Even if you’re not a classic car buff, there was still plenty to feast your eyes on at The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2012 this past weekend.

Situated on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, within the grounds of one of the world’s leading hotels, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is Europe’s equivalent of the famous Pebble Beach concours.

Since its revival in the 1990s the Concorso has improved year on year, under its patronage with BMW Group Classic.

As usual, BMW were title sponsors of the event and in addition to the BMW Zagato Coupé’s world premiere, there were several treasured icons of the marque on show including an oh-so-tasty BMW E25 Turbo concept car, built by BMW as a celebration for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Only two of these concepts were ever built, based on a modified 2002 saloon chassis with a 272bhp mid-mounted 2-litre turbocharged engine and futuristic gullwing doors.

Alfa Romeo’s carbon-fibre bodied 4C made an appearance, as did Aston Martin’s DBS replacement – Project AM 310 and BMW’s i8 Spyder hybrid. Several modern concepts were invited to participate in the prestigious event including the Ford Evos, Lexus’ LF-LC, Giugiaro Brivido and the striking looking concept from Rimac Automobili.

Star of the show and winner of “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” (Gold Cup) honours was a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS 6th Series owned by David Cohen. “This is an amazing honour,” Cohen said moments after being handed the winner’s gold cup. “I used to see this car every day as a kid, and to win this honor is amazing.”

Amongst the judges and attendees were BMW Director of Design, Adrian van Hooydonk, Nick Mason of “Into The Red” and Pink Floyd fame and Goodwood Festival of Speed founder, Lord March.

Photos credit: BMW Group Classic

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