Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 Returns with rare Icons

The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 returns to the breathtaking grounds of Palazzo di Varignana from September 26 to 28, 2025 for a three-day celebration of design, engineering and Italian lifestyle. Now in its third year, the event has quickly secured its place as one of Europe’s most distinctive concours, drawing collectors and motoring enthusiasts from across the globe.

Building on the success of 2024 — when Giuseppe Matildi’s 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB was named Best of Show — the 2025 edition adds a global jury, an exclusive Supercar class for post-1973 models and a carefully curated roster of rare automobiles that fuse heritage with innovation.

Star Cars and Rare Treasures

The concours will assemble a selection of some of the most extraordinary cars ever built, each contesting within one of the event’s six rare categories.

Concorso d'Eleganza Varignana — Image: Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana

Standouts on the 2025 roster include:

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet — Rita Hayworth’s Pininfarina-bodied cabriolet, powered by a 2.5-litre inline-six. One of only 40 examples, it embodies postwar glamour and an enduring link to Hollywood’s golden age.
Ferrari 121 LM (1955) — An ultra-rare competition car (just four built) with a 4.4-litre Lampredi straight-six producing over 330 hp, famed for its Mille Miglia and Le Mans history.
Ferrari 250 Cabriolet Pininfarina (late 1950s) — A Colombo V12-powered grand tourer of refined elegance.
Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 — A 352 hp icon of the supercar era, contesting in the Gioielli di Maranello class alongside other Maranello jewels.
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS Berlinetta Pininfarina (1950) — Presented by Corrado Lopresto, this unique one-off (originally delivered to Sicily) was the first car in history to feature twin headlights and has won 11 Best in Show awards worldwide.
Bugatti Type 40 Duval (1928) — A vintage jewel from France in the Vintage Elegance (Prewar) category; delivered new to Paris, three owners from new, full matching numbers, and restored with its patina preserved. Certified ASI Targa Oro and FIVA, Mille Miglia-eligible.
BMW M1 “Exclusiv” (1979) — A one-off by Walter Maurer entered in the new Supercars class. This M1 fuses 1970s motorsport heritage with avant-garde aesthetics and a 3.5-litre straight-six producing over 270 hp.

Jury and Judging

Under the guidance of Concorso President Massimo Dall’Olmo, a ten-member international jury — presided over by Stefano Pasini — will evaluate entrants across six rare classes. The panel brings together design and heritage authorities including Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Stephen Bayley, Laura Kukuk and Adolfo Orsi, reinforcing the event’s global credibility.

Voices from Palazzo di Varignana

“In just three years, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 has grown into a true celebration of excellence,” said Carlo Gherardi, Founder of Palazzo di Varignana. “This event reflects our passion for beauty, heritage, and innovation. All qualities that define both the Motor Valley and our resort. We are proud to welcome collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to experience an unforgettable blend of motoring culture and Italian lifestyle.”