The Aurora 2024 - An Automotive Festival Debut for the History Books

A NEW DESTINATION IN SCANDINAVIA

When earlier this year I saw a post about a new concours of elegance being organised close by in Sweden, I knew I cannot miss it. After all, the picturesque city of Båstad is just a two-hour drive away from Copenhagen. The plan was simple. I would pack my 1970 Alfa Romeo and embark on a short road trip across the Øresund Bridge, meeting fellow enthusiasts and checking out what the debutant has to offer.

But as the event approached, the suspense increased. Why am I seeing videos of Corrado Lopresto transporting a few of their collection vehicles? Where to? Is there another event somewhere else? Oh, and did Anders Bilidt just embark on a journey in a Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe? All of a sudden, the expectations skyrocketed and there was only one variable remaining… will the Scandinavian weather be in our favour?

INCREDIBLE JUST LIKE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Even the road to Aurora was delightful, with plenty of classic cars underway. When overtaking a Ford T and a vintage Rolls Royce on the bridge I was fairly certain we are heading to the same destination. And oh my, what a place it turned out to be! Norrvikens Trädgårdar – or simply Norrviken Gardens, if you will – is a large garden complex build north of Båstad in the early 1900s by Rudolf Abelin. Thanks to its founder’s travels, the gardens comprise of Italian Baroque, Renaissance, Oriental and Japanese inspirations and the centrepiece - Villa Abelin – operates as a gallery and restaurant. A perfect venue, if you ask me!

The event was impressive from the get-go. I was welcomed by a stunning vintage Rolls Royce Phantom, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and a rather excited crowd cornering a Ferrari 250 GT California… note we are just at the Showfield, recognised as enthusiasts’ parking. Blessed by the weather so far, we strolled through the premises struggling to keep focus. To the left there’s Motikon exhibiting the entire line-up of Testarossa evolution… including the very first specimen ever produced. To the right, BMW Classics shows a yellow 507 next to a contrasting blue 328. Lotus F1 racers to the left. Koenigsegg pavilion to the right... You get the idea! There even were two Pal-V flying-cars!

IS IT BÅSTAD OR IS IT CERNOBBIO?

Then, at the heart of the venue by Villa Abelin were the Concours vehicles. Aurora featured both vintage- and hypercars, but they were shown on the opposite sides of the water pond – both got prime spots, yet without harsh contrasts between the eras. And oh boy, were they incredible! Without a doubt, it was only a new location that helped distinguishing this event from the best of its kind, as the cars were simply spectacular. Let’s start then!

And where else could we start, other than with the gems from Lopresto Collection. I was starstruck when I first saw the 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider Aprile. Just look at these streamlined yet elegant lines, which replaced its original Zagato spider body in 1938. Note, it’s a one-off, and doubtlessly my favourite of the weekend! Not far away stood its peer – the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500S Berlinetta Castagna. This impressive tourer is the only example left of a very short production run and was extraordinarily equipped with a V12 Colombo engine. Just imagine touring in it back in the days… or now! If you are more into racing, though, you’d appreciate the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, ex Scuderia Ferrari. Simply iconic, jaw-dropping stuff!

But there was more than ‘just’ the cars from Arese! As expected from a Concours of such a class there was a 300SL Gullwing, this time with an interesting Swedish provenance and to keep it to Mercedes-Benz – a beautiful 540K. If you craved vintage class with Cavallino Rampante on the hood, Christopher Stahl had you covered. How about a brilliant combination of a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB and a pristine F40? What I could not get my eyes off, however, were the dials in a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso – to me, it’s hard to find a better layout.

When it comes to classics, I could not forget about an exceedingly rare sighting of a Lamborghini Islero S. One of only hundred ever built, here it stood, registered in Sweden. Overall, the competition was strong, but the Best of Show went to the 1955 Lancia Florida Coupe from the Lopresto Collection – present at Villa d’Este last year, now winning in Båstad.

WHEN OLD MEETS NEW

Combining the hypercar world with the vintage one is a tricky feat, but at Aurora both got an equal treatment. The hypercar menu was equally as impressive, however, my personal favourite was yet another representant from Italy, this time from Maranello. If the unusual colour sported by this LaFerrari seems to you like one coming from Zuffenhausen… bingo! It’s the very same RS Green found on Porsche’s road racer.

Out of the absolute best hypercars ever produced, including the mighty McLaren P1 or much newer Maserati MC20, the Best of Show went to the vehicle that likely started that entire craze in the first place – Bugatti Veyron, here in a bespoke Grand Sport ‘Wei Long’ edition. The white one-of-one commemorated the Year of the Dragon and was just immaculate! Outside the concours, everyone was amazed by the Rolls Royce Spectre exhibited in a very picturesque spot. It looked debonaire, and no wonder the British brand chose Norrviken Gardens for the Scandinavian premiere!

THE SWEDISH GODS OF AUTOMOTIVE… AND A PREMIERE!

Oh… and of course, there was Koenigsegg! Having the headquarters a stone’s throw away obliged and the hottest hypercar brand brought a bag of treats for everyone! At their pavilion, they whetted everyone’s appetite with an iconic, orange CCXR, to then proudly show the CC850 in which Christian von Koenigsegg arrived at the panel talks.

Behind the palace, tucked away in the VIP zone was Jesko Absolut – the very same car that broke the 0-400kmph-0 record in an unimaginable 27.83 seconds. If that did not cut it for you, here comes the unexpected. In Båstad, Koenigsegg premiered the Chimera. Taking an Agera RS body, a Jesko engine and a manual CC850 gearbox, it is a one-off exotic combination – or recreation, if you will. Post show Chimera was parked in front of two helicopters flown in by Savback, making for a perfect match!

What struck me the most, however, was how Christian and Halldora von Koenigsegg are perceived by the locals. Boys and girls of all ages queued to have their hat, hoodie or a scale-model autographed and then a selfie taken with the masters. To me it resembled moments from a football field and not your typical car event. It just underlines how big a legacy the Koenigsegg family has created. Chapeau bas!

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MARCUS BERGGREN

Even with my expectations increased last-minute, Aurora Concours exceeded them all. The numbers speak for themselves – more than ten thousand visitors had the chance to admire around 350 vehicles, out of which 69 partook in Concours across various classes. I was incredibly curious to hear more about the event’s organisation and interviewed Marcus Berggren, Head of Concours, post the event. Here’s what he said:

Adam Pekala: The very first Aurora Concours came to an end. What are your feelings about this fantastic weekend we’ve just experienced?

Marcus Berggren: It was a lot of highs and lows, let me put it that way. A lot of work was put into this with a group of great, great people. Everyone put their heart and soul into Aurora and have done what needed to be done and we are simply delighted. We were happy with the weather, even though the forecast was really bad, eventually it turned out very good! Everyone I met and talked to, our partners, guests, exhibitors were so excited to be here and thought it’s been amazing. I’m very excited, too, as it’s been a fantastic weekend… but also very tiring!

Adam: There was so much going on - the classic cars, hypercars, movie cars… What was the highlight of the weekend for you?

Marcus: We had the Koenigsegg Chimera world premiere here right now… which was not planned. That was a surprise, and I didn’t even know about it, even though it’s my job to do! Koenigsegg were supposed to show that car at Goodwood next week but instead they decided to show it here so that’s definitely a highlight. Another one is that there are so many distinct types of cars. There’s everything! And I think that also makes it very interesting for people who don’t really know cars – to have this eclectic collection they can walk around, familiarise themselves... honestly, just bringing the whole concept of a concours to Sweden.

Adam: Yes, because it’s one of the first, if not the first event of that scale and class in Scandinavia ever and you put the bar very high. What would be the plans, fresh, for the next editions?

Marcus: We have learnt so much this year. I don’t want to go into details but for next years we may follow a similar recipe, but with adding some more points to the programme. This year we’ve set the bar and next we need to develop the whole concept and get it to the next level. Also, we would like to get more international collectors involved.

Adam: Do you have a favourite car of yours of the entire weekend?

Marcus: Wow, a tough question! The Ferrari F40, probably! Mr Steel from the Steel Collection and his F40 from the 1989 is in immaculate condition, one of the best examples in the world. Absolutely stunning, and I just think an F40 is remarkable.

Adam: Thank you very much for your time - and all incredible emotions over the weekend!

Marcus: Thank you!

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE, ISN’T IT?

Once again, well in line what Marcus indicated, the weekend would not be the same if it wasn’t for the people, who brought Norrviken Gardens to life. There were thousands of enthusiasts who brightened the space with their smiles, even when the aura was sometimes… well, Scandinavian. Charismatic jury inspecting the cars, countless interesting stories during the panel talks or simply a happy kid sitting in a Ferrari 512BB LM… those were the special moments that worked like magnet and guided me to Aurora every single day.

There were many stars shining bright, but as the common saying goes – no one mentioned, no one forgotten! However, the person without whom Aurora doubtlessly wouldn’t be the same was no other than J. Phillip Rathgen, widely known as JP. Join me for a brief chat about Aurora with the man, the myth and the legend of the automotive world.

“Mark my words, I am sure that in two, three years this is going to be a fixed point on the international automotive scene to come here - even from America or overseas.”

— J. Phillip Rathgen

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

Three days flew by in a blink of an eye, and the first Aurora Concours simply made history. Creating a successful and fresh proposition in the world of so many well-established events is a great feat and Aurora team doubtlessly delivered. Simply breathtaking surroundings of the Norrviken Gardens flooded with vehicles were the ultimate destination for every enthusiast that weekend, and I am certain that everyone’s taste got satisfied.

Driving back to Copenhagen I decided to take some B-roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery Skåne region has to offer. It was just then when I realised that I was part of a something very special being born... and simply cannot wait to experience the next edition. Well done, Aurora, you’ve hit it out of the park!

Aurora 2024 – One for the History Books!