Automotive Intelligence - the web for automotive professionals and car enthusiasts
April 24-26, 2009 :
Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2009:
Concept Cars 2009
Fisker Automotive "Karma S" Plug-In-Hybrid
Rinspeed iChange Electric
Morgan Aero SuperSports Coupé
Infiniti Europe Essence Hybrid
Stile Bertone Mantide
Aston Martin Lagonda One-77
mindset Coupé Electric
Zagato SZ Design Perana Z
One
BMW Gina
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Brilliant winner lights up the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring Cernobbio - For eighty years the Concorso d`Eleganza, set against the lush background of Lake Como, has traditionally drawn the most beautiful cars ever built. This year as well, collectors from all over the world joined in the Villa d`Este to present their rare classic automobiles for the contest – grand luxury sendans and convertibles from Great Britain, sleek sports and racing models created in Italy and Germany and stunning prototypes possibly inspired by science fiction. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009 has produced a brilliant winner. An Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring claimed victory in the coveted Trofeo BMW Group, awarded by the Jury to the “best of show” at the Concorso. |
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And it was not only the Jury who were won over by the 1938 Alfa – the two prizes awarded by public referendum, the traditionrich Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este and the Trofeo BMW Group Italia, also went to the car owned by American Jon Shirley. The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B was unveiled in 1935 as the successor to the 8C 2300, in its time one of the world's fastest automobiles. A total of just six examples of this closed car - known as the Berlinetta - were manufactured. The model ranks as one of the most elegant vehicles to emerge before the Second World War. In September 1947, the example being shown at the Concorso emigrated from Italy via Switzerland to the USA. After being sold to a buyer in South Africa in 1980, the car - now with red paintwork - was restored in England and repainted in its original blue. In 2005 Jon Shirley acquired the Alfa Romeo and had it restored to its original condition. For the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2009, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B will be parked on Italian soil again for the first time since 1947.
In the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for concept cars and prototypes, the public voted for the Aston Martin Lagonda One – 77.
Aston Martin Lagonda One – 77
As in recent years, the car enthusiasts from all around the world were treated to glorious sunshine on Saturday. Although the sun was replaced by grey skies and continuous rain on Sunday, nothing could dampen the spirits of the more than 2.600 visitors who flocked to the grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio. “The great response from the public despite the poor weather shows how this event has become a firm fixture on the calendar of car aficionados from both this region and countries around the world,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. “The weather on Sunday could have been better for the 80th anniversary of the Concorso, but a sunny Saturday with this selection of cars provided a more than worthy setting for our anniversary Concorso,” added Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A.
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When BMW looks back on its 80-year tradition of car manufacturing at this year's Concorso, visitors can expect to set eyes on some stunning beauties on wheels. Among the models on show will be a BMW 303, the first Bavarian car to sport the kidney-shaped radiator grille, and an example of the BMW 502, which entered the motoring history books as the so-called "baroque angel". Models dating back to the 1960s, such as the BMW 2002, and the cars that established the BMW model series in the 1970s will also rank among the exhibits. As a special highlight, BMW will be presenting all its legendary roadsters of the last 75 years: from the 315/1 and 319/1 to the 328 and 507, all the way to the Z1, Z3 and Z8 - plus the latest addition to the family, the new BMW Z4. |
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The Concorso d`Eleganza in the Villa d`Esta was the compelling setting for the annual BMW Group Design Talk assembling top-class participants. The theme chosen for this year’s panel discussion was a reflection of the present climate of crisis and change: “Art and Design: Is Modesty the new Luxury?” An audience of international media members and select guests witnessed an exciting exchange, hosted by Cornelia Zetzsche, a renowned critic and anchorwoman with Bavarian Broadcasting. Participants on stage were Thomas Demand (artist), Alfredo Häberli (designer), Louisa Hutton (architect), Inga Sempé (designer) and Adrian van Hooydonk (Director Design BMW Group).
BMW Concept Car "Gina"
Despite their various backgrounds the designers and artists agreed that the present economic crisis has already led to a revaluation of issues. Sustainability, modesty, quality and respect are aspects of this new creative spirit blending elegance and sensuality. The challenge will be to find an expressive vision capable of extending beyond the present turmoil.
(April 28, 2009)
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