Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2006

About the Event

As part of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2006 press conference at the 76th Geneva Motor Show, the first highlights of this year's edition of the world's most traditional concours d'elegance were announced. Holger Lapp, Chairman of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and Director of BMW Group Mobile Tradition, also explained the company's involvement in the 2006 event. Rolls-Royce, too, will be taking up a prominent position at theevent on the shores of Lake Como with the presentation of the highly topical Rolls-Royce 101 EX experimental car.

strong>Outstanding tradition - good prospects

At the press conference, Holger Lapp underlined his confidence in the qualityof the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este: 'The Concorso d'Eleganza has for some years now been established as the leading event of its kind in Europe. For 2006 as well, we await an outstanding selection of classic models and look forward to some spectacular concept cars.' As part of the Concorso, the BMW Group will turn its particular attention to the company's roadster heritage. A specialexhibition covering seven decades of open-top driving in its sportiest guisewill showcase gems such as the BMW 319/1 and the anniversary model BMW 328, which set out to conquer the world's race tracks 70 years ago. The line-upcontinues with the BMW 507 and the Z roadster series all the way to the latest BMW Z4.

On the concept car front, the BMW Group will be represented by the MINI Concept Geneva and the design study for the BMW Z4 Coupé. A special highlight comescourtesy of the Rolls-Royce brand with its Rolls-Royce 101EX.

strong>Vision of a Grand Touring Coupé: the Rolls-Royce 101EX

A special highlight of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2006 will be the presence of the Rolls-Royce 101EX. This pure Experimental Car is a modern vehicle, a design for the 21st century, which respectfully bows to tradition, but at the same time unmistakably points in the future - the Villa d'Este withits outstandingly attractive location and luxurious ambience offers the ideal conditions for a successful presentation. Following the sensation caused by the open-topped Rolls-Royce 100EX at the 2004 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the repeat involvement of the British marque is set to create another stir.

strong>Highlights among the classics

In Geneva the well-known car connoisseur Urs Paul Ramseier, who as Selecting Adviser to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is responsible for the choice of participating cars, pointed out some of the highlights among the classic cars that have already registered for the event. In all, around 50 classics will be vying for the prestigious trophies Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este (Best of Show by Referendum at Villa d'Este), Trofeo BMW Group (Best of Show by the Jury) and Trofeo BMW Italia (By Public Referendum at Villa Erba), as well as further prizes.

strong>Maserati Boomerang, ex-Turin (1971) and Geneva Motor Show (1972)

The Maserati Boomerang hailing from the drawing board of Giorgetto Giugiaro (ItalDesign) was first presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1971 as a non-operational concept car. A year later, in March 1972, the Maserati Boomerang was one of the highlights here at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then the Maserati mechanicals have been given a 4.7-litre V8 engine and the car has made appearances at numerous motor shows around Europe. The Maserati Boomerang is one of the design highlights of the life work of Giorgetto Giugiaro and, with its wedge-shaped design, is an excellent example of the tastes that prevailed at the time.

strong>Maserati A6G-2000, 1956, Coupé Zagato

The Maserati A6G-2000 premiered at the 1954 Geneva Motor Show. Between 1954 and 1957 a total of 60 examples were built, of which just 20 were given a coupé body by Zagato. In 1954 the first owner of this model took part in the Mille Miglia with great success. In the 1960s the car passed into the possession of an Italian living in the United States. He planned to restore the car back in his home country at a later stage and shipped the car to his home town of Savoca with that intention. However, the car was never restored and spent almost 30 years languishing in a dark garage, though it was well protected by a wall. It was here that the present owner from Beverly Hills (USA) discovered the car. The Maserati now returns to its Italian homeland for the first time inperfectly restored condition.

strong>Jaguar E-Type Coupé, 1961

At the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar unveiled its Jaguar E-Type in a world premiere. At the time, two E-Types were brought over to Geneva from England. One example was presented to journalists in the Eaux Vives Park in Geneva, while the other was the sensation of 1961 on the stand at the Geneva Show. Its futuristic styling and outstanding technical attributes not only convinced the motoring journalists of the time, but also made a deep impression on the public. The model on display at the Jaguar stand in Geneva will be presented at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este by its Swiss owner for the first time following years of restoration work.

strong>Bugatti Type 57 Aravis Cabriolet Gangloff, 1939

The Bugatti Type 57 Aravis Cabriolet Gangloff with a body from Gangloff in Colmar (F) was restored at great expense by its present owner in California. The elegant styling of the Gangloff body coupled with impressive technology by Bugatti was always certain of a warm welcome at the concours d'elegance of the 1930s and frequently took away one of the coveted trophies.

Most liked pictures of the event