The “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este” is a prestigious event with a rich history, annually celebrating the most beautiful historic cars and, since 2002, the most captivating prototypes. This year, the spotlight is on the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, a masterful blend of heritage, timeless beauty, and innovation, competing for the coveted “Design Concept Award.”
The new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a bespoke marvel, produced in only 33 exclusive units. This modern interpretation of the 1967 classic, itself inspired by the legendary Tipo 33 of 1960s motorsport fame, exemplifies Alfa Romeo’s commitment to excellence in design and engineering. The event at Lake Como is steeped in Alfa Romeo’s history, highlighted by the magnificent 1949 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este, a testament to the brand’s legacy of refinement, technique, and performance.
The 2024 Concorso promises a vibrant celebration of emotions, passion, and prestige. A key highlight will be the evocative public parade of vintage and concept cars in the picturesque park at Villa Erba, capturing the essence of automotive elegance.
Alfa Romeo is thrilled to participate in the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” the world’s most exclusive vintage car event, scheduled from May 24 to 26 at Lake Como. First held in 1929, this prestigious event takes place in the stunning gardens of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio. Each year, around 50 models compete across various categories, judged by a panel of experts. Since 2002, a special prize has been awarded to the most intriguing prototypes, symbolizing the bridge between the past and future of automotive design.
Competing for the prestigious Design Concept Award, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a true “manifesto” of the Italian brand’s prowess in style and driving experience. Limited to just 33 units, this two-seater coupé marries heritage with futurism, crafted through an artisanal process that ensures the highest quality and meticulous attention to detail. The Alfa Romeo team, inspired by the legendary 1967 33 Stradale and the motorsport icon Tipo 33, has created a new masterpiece at the enchanting Villa Erba, which also hosted centenary celebrations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year.
The 2024 edition of the Concorso is characterized by a packed schedule, including the arrival of competing cars at Villa d’Este on Friday, May 24, followed by an exclusive gala dinner. Saturday will feature an exhibition for experts and insiders, culminating in the awarding of the first prizes. On Sunday, May 26, the festival opens to the public at Villa Erba, where visitors will vote for their favorite cars. The event concludes with the much-anticipated parade of rare vintage vehicles and futuristic concept cars.
The historic bond between Alfa Romeo and the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este” is rooted in the connection between Milan, Alfa Romeo’s birthplace, and Lake Como, a haven of aristocratic charm and Italian excellence. This enduring relationship has thrived over the decades, even as the automotive world evolved. Villa d’Este has remained a prestigious venue for photo shoots, events, presentations, and gatherings, where Alfa Romeo’s vintage and concept cars have received numerous accolades.
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale embodies the brand’s daring spirit and visionary design. This modern incarnation of the 1967 classic, regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, was developed with the same boldness and vision. The 33 Stradale is a stunning fusion of beauty and technology, aimed at delivering an exhilarating driving experience and timeless charm to a select group of enthusiasts. The creation process at the newly established Alfa Romeo “Bottega” involved close collaboration with the 33 buyers, akin to the Renaissance artisan workshops and the renowned Italian coachbuilders of the 20th century, including Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, which played a key role in crafting the new 33 Stradale.
The 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este is one of Alfa Romeo’s most treasured models, representing a pinnacle of 20th-century automotive art. Produced in only 36 units from 1949, each car was custom-built to the owner’s specifications. Featuring significant design enhancements by Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni’s Touring Superleggera, this model combined elegance and sportiness, winning the “Referendum Grand Prix” at the 1949 Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este. This prestigious award, voted by the public, cemented its eternal association with the spirit of the event.
