Become a premium member for just $10 your first year - deal ends December 31.

Around the World in 80 Days at Concorso Villa d’Este

1933 Lancia Astura Serie II by Castagna
1933 Lancia Astura Serie II by Castagna

The Concorso Villa d’Este 2017 will be staged 26-28 May on the grounds of the Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Italy. The three-day event, hosted by BMW Group Classic and the Villa d’Este luxury hotel, will again see a field of 50 historic automobiles displayed against the backdrop of Lake Como.

The theme for the 2017 Concorso Villa d’Este, “Around the World in 80 Days — Voyage Through an Era of Records,” will take the story of automobile production from the early years to the present day, and will even extend the trajectory into the future.In addition, the first of nine competition classes were announced:

Speed Demons: Endurance Pioneers of the Golden Age – This class features pre-war sports and record cars combining Old World style with rugged performance.

Faster, Quieter, Smoother: Heroes of the Jet Age – Beautiful automobiles from the 1950s and beyond that continue to define their raison d’être by long-distance feats.

Traveling in Style: Around the World in 40 Years – If Phileas Fogg, the hero of Jules Verne’s iconic novel, had embarked on his epic journey around the world 40 years later, how would he have motored? Help him choose from the best in Edwardian luxury.

The Grand Tour Continues: The Next 40 Years – Would Fogg‘s descendants have followed in his intrepid footsteps? And would their taste in motor cars have been as impeccable as Great-Uncle Phileas‘? Unquestionably. Here’s how they would have traveled between 1946 and 1986.

Racers on the Road: Playboys’ Toys – The road-converted racing machines in this category are loud, unsuitable for the public highway and wholly impractical. In short, the perfect match for their exuberant first owners, the playboys of their era.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in the northern Italian town of Cernobbio was initially held as an exhibition for new creations from the auto industry. First held at the same location in 1929, historic cars and motorcycles now compete for the favour of the jury in the various categories. As well as seeking approval from the experts, contestants will also by vying for the affections of the public, whose votes will determine the winners of several special prizes. In addition to classic vehicles boasting stand-out aesthetics and historical significance, the 2017 Concorso Villa d’Este will also present design studies and prototypes from various eras for visitors to admire.

For further information, visit ConcorsodEleganzaVilladEste.com.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016 – Report and Photos

[Source: Concorso Villa d’Este]