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This weekend the GTspirit Team is live at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza 2015 and the Villa Erba Auction 2015! This live blog will provide all the latest news, premieres, Concours participants and winners of this year Concorso d’Eleganza at the stunning Villa d’Este in Italy.

Make sure to follow us at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more live updates and behind the scenes photos. Scroll down for the latest updates in our Live Blog!

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2015

Concorso d'Eleganza 2015

The theme of this years Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este is ‘Seventies Style – The Jet Set is back’. Staged in the grounds of the beautiful Villa d’Este and nearby Villa Erba the Concorso d’Eleganza will see a range of vehicles and motorcycles from the roaring 70’s. In addition to early superbikes, which include Japanese volume-produced models and European rarities, numerous unusual examples of the classic Mini from the 1970s will also be on display.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2015 starts on Friday, 22nd May 2015 with the arrival of participants. On Saturday and Sunday, the public days give all car and motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to take a good look at the rare and exceptional models against the imposing backdrop of the Villa d’Este luxury hotel. The Concorso di Motociclette takes place at midday on Sunday in the grounds of Villa Erba.

The historic vehicles nominated for awards at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2015 are divided into nine classes for cars and five for motorcycles. These categories offer an overview of the extraordinary diversity of the rarities on four and two wheels presented at Lake Como. The historic automobiles are split into the following groups:

Class A: “Flamboyance in Motion” – Pre-war coach built luxury
Class B: “Antidepressants” – Pre-war sports cars which defied the Great Depression
Class C: “Phantom Story” – The Rolls-Royce Phantom through the ages
Class D: “Made to Measure” – The final flowering of the coach built coupe
Class E: “Gentleman’s Racers” – Speed meets post-war style
Class F: “Hollywood on the Lake” – Convertibles for a grand entrance at Villa d’Este
Class G: “GT Man Has Arrived” – Interpretations of opulence
Class H: “How Fast is Fast Enough” – Mid and rear-engined supercars from the disco era
Class I: “Two seats against the stopwatch” – Classic sports racers

Check out all participating cars here!

The Concorso di Motociclette

BMW Motorbikes

The Concorso di Motociclette has been part of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este programme since 2011. A special exhibition in the parkland of Villa Erba is devoted to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. The world’s oldest motorcycle race takes place on the Snaefell Mountain Course. Covering 37.73 miles (just over 60 kilometres), this course is unmatched by any other in the merciless challenges it throws at man and machine. The route uses public roads on the island which are closed to traffic during training and racing. The fastest bikes in the TT clock an average speed of just over 210 km/h (130 mph) – some 50 km/h (30 mph) more than on modern Grand Prix motorcycle circuits. In Cernobbio the original winning bikes from the years 1939, 1954, 1964 and 2014 – from Germany, Britain and Japan – can be admired.

The historic motorcycles at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2015 are presented in the following categories:

Class A: “The establishment” – The first two decades
Class B: “Gentleman’s ride” – The luxury of the thirties
Class C: “Experiments in the Fifties” – Beyond the mainstream
Class D: “Connoisseur’s choice” – Extravagance on two wheels
Class E: “The heroes” – The big bike boom of the seventies

Check out all participating bicycles here!

RM Auctions Villa Erba Sale 2015

Villa Erba Auction 2015

RM Sotheby’s exclusive Villa Erba sale, held every two years since 2011, takes place at the Villa Erba on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. It is held in partnership with the revered Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Starting with a preview on Friday the auction itself takes place between 7 and 11pm on Saturday 23rd of May.

The Concorso represents the pinnacle of taste and exclusivity, a theme which is mirrored in the selection of motor cars handpicked for RM Sotheby’s sale. In 2013, the auction realized more than €27 million during two hours of furious bidding. The 2015 sale is set to continue the momentum, presenting 40 of the world’s most significant, blue-chip vehicles with a focus on exceptional European sports and racing cars. For an overview of our highlights have a look at our Villa Erba Auction 2015 Preview or check out the Villa Erba Auction 2015 Online Catalogue!

Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza 2015 Live Blog

Update Sunday 24 May- 11:25 pm

The results have been announced as we wrap up the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza 2015.

Bentley Exp 10 Speed 6 awarded the best Concept Car (Read Bentley’s press release here). 1950 Ferrari 166 MM won in the overall car category. It was owned by a British Clive Beecham. The best motorbike award went to a German-Münch 4 TTS-E 1973, of Italian Alessandro Altinier.

Here are some pics from today!

Update Sunday 24 May- 12:25 pm

Our mega gallery from Villa d’Este is live! See it here.

Moreover, for the highlights from the RM Southeby’s Auction, click the link.

Update Sunday 24 May- 11:33 am

GTsprit Villa Erba

The GTspirit Team is at Villa Erba!

Update Sunday 24 May- 11:20 am

The auction results from yesterday are online. One can view them over here.

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider and 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione, which were auction for €10.25 million and €9.1 million respectively, did not actually sell. Their owners rejected the bids as their prized assets didn’t meet their expected values.

Some key results:

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 S- €1.01 million
1952 Ferrari 212 Export- €6.72 million
Ferrari F40- €1.008 million
1988 Ferrai 288 GTO- €1.904 million
1953 Fiat 8V Cabriolet- €1 million
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II- €1.4 million
Ferrari Enzo- €1.260 million
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Sport Lightweight- €1.008 million
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster- €952,000

Update Sunday 24 May- 09:43 am

Worth mentioning that today’s events take place at Villa Erba, the stunning estate a few hundred meters from Villa d’Este.

The GTspirit Team was at the Villa Erba briefly yesterday to witness RM Southeby’s auction but today, it will be the hub of all the festivities and one will find all Concorso cars on display at Villa Erba as well.

Update Sunday 24 May- 09:37 am

So we enter the final day of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2015. Today the participating cars go on display in the beautiful garden of Villa Erba. As mentioned earlier, between 11am and 12pm, the Motorcycles will be presented to the public. After that, from 2.30 to 5.30 pm, all the cars will be once again paraded in front of the jury.

All the awards will be given in the afternoon. These include the class winners of the historic cars, the ‘BMW Group Italia Trophy’, the ‘BMW Group Young People’s Trophy’ and the ‘Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award’ for Concept Cars & Prototypes. Keep tuned for the latest updates and pictures!

Update Saturday 23 May- 21:30 pm

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The auction has ended. After two-and-a-half hours of furious bidding, here are some of the important results:

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 S sold for €1.01 million.
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL sells for €201,600.
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este brings €784,000.
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta goes for €235,200.
1952 Ferrari 212 Export takes in €6.72 million.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione sold for €9.1 million.
Ferrari F40 goes for €1.008 million.
1988 Ferrai 288 GTO fetches €1.904 million.
1953 Fiat 8V Cabriolet sold for €1 million.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II is purchased for €1.4 million.
1961 Ferrari GT SWB California Spider goes for a whopping €10.25 million.
Ferrari Enzo sells for €1.260 million.

For live stream of the auction, click the link.

Update Saturday 23 May- 19:53 pm

The Villa Erba Auction 2015 is underway. We will upload the details shortly.

Update Saturday 23 May- 18:45 pm

The auction at Villa Erba starts at 7 pm.

Two cars are particularly highly anticipated: The yellow 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione by Scaglietti with lot number 124 and the blue 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti with lot number 130. The seller of the latter turned down €12 million offer only some years back and we estimate that it could fetch upwards of €20 million at auction.

Also worth pointing out is lot number 112: a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Sport Lightweight. The car is in pristine condition and is expected to fetch somewhere between €950,000 and €1.35 million.

Update Saturday 23 May- 17:51 pm

Ferrari 166 MM Villa d'Este
The Ferrari 166 MM has is winner of the Coppa d’Oro, best of the show award. Its entrant was Clive Beecham from Great Britain and the car belonged to Class E (Gentleman’s Racers). In the picture we can see Lapo Elkan, Fiat heir, in the passneger seat.

Update Saturday 23 May- 17:00 pm

villa-deste-parade-mclaren

Here’s the Mclaren-Elva M1A sports car that Elvis Presley drove in his hit movie Spinout in 1966. This car was also raced in the US and the UK by Graham Hill.

Update Saturday 23 May- 16:52 pm

villa-deste-parade-10

We have come across some great cars at the Villa d’Este parade, including an American-built Rolls-Royce, Ferrari 212 Europa and the Rolls-Royce Phantom I. Updated gallery can be found below.

Update Saturday 23 May- 15:14 pm

Villa d'Este parade 3

We are at Class B now. Above is the last Mercedes-Benz designed by Mr Porsche who was an external design consultant for Mercedes back in the 1930s!

Update Saturday 23 May- 15:02 pm

Meanwhile here’s a picture gallery of the cars that will be auctioned by RM Southeby’s later today. For our preview of the auction, click here.

Update Saturday 23 May- 14:52 pm 

Villa d'Este Parade 2015

We are at the parade! There are cars from 19 different countries at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza 2015.

Villa d'Este Parade 1

Update Saturday 23 May- 14:23 pm

The parade is about to begin! The car you see below is BMW 1972 Prototype. The director of Villa d’Este and Head of BMW Classic, Ulrich Knipps is behind the wheel.

BMW 1972 Prototype

Update Saturday 23 May- 13:53 pm

We are back at Villa d’Este!

Villa d'Este

Update Saturday 23 May- 13:49 pm

Here are some more pictures of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage that was showcased yesterday at the Villa d’Este. Now we are heading back there for lunch.

Update Saturday 23 May- 13:45 pm 

The GTspirit Team is at the BMW Art Car Exhibition, that is taking place at the Villa Erba.

Update Saturday 23 May- 13:30 pm 

Villa Erba

We are here at the Villa Erba. All motorcycles taking part in the Motorcycle Concorso are on display. So is BMW’s new 101 Concept and a range of legendary BMW M3’s. Inside the exhibition hall at Villa Erba you can find the BMW Art Car Exhibition.

Update Saturday 23 May- 13:23 pm

Boat

A speedboat took us from Villa d’Este to Villa Erba- the epicenter of RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba Auction! Besides the 40 lots going up for sale between 7 and 11pm tonight there is more to enjoy in the landscaped gardens around Villa Erba.

Villa d'Este

Update Saturday 23 May- 11:49 am

The GTspirit Team just came across a plethora of some stunning classic cars. Right now the cars participating are on display at the Villa d’Este. At Villa Erba, the Motorcycles are being showcased. Around 2.30 pm the parade starts and the cars will be paraded to the main house of Villa d’Este where the jury and spectators await them.

Update Saturday 23 May- 11:03 am

Interesting story about the SCG003 road car that is on show at the Villa d’Este. This exact car took part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours race last weekend and won its class. After the race it was converted from race car to road car and drove 1,200 kilometers to Villa d’Este at Lake Como!

scuderia-cameron-glickenhaust-scg-003-1

Update Saturday 23 May- 10:35 am 

The GTspirit Team continues its endeavours at the Villa d’Este, where today morning the concept cars and prototypes are being exhibited. These include:

1. Bentley Exp 10 Speed Six by Bentley Motors
2. Magna Magna Mila Plus sports car by Magna Steyr
3. Berlinetta Touring Berlinetta Lusso by Tourin Superleggera
4. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaust SCG 003 by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaust
5. Zagato “Mostro” Powered by Maserati by Thomas Rutishauser
6. Lamborghini Asterion LIP 910-4 by Automobili Lamborghini
7. Aston Martin DBX Concept by Aston Martin

Images below!

Update Friday 22 May – 22:53 pm

Rolls-Royce Phantom Villa d'Este 2015

A few impressions from earlier today; other than the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage there was a BMW concept bike called 101 Concept. It has 6-cylinders and 101 cubic inches hence its name. In addition to the BMW vehicles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars displayed their beautiful model line up including the Wraith, Phantom and Ghost. The sensational Lake Como provided us with a bewildering backdrop for the photos!

Update Friday 22 May – 21:10 pm

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage at Villa d'Este 2015

The new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage has finally made debut here at Villa d’Este 2015. In addition, BMW is showing the original 3.0 CSL in a similar color to the Hommage concept. The new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is the third of its kind to debut at Villa d’Este following the BMW M1 Homage and 328 Hommage which were launched in past Villa d’Este events.

Update Friday 22 May – 17:51 pm

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003 Stradale has arrived at Villa d’Este! Photo shared by Swisscarsightings.

SCG003S Villa d'Este 2015

Update Friday 22 May – 16:31 pm

Scuderia Cameron Glickhaus are on their way to Villa d’Este 2015 with their street legal SCG003 road racer.

Update Friday 22 May – 16:05 pm

Besides the BMW CSL Hommage Concept that we get to see tonight Zagato is also showing something new tomorrow. It is called the Zagato Maserati Mostro and pays tribute to the 1957 Maserati 450 S often dubbed ‘il Mostro’.

Zagato Maserati Mostro

Besides Zagato, our favorite concept car of the Geneva Motor Show 2015 is also present: the Bentley EXP10 Speed 6 Concept!

Update Friday 22 May – 15:47 pm

Here is an insight into the program for the next couple of days, we will try to update this live blog as the program comes along (and as long as the internet connection plays ball that is):

Today, Friday 22nd of May 2015 our program starts at 6.30 with a boat shuttle from our hotel on the shores of Lake Como to the Villa d’Este. At 7.30pm tonight BMW will present the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept and a Concept Bike – keep an eye on our Instagram for live uploads. Afterwards we have dinner in the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este followed by a boat shuttle back to the hotel.

Tomorrow Saturday 23rd of May the doors of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba open for the public. Between 9.30 am and 2.30pm the cars participating in the Concorso d’Eleganza 2015 are on display at the grounds of Villa d’Este and they are judged by the jury and public. Meanwhile at Villa Erba the Motorcycles are on display. At 2.20pm the motorcyles parade to Villa d’Este. Between 2.30 and 5.30pm the cars parade across the terrace of Villa d’Este and the ‘Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este’ and special awards for classic cars are awarded. During the day participants of the RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba auction can inspect the cars. The Villa Erba auction takes place from 7-11pm Saturday evening.

Sunday 24th of May the participating cars go on display in the garden of Villa Erba. On Sunday we get to tour the BMW Art Car Collection. Between 11am and 12pm the Motorcycles are presented to the public. Between 2.30pm and 5.30pm the cars parade in front of the jury once again and special awards are given for class winners of the historic cars, the ‘BMW Group Italia Trophy’, the ‘BMW Group Young People’s Trophy’ and the ‘Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award’ for Concept Cars & Prototypes is awarded.

Update Friday 22 May – 15:21 pm

Tonight BMW will present a special BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept that has been created as a modern-day interpretation of the original 3.0 CSL race car. We will attend the unveiling live tonight so make sure to keep an eye on our social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for live uploads.

BMW M3 CSL Hommage Concept at Villa d'Este 2015

Update Friday 22 May – 14:33 pm

The Concept Cars & Prototypes participating in the Concorso d’Eleganza have been announced:

C02 Bentley Motors EXP 10 Speed Six Coupé PHEV 2015
C04 Touring Superleggera Touring Berlinetta Lusso Berlinetta 12 Cyl. / 6262 cc 2015
C06 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003C #001 2 Seater Coupé 6 Cyl. / 3500 cc 2015
C08 Magna Steyr Magna Mila Plus Sports Car 2015
C10 Aston Martin DBX Concept 2-Door Crossover Coupé Electric 2015
C12 Automobili Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 2 Seater Coupé PHEV / 10 Cyl. / 5204 cc 2014
C14 Zagato Mostro powered by Maserati Coupé Corsa 8 Cyl. 2015

Update Friday 22 May – 13:05 pm

We have just arrived at the beautiful Lake Como an hour North of Milan. After a few days of rain it looks like the luck is on our side as the clouds slowly disappear and the sun comes out. Hopefully it stays the next couple of days as most of the festivities are outdoor and I conveniently didn’t bring a jacket.

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