Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 1947

About the Event

By September 1940, with Italy three months into war and civilian car production suspended, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was also put on hold. Recovery was long, but when the event returned on 27-28 September, 1947, under its original name and structure, it was a powerful symbol of the automotive world’s resurgence. With manufacturers still struggling, coachbuilders took the lead, launching promotional events, including an authentic mini motor show in Milan’s Palazzo dell’Arte later that year. A new generation of designers led by Giovanni Michelotti eagerly waited for their moment, as bold and diverse styling proposals took centre stage at Villa Olmo.

The Jury awarded its top prize to an extravagant Lancia Astura convertible by Stabilimenti Farina, while the Gran Premio Referendum chosen by the public went to a forward-thinking aerodynamic saloon on an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport chassis, also from Farina. Once again, the audience proved to have a sharper eye for innovation than the panel. The Jury also underappreciated the now-legendary Cisitalia berlinetta, later hailed as the very essence of Pininfarina’s design genius, granting it nothing more than a shared first-place award in its category.

Even the refined, understated designs from Touring failed to receive the recognition they deserved. But despite the Jury’s controversies, the event was a success. However, post-war resource shortages led organisers to make the Concorso a biennial affair.

Most liked pictures of the event