A glamorous event that draws VIPs and enthusiasts from around the world to the shores of Lake Como, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este showcases the most exquisite vintage cars, modern design masterpieces, and historic motorcycles.
First organized in 1929 by the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Automobile Club of Como, the event was inspired by similar exhibitions held both in Italy and abroad. Initially taking place in September along the shores of Lake Como, the competition was hosted in the gardens and venues of Villa d’Este and Villa Olmo. In 1933, the event’s organization was solely taken over by the Automobile Club of Como, which relocated the competition to Villa Olmo. It continued there until 1937, when the event was discontinued.
After a wartime hiatus, the competition was revived in 1947, a decade after its last edition. While no prize was awarded in 1948, the 1949 edition marked the final “classic” event, with the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Coupé by Carrozzeria Touring winning the top honor. This car would later become known as the “Villa d’Este” model.
Following a brief revival in 1986 and several editions in the 1990s, organized by Angelo Tito Anselmi and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the competition was reintroduced as an annual event in 1999, with the support of the BMW Group. The event now celebrates both vintage cars and contemporary concept cars in separate categories, spanning the grounds of Villa d’Este and the neighboring Villa Erba, where over a hundred vintage cars—ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s—are displayed alongside the latest modern concept cars.
