It is with confidence that I say that the Concours of Villa d’Este at Cernobbio is perhaps the most significant of all events celebrating the mystique of the vintage car. And not just on a European scale, now that its Parisian equivalent, the Bagatelle, has been cancelled. In my opinion, not even the Pebble Beach Concours in California, hallowed by the Americans as the world’s greatest event, is on a par with Villa d’Este. Year after year, Villa d’Este has improved in every one of the aspects by which these events are measured; the beauty of the setting, the impeccable hospitality, the efficient organisation, an enthusiastic public and, above all, the elegance and state of preservation of the precious participating cars. At Villa d’Este one breathes an air of authentic…
