The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este->ke2163 has got to be one of the coolest and most unique car events in the world right now. Built 1568, the Villa d’Este Hotel on the shores of Lake Como in Italy is the backdrop for this extraordinary and intimate event, which welcomes classic cars->ke503 and motorcycles, as well as modern concepts->ke169 and race cars.->ke148 Among others, 2015 brought out the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept, a 1961 Ferrari GT SWB California Spider that sold at auction for over $11 million, and Cameron Glickenhaus’s SCG003,->ke4696 fresh off its finish at the Nürburgring 24 hour race.

But, the best in show award went to this pristine 1932 Alfa Romeo->ke1386 8C 2300 Spider, owned by American collector David Sydorick and wearing coach-built bodywork from Zagato.->ke3827 The 8C was Enzo Ferrari’s race car of choice before he started building his own several years later. With a 2.3-liter inline-eight cylinder engine, Alfa Romeo->ke1386 never intended the 8C 2300 to be a road car, but eventually decided to sell it as a rolling chassis due to high demand. Wealthy owners then took their 8C chassis to Carrozzerrias (coach builders), like Pininfarina,->ke69 Touring, or, in this case, Zagato, to have them fitted with bodies of their choosing.

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Why it matters

Unlike most Concours events, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este establishes a link between iconic classics and modern cars by hosting a diverse selection of unique cars from all eras. It’s what makes this event so cool. Though, the stunning location doesn’t hurt either.

In other classes, the Coppa d’Oro award, decided by public vote, went to a gorgeous Tour de France Blue Ferrari 166->ke3510 MM Barchetta, while an endearingly quirky Pegaso Cúpula took home the Trofeo Ragazzi award, voted on by attendees under 16-years-old.