964 and a BMW 3.0 CS E9. Much more exotic a sight was brought by Bizzarrini 5300GT Corsa. A quintessential Italian sports gran tourer, although this particular model required a bit more work to achieve concours perfection. The best in class trophy went home with a well-used British racing green 1965 Jaguar D-Type. Its owner drives it regularly and covered many long trips in it, making the car even more impressive. Just feel the vibe of the cockpit with classy blue Sabelt safety harness!
Lastly, the Open class gathered the remainder of the stake formed by more common vehicles representing various types and eras. They ranged from 1964 Jaguar 3.8 Mark X, through the French goddess – the Citroen DS, all the way to Porsche 944, Ferrari 348 and Mercedes W124 AMG Wagon from the 90s. A winner in this class came as a huge surprise to me… for it was my 1970 Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce. I was honoured to partake in a concours but to be awarded was beyond my expectations. Well done, Giulia, here’s to many road trips together!
THE SHOW-STEALER WAS ONE AND SHINING BRIGHT
There was just one more car. It was the centrepiece of the event and I do not think there was a slightest doubt of it not claiming the Grand Prix as Best of Show. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic. It is a car which already has international concours experience, winning its class (Faster, Quieter, Smoother: Heroes of the Jet Age) at the aforementioned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2017.
It was an extraordinary sight for everyone in Rozalin and it is well justified. Depending on the source, Carrozzeria Ghia built between eight and thirteen Supersonic bodies based on the noble platform of Fiat 8V, with three more assembled using the construction of a Jaguar XK120. What a rare sight and what a privilege to admire such a historical coachbuilding masterpiece at very local premises.
Carrozzeria Ghia built between eight and thirteen Supersonic bodies based on the noble platform of Fiat 8V!
The car on display was the second ever build and the only one with a number plate holder decorated by small replicas of two afterburners. Nice detail! Its presentation was a spectacular show during which its modest owner told several interesting stories about the car, demonstrated the immaculate engine bay and started the V8 motor, which rumbled amazingly. It was a truly memorable moment for the Polish classic car scene and one to remember for many years to come!
JUST SHARE YOUR PASSION!
As with all great automotive events the foundation is laid by the people who share the same passion. Polish Concours of Elegance was by no means different with a slight change of me actually knowing quite a lot of participants and having many friends around. It made celebrating this classic car feast ever so enjoyable, but I also took a good look around outside my bubble.
The entire venue was filled with joy and happiness. Loud chatter and discussions about various vehicles filled the air, people were making new connections when waiting for that next cup of espresso or refreshing bonds with friends over a tasty cocktail. The event was closed to the public and therefore the crowd was limited, resulting in cosy, almost intimate atmosphere all throughout the day.
The atmosphere felt cosy or even intimate at times, with passionate automotive chatter filling the air!
Organisers and sponsors provided with quite a few attractions. Visitors could try calligraphy, listen to a piano concert, watch a car-related movie or admire various car displays – and of these there were two! Firstly, amongst other models, BMW has contrasted a vintage 326 Sedan with top of the modern line - the i7 limousine. What a striking difference of the times! For the second display, Porsche restorer and modifier CarBone brought across three 911s, which I captured in a separate shoot with Paulina (vel Janiukova) as a model. Check it out here!
KEEP RAISING THE BAR
After the official part was over, there was a banquet for all participants and invited guests. Then it was the time to just enjoy a selection of tasteful foods and sip a glass of good wine whilst continuing on catching up with friends and like-minded passionates. Automotive emotions settled as the 6th Edition of the Polish Concours of Elegance slowly but surely came to an end.
Without a doubt it was the best event of such kind ever organised in Poland. Fantastic people, great atmosphere and the selection of cars crowned by a World-class participant in form of the Fiat 8V Supersonic firmly established this concours on the local automotive map. At the same time there is still work to be done to come close to the European and World concours’ scene. Thankfully, this year has shown that the steps taken by the organisers are ones in the right direction!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
