Varignana, Italy, Thursday 14 September 2023 – The stage will be set for one of the world’s most exclusive car concours events, and the very first of its kind within Italy’s Motor Valley, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, taking place in Varignana, Italy from October 13-15.
What sets the event apart is not only the rarity of the automobiles on display, but also the meticulous curation by an esteemed panel of judges and enthusiasts, making it one of the world’s most exclusive pre-eminent concours car events.
In a celebration of timeless automotive artistry, this inaugural edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 will be exclusively dedicated to vehicles produced before 1973.
This remarkable event will mark the inception of a prestigious classic car competition nestled in Bologna, the heart of the Italian Motor Valley, a region renowned for giving birth to legends like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. The area is renowned for its culture, its purity within Italian culture which blends perfectly with the stunning surroundings.
Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 is the brainchild of Carlo Gherardi, founder of Palazzo di Varignana, whose remarkable drive, passion and imagination has created such an imaginative and creative event in the heart of such a significant location for the motoring industry.
The Motor Valley is not merely an engine powerhouse, it’s a reflection of an Italian lifestyle that embraces the fusion of beauty, elegance, and automotive culture. This shared ethos binds the region with Palazzo di Varignana, one of the continent’s most exclusive resorts nestled in the hills. With 30 hectares of luscious rolling Italian landscapes, picturesque views, gardens, 150 luxuriously appointed rooms, four exceptional restaurants, refined event spaces, a sprawling 4,000 square metre Spa, sports facilities, and enchanting outdoor pathways, from which the concours will be hosted. The resort offers a serene sanctuary for both competitors and guests.
Among the resplendent grounds of Palazzo di Varignana will be a careful selection of 22 handpicked cars, showcasing cars of the highest quality and historical significance, for all attending enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
What truly defines the exclusivity and prestige of this event is the calibre of the expert jury panel. Each member is tasked to curate a selection of cars with the intricate evaluation of originality, authenticity, historical significance, provenance, and design elegance.
Leading the distinguished panel is Mr. Stefano Pasini, a luminary with over 30 published books on automobiles. Assisting him are engineering virtuoso Eng. Lorenzo Ramaciotti, previously at the helm of Pininfarina Design and a juror at the Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este, along with Mr. Adolfo Orsi, an automotive historian and scion of the family that were custodians of the Maserati brand. They will be joined by Dr. Mercatali and Dr. Giorgetti, rounding off a team of experts dedicated to creating an internationally renowned competition of the highest calibre.
As collectors and enthusiasts converge for the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, they will bask in the tranquillity of an opulent haven surrounded by the captivating Italian countryside. Situated strategically, the resort provides easy access to explore the rich automotive history along the Via Emilia, with numerous automotive landmarks just a stone’s throw away.
Palazzo di Varignana is a stunning resort, fast becoming a luxury resort and destination for motoring aficionados worldwide. The 2023 event is a celebration of the timeless allure of classic vehicles in a setting that echoes the very spirit of Italian craftsmanship and style.
