Born Timeless
Some cars are born to be, and remain, timeless. They are “forever” cars because they embody that perfect blend of taste, passion, function, and performance that defines true masterpieces. Villa La Massa Excellence, an event dedicated to the most extraordinary supercars and hypercars of recent years, created in collaboration with Canossa, presented, on October 17, 18, and 19, precisely this type of vehicle.
Beautiful Italian Countryside
Set against the backdrop of a five-star hotel just a stone’s throw from Florence, part of Villa d’Este Hotels La Collezione, the event showcased rare memories of the past and extraordinary masterpieces of the present, offering a spectacle that rightfully represents true automotive culture. The quality of the event’s format was confirmed by the diverse profile of the audience: from very young enthusiasts to well-informed men and women, curious visitors in search of authentic passion, as well as collectors and connoisseurs drawn by an event unlike any other.
Design
The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the cars in attendance. The Jury, composed not only of automotive experts but also of specialists in art, design, and lifestyle, awarded the Coppa d’Oro Villa La Massa (a tradition that hails from the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este) to a true symbol of timeless motoring: the Lamborghini Countach, in the 5000 Quattrovalvole version, an undisputed masterpiece by the late, great Marcello Gandini.
Innovation
On the other end of the spectrum, the award celebrating innovation was given to today’s Ferrari, the “12 Cilindri” Spider, a powerful symbol of how the traditional V12 engine can still convey its magic within a forward-looking stylistic and technological vision.
Competition
The special award from Villa La Massa highlighted another captivating aspect of automotive allure: sportiness born for competition. It went to one of only 25 Porsche GT1s built to meet homologation requirements for racing. As rare as it is strikingly aggressive.
People’s Choice
A sure crowd favorite was the award chosen by the public in attendance. Tied to the legacy of the Bugatti myth, reborn in the 1990s after its pre-war glory, the “People’s Choice” went to the Bugatti EB110 GT. Fully rooted in the present, and understandably so, the youth award went overwhelmingly to the 2019 Pagani Huayra Roadster BC, proving that there’s still plenty of room for passion among the new generation, free from nostalgia or past dreams.
Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO of Canossa
“The emotion evoked by beauty that transcends time, represented by the union of a noble Florentine villa with automobiles destined to be, forever, symbols of our era’s taste and technology, is the true soul of this important event, which we are proud to host. A passion for cars, for events, for lifestyle, and for hospitality is the real engine that drives the Canossa and Villa La Massa teams in bringing this event to life.”
Davide Bertilaccio, CEO of Villa d’Este S.p.A.
“Once again this year, Villa La Massa became the perfect stage for an event that goes beyond excellence: Villa La Massa Excellence. An extraordinary experience celebrating the timeless appeal of the most iconic cars of the last 40 years, the emotion of unique moments, refined hospitality, genuine elegance, and a cuisine that passionately tells the story of our territory. An irresistible combination, designed for those who live a lifestyle with enthusiasm, seek adrenaline with style, and never give up the pleasures of good taste. We’re already at work on the next edition, which promises to be even more spectacular.”
Above contents © 2025 Canossa, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee
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