Camera and Action: Cinematic classics at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2018

Proud owners and passionate fans of extraordinary cinematic classics on two, three and four wheels will gather together on the banks of Lake Como in Cernobbio, Northern Italy, from 25th to 27th May 2018. They will be celebrating the world’s most exclusive and traditional beauty contest for historic vehicles. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2018, 51 automobiles and 30 motorcycles and sidecar combinations from different eras will compete for the favour of the public and an international Jury of distinguished experts. The highpoints of the classic weekend organised jointly by BMW Group Classic and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este include the public vehicle presentation in the parkland of Villa Erba, the Street Run by the motorcycle entrants taking part in the competition, special exhibitions and the award of the “Best of Show” on Sunday evening.

“Hollywood on the Lake”: Spectacular staging against a cinematic backdrop.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2018 is being held under the motto of “Hollywood on the Lake”. The selection of the classics nominated for the beauty contest being held beside Lake Como covers all eras of vehicle and film history – from the age of silent film to the era of modern blockbusters. Once again this year, the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the neighbouring parkland of Villa Erba will form a stylish and atmospheric backdrop for the cinematic pageant of the most beautiful automobiles and motorcycles. BMW Group Classic is also presenting the special exhibition entitled “Movie Cars and Bikes” in the Padiglione Centrale of Villa Erba. This exhibition showcases vehicles that played a leading role in famous screen successes, including the classic Mini driven by “Mister Bean” and original vehicles from “James Bond” films and the “Mission Impossible” series.

Long tradition and international alignment.

The inimitable character of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has a long tradition extending back to the year 1929, when the first vehicle exhibition was held on the shores of Lake Como entitled “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este”. This was a showcase for new launches in the automobile sector – and it also had an international focus. The automobiles selected by the Selecting Committee for this year’s beauty contest are presented by owners from 15 countries. Twelve vehicles are in US ownership, seven marques in each case come from Italy and Switzerland. The selected rare treasures originated from a total of 28 different manufacturers between 1909 and 1985. The Concorso di Motociclette is being held for the eighth time this year and vehicle owners from six nations were inspired to participate. Their motorcycles and sidecar combinations were produced by 25 different manufacturers between 1907 and 1969.

The competition of classic automobiles is divided into eight award classes. In line with this year’s event motto, the vehicles presented will include cars that have made an enduring impression on the road and also made their mark as performers in feature films. Another class will present a competition between Formula 1 racing bombshells from the royal class of motor sport from various decades.