This is Italy’s Oldest Concours

Photography by Federico Bajetti

The grounds of the Reggia di Venaria Reale, a royal palace originally built as a hunting castle in 1675, on the outskirts of Torino, Italy by the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel II, played host to a very exclusive event over the weekend of September 5-7th. Thanks to the efforts of the ASI–Automotorclub Storico Italiano (Italian Historical Automotoclub)–The Concorso D’Eleganza Per Automobili Parco Del Valentino was held for the second time since World War II. This concours, which takes place within the City of Torino, a very important Italian city in regards to the styling, development and history of the automobile, traces its origins to 1918, when the most beautiful cars of their era were paraded in the Parco del Valentino in front of Vittorio Emanuele III, the King of Italy. The Concours was held at the castle almost continuously until the outbreak of hostilities during World War II when they ceased. That is until last year when the ASI resumed the concours.

With historical cars competing for prizes divided into four different categories based on their production years, the ASI assembled a most impressive jury of internationally renowned design masters to judge the small contingent competing. Amongst them, Messrs. Lorenzo Ramaciotti, general manager of Fiat design, Aldo Brovarone, former Head of Pininfarina, Fabio Filippini, Head of Pininfarina style, Roberto Giolito, Fiat Style Director, Ercole Spada, former head of Zagato, and designer Tom Tjaarda.

The first category, for cars manufactured from 1925 to 1935, was won by a 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 with Castagna bodywork. The second category, from 1936 to 1949, went to a 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS with a body by Carrozzeria Touring. A 1953 Fiat 1100 Sport won the 1950 to 1959 category, and finally, the trophy for the most recent time period (1960 to ’69) went to a timeless 1965 Ferrari 275GTB. “Best of Show” was awarded to the beautiful Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS.

For those lucky enough to attend this year, the concours presented an excellent opportunity for fans to see thirty-five of the most beautiful cars ever made, all in an elegant and refined environment at one of Italy’s most famous Reggias. A stirring success, the organizers will be back again in 2015, offering up more activities for both participants and the public at large. Onwards and upwards! Guarda avanti e avrai successo!