The Concorso d'Eleganza Varignana 1705, Bolonga, Italy

The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, held in the scenic Bolognese hills of Italy, once again dazzled automotive enthusiasts with a spectacular array of classic cars. Now in its second year, this prestigious event brought together 35 historic vehicles, each embodying a unique chapter in automotive history. From vintage Bugattis to sleek Porsches, it was a tough job to pick favourites, but we went along to see what all the fuss was about and selected our top nine standout cars from the 2024 Concorso d'Eleganza Varignana 1705.

1. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB - Best of Show

Without a doubt, the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, owned by Giuseppe Matildi, stole the show. This exquisite long-nose Ferrari, one of the final 105 made, was not only aesthetically perfect in its yellow ‘Giallo Fly’ shade but also boasted significant engineering upgrades. Modified to test theTorque Tube chassis, which resolved the vibration issues in earlier models, it is a testament to Ferrari’s groundbreaking mechanical development. The car has a rich competitive pedigree and has been painstakingly restored to concours-quality perfection, making it a well-deserved recipient of the "Best of Show"title.

2. 1925 Bugatti Type 35A

Another star of the event, this 1925 Bugatti Type 35A, owned by Giulio Felloni, won in the "Prima Del Temporale" (Pre-War) class. Known for its unrivalled racing pedigree, the Type 35 is an icon of early motorsport. This particular model, with its timeless design and race-ready engineering, represents the pinnacle of pre-war automotive performance. It’s easy to see why it was a favourite among judges and attendees alike.

3. 1950 Alfa Romeo 2500 SS Villa D'Este

The elegance of the 1950 Alfa Romeo 2500 SS Villa D’Este, winner of the "Italiane Fuori Dal Coro" (Italian Rebels)category, speaks to the height of Italian post-war luxury and craftsmanship. This beautifully preserved model is named after the prestigious Villa D’Este event and features stunning design elements that reflect Alfa Romeo's dedication to combining beauty with performance.

4. 1964 Porsche 904

Representing Stuttgart’s finest, the 1964 Porsche904 owned by Stefano Martinoli took top honours in the "Eccellenze di Stoccarda" (Excellence from Stuttgart) category. This lightweight, race-bred car is famous for its sleek design and formidable racing history.With its fiber glass body and high-revving engine, it helped shape Porsche’s motorsport legacy in the 1960s.

5. 1940 Auto Avio Costruzioni 815

The Motor Valley Trophy went to a very special car in Ferrari’s early history - the 1940 Auto Avio Costruzioni 815. Often regarded as the “first Ferrari”, this car predates the official Ferrari brand due toEnzo Ferrari’s contractual restrictions after leaving Alfa Romeo. Owned by Mario Righini, the Auto Avio 815 was a significant marker in automotive history and a true piece of Ferrari’s storied legacy.

Righini bought the car in the 1970s from a friend who had found it earlier in the 1950s. Initially, Righini didn’t recognise its significance, as he and his associates were more focused on trucks andscrapping cars. Only two of these were made and Righini owns the only surviving example, which features a 1005cc eight-cylinder engine. Enzo Ferrari himself confirmed the car’s importance in a handwritten letter, highlighting it as one of the first two cars he built after founding his company.

6. 1972 DeTomaso Pantera Group 4

This 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4, owned by Pietro Silva, won the Imola Autodromo Trophy. With its muscular form and raw power, this Pantera is a reminder of the visceral excitement that cars of the 1970s brought to the racing world. Still competing in historic races, the car has an unbeatable legacy tied to driver Mario Casoni, who took home numerous racing titles in this very vehicle.

7. 1966 Lamborghini Miura

German collector Dr. Gebhard’s 1966 Lamborghini Miura Prototype was a showstopper. Often regarded as the car that launched the supercar era, this prototype with its original Arancio Miura shade, was a focal point of the event. It’s the model that tested public reaction and definedLamborghini’s future. Its historical significance in the automotive world, along with its experimental features, made it one of the top cars of the Concorso. During its lifetime, it has been painted over 20 times, but this wasn’t known by Dr. Gebhard until 20 years after acquiring the vehicle when it went for paint and bodywork repairs, when it was later discovered to have different paint colours underneath. He then decided to showcase each colour through its unique colour scheme.

8. 1936 Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta MM

The 1936 Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta MM, owned by Vittorio Maria Mandelli, captured the public’s attention, winning the Trofeodel Pubblico (Audience Trophy). Its sleek, aerodynamic design and the historical importance of the Mille Miglia race it competed in make it an important relic of Italy’s automotive past.

9. 1947 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterose Coupe Touring

A returning favourite from last year’s event, the 1947 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Coupe Touring, owned by renowned collector Corrado Lopresto, continued to impress. This rare post-war model, one of just five prototypes, is amaster class in elegance and luxury. Its post-war revival story and unique design make it an unforgettable highlight of the event.

The 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 was a resounding success, blending rich automotive history with modern luxury in a setting as magnificent as the cars themselves. These nine vehicles represent not only mechanical excellence but also the passion, dedication, and artistry of their creators and custodians. We look forward to seeing what next year’s event will bring!