Comments:
I'm happy that you have lived this experience. You are very lucky, and so we are, because we can enjoy it here too. You've been to very nice places surrounded by beauty in all its meanings. It would have been great to have the sun with you during the whole event, just to turn the grey tonality into blue and make things even better, if they could have been better
Once again, thanks for taking us there.
vte
You have made my day with this overdose of material beauty.
Amazing cars, some of them are totally new to me. I have enjoyed this post a lot.
Thanks, FX.
vte
Concorso d'Eleganza 2013 Villa d'Este: Full Report
The Concorso d'Eleganza de la Villa d'Este is one of the most prestigious and exclusive events in the world. I had the privilege to attend it this year and I would like to share with you a big part of the pictures and movies I shot by the Lake Como during the 3 days.
It was for me a fantastic week-end because all the ingredients were present: a superb setting, fantastic cars, friends and of course the warm welcome of the Lange Team.
Lange & Söhne has been involved since last year in the event and it is a great partnership because it totally fits the image Lange wishes to create around the brand, an image of refined elegance and of exclusivity.
The lucky winner of the Concorso wins a Lange 1 Timezone with a hinged caseback and a specific engraving. Moreover, Como replaces Berlin (what a symbol!) as the city of reference of the GMT+1 timezone. A superb prize!
I asked to Wilhem Schmid the reason behind the choice of the Lange 1 Timezone. In my mind, a chronograph would have been more appropriate. After all, we are talking about cars. But he explained me that the development of watchmaking was required by the more frequent and larger travels in the world. After all, a car is used to travel. And the best watch in the Lange collection to embody this travel atmosphere is obviously the Lange 1 Timezone. The link between both worlds became obvious.
Please discover my 4 parts report, I hope that you will have the same pleasure to browse it as I had to post it: it reminds me the great time I had in Italy.
Fr.Xavier
It was for me a fantastic week-end because all the ingredients were present: a superb setting, fantastic cars, friends and of course the warm welcome of the Lange Team.
Lange & Söhne has been involved since last year in the event and it is a great partnership because it totally fits the image Lange wishes to create around the brand, an image of refined elegance and of exclusivity.
The lucky winner of the Concorso wins a Lange 1 Timezone with a hinged caseback and a specific engraving. Moreover, Como replaces Berlin (what a symbol!) as the city of reference of the GMT+1 timezone. A superb prize!
I asked to Wilhem Schmid the reason behind the choice of the Lange 1 Timezone. In my mind, a chronograph would have been more appropriate. After all, we are talking about cars. But he explained me that the development of watchmaking was required by the more frequent and larger travels in the world. After all, a car is used to travel. And the best watch in the Lange collection to embody this travel atmosphere is obviously the Lange 1 Timezone. The link between both worlds became obvious.
Please discover my 4 parts report, I hope that you will have the same pleasure to browse it as I had to post it: it reminds me the great time I had in Italy.
Fr.Xavier
Part 1: Lange & Söhne at the event
I already posted the pictures yesterday:
alang.watchprosite.com
This WG watch features a hinged caseback with an engraving commemorating the Concorso d'Eleganza. It is not the first time a Lange gets this special case as, for example, the 1815 Walter Lange had a similar caseback. I think it is a really good idea because it allows to enjoy the perfectly executed engraving without losing the ability to see the movement. Ralph Lauren is now a proud owner of this Lange 1 and well... I hope that he will wear it very often! To do so, he will have to remove from his wrist the watch wearing his name on the dial!
Let's have a look now of how Lange organized its presence around the event.
Lange put displays in 2 locations: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo where the Lange guests were hosted and of course, the Villa d'Este, the place of the Concorso.
Some pictures of the displays which had the objective to give a comprehensive overview of the Lange collection:
Some wristshots of watches belonging to guests:
At the balcony of my room:
Arriving at the Villa d'Este:
The Villa d'Este displays:
And the Concorso prize!
Peter Lippsich was giving a demonstration of the difficulties of the art of engraving and the skills which are required:
Some wristshots of the watches of the current collection:
1815 PC Rattrapante:
Zeitwerk Striking Time:
Lange 1 Tourbillon PC:
Lange 1 Timezone Concorso d'Eleganza:
Do you see the subtle difference between the dials of the PT and of the WG versions?
Peter at work:
Some movements to show two opposite caliber layouts:
Peter can be proud of the work he did on the caseback of the Lange 1 Timezone of the Concorso. Because, yes, Peter is the engraver who worked on it.
Other displays inside the Villa d'Este:
For Lange, the lounge and the displays gave the opportunity to have an access to several potential customers who may be seduced by the common spirit between the Concorso d'Eleganza and the Saxonian Manufacture.
Fx
alang.watchprosite.com
This WG watch features a hinged caseback with an engraving commemorating the Concorso d'Eleganza. It is not the first time a Lange gets this special case as, for example, the 1815 Walter Lange had a similar caseback. I think it is a really good idea because it allows to enjoy the perfectly executed engraving without losing the ability to see the movement. Ralph Lauren is now a proud owner of this Lange 1 and well... I hope that he will wear it very often! To do so, he will have to remove from his wrist the watch wearing his name on the dial!
Let's have a look now of how Lange organized its presence around the event.
Lange put displays in 2 locations: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo where the Lange guests were hosted and of course, the Villa d'Este, the place of the Concorso.
Some pictures of the displays which had the objective to give a comprehensive overview of the Lange collection:
Some wristshots of watches belonging to guests:
At the balcony of my room:
Arriving at the Villa d'Este:
The Villa d'Este displays:
And the Concorso prize!
Peter Lippsich was giving a demonstration of the difficulties of the art of engraving and the skills which are required:
Some wristshots of the watches of the current collection:
1815 PC Rattrapante:
Zeitwerk Striking Time:
Lange 1 Tourbillon PC:
Lange 1 Timezone Concorso d'Eleganza:
Do you see the subtle difference between the dials of the PT and of the WG versions?
Peter at work:
Some movements to show two opposite caliber layouts:
Peter can be proud of the work he did on the caseback of the Lange 1 Timezone of the Concorso. Because, yes, Peter is the engraver who worked on it.
Other displays inside the Villa d'Este:
For Lange, the lounge and the displays gave the opportunity to have an access to several potential customers who may be seduced by the common spirit between the Concorso d'Eleganza and the Saxonian Manufacture.
Fx
Part 2: the setting
I will not write a lot here... I think that the pictures speak by themselves. The Lake Como is one of the most enchanting places in the world.
Here is a selection of pictures, believe me, it was difficult to choose between them! I could have posted 1000 pictures I think.
View from my room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
The rear door of the Hotel leading to a panoramic path:
And the front view:
Ready for a cocktail?
The Lange welcome cocktail is about to start:
WOW! (I could find a more appropriate word)
WOW x 2
Too many choices... but I'm not complaining!
Having a breakfast with such view is an unforgettable experience!
We took a boat to reach the Villa d'Este:
Living the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
We are approaching the Villa d'Este:
Here we are!
Some view of the Villa d'Este park:
An overall view of the gathering of cars:
Living the Villa d'Este on board of a Riva boat is a breathtaking experience!
Full throttle!
Back at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
The Villa Erba where the Concorso took place on Sunday:
It looks like a spotlight but it is the sun which creates this amazing effect!
Sunday morning from my room:
Another breakfast, you will notice that the gentleman on my left didn't forget to hang his jacket:
On the Lake to come back to the Villa Erba:
The Versace family used to own this Villa:
Villa d'Este:
Villa Erba:
Inside the Villa Erba which was owned by Luchino Visconti:
Monday morning:
And a few hours later, I was back to work in Paris.... the dream stopped and I was back to reality! But this setting was beyond my expectations. I will never forget these views.
Fx
Here is a selection of pictures, believe me, it was difficult to choose between them! I could have posted 1000 pictures I think.
View from my room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
The rear door of the Hotel leading to a panoramic path:
And the front view:
Ready for a cocktail?
The Lange welcome cocktail is about to start:
WOW! (I could find a more appropriate word)
WOW x 2
Too many choices... but I'm not complaining!
Having a breakfast with such view is an unforgettable experience!
We took a boat to reach the Villa d'Este:
Living the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
We are approaching the Villa d'Este:
Here we are!
Some view of the Villa d'Este park:
An overall view of the gathering of cars:
Living the Villa d'Este on board of a Riva boat is a breathtaking experience!
Full throttle!
Back at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
The Villa Erba where the Concorso took place on Sunday:
It looks like a spotlight but it is the sun which creates this amazing effect!
Sunday morning from my room:
Another breakfast, you will notice that the gentleman on my left didn't forget to hang his jacket:
On the Lake to come back to the Villa Erba:
The Versace family used to own this Villa:
Villa d'Este:
Villa Erba:
Inside the Villa Erba which was owned by Luchino Visconti:
Monday morning:
And a few hours later, I was back to work in Paris.... the dream stopped and I was back to reality! But this setting was beyond my expectations. I will never forget these views.
Fx
Thank you.
I'm happy that you have lived this experience. You are very lucky, and so we are, because we can enjoy it here too. You've been to very nice places surrounded by beauty in all its meanings. It would have been great to have the sun with you during the whole event, just to turn the grey tonality into blue and make things even better, if they could have been better
Once again, thanks for taking us there.
vte
What a fantastic setting FX !!!
That"s living the dream !
Thanks for these amazing pictures !
Filip
Part 3: the cars
When we are talking about the Concorso d'Eleganza, we are talking about historic cars and amongst the finest ones in the world.
This year the Concorso was gathering 49 cars in 9 different categories from the king of the roads of the 20s to the evolutions of the decades.
I propose you a walk in the park by the Lake Como shores to discover the biggest part of these 49 cars and also to attend the parade!
MG Magnette K3 of 1933:
Aston Martin DB4 (1962) on the right and the DBS (1970) on the left:
Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962):
Brett Lord Sinclair, are you here?
Let's open the boot! What a surprise!
Mercedes-Benz 500K (1936):
BMW 328 (1937):
Isotta-Frashchini 8A (1930):
Hispano-Suiza H6B (1929):
Rolls-Royce Wraith (1938):
The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic (1938) of Ralf Lauren:
Back to the Bugatti:
Lamborghini 400GT (1966):
Lamborghini 350 GTS (1965):
Lamborghini 350 GTV (1963), my fav car of the Concorso:
Lamborghini Miura SV (1972):
Passion starts very young!
But what the hell is this?
I should have taken my Romain Jerome Spacecraft with me! This is the incredible, the amazing Lancia Sibilo designed by Bertone in 1978:
But we don't have to wait till the end of the 70s to see strange bodies:
The FIAT 508 CS MM (1938):
Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France:
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952):
Maserati A6G 2000 (1952):
Talbot-Lago T14 LS (1956):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California (1961):
Ferrari 500 Superfast (1964):
Talbot-Lago T14 LS (1956):
Back to Ralf Lauren's car:
And to my fav Lamborghini:
Several generations between them:
The parade is starting!
Mercedes-Benz 680S (1928):
Hispano-Suiza H6B (1929):
Mercedes-Benz 540K (1937):
BMW 328 (1937):
Lagonda LG45 Rapide (1937):
Bugatti 57SC Atlantic (1938):
Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport (1949):
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952):
Talbot-Lago T14LS (1956):
Bentley S1 Continental (1959):
Ferrari 500 Superfast (1964):
Two wheels are missing but what a pleasure to see this BMW bike!
Aston-Martin 2 litre Sports SPA Replica:
Aston Martin DB4 GT (1961):
Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962):
Aston Martin DB4 (1962):
Aston Martin DBS (1970):
Ferrari 212 Export (1951):
Maserati A6G 2000 (1952):
Maserati A6G/54 (1955):
Maserati A6G/54 GT (1956):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California (1961):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB (1961):
Jaguar XK120 (1949):
Siata 208S (1954):
Jaguar XKSS (1956):
Porsche 356 A (1957):
AC Cars Cobra 289 (1965):
FIAT 8V (1953):
Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France (1958):
Ferrari 250 LM (1964):
And the Lancia Sibilo (1978)!!!!
BMW M1 (1980):
Lamborghini 350 GTV (1963):
Lamborghini 350 GT (1964):
Lamborghini 350 GTS (1965):
Lamborghini 400 GT (1966):
Lamborghini Miura SV (1972):
MG Magnette K3 (1933):
FIAT 508 CS MM (1938):
Bandini 750 Siluro (1955):
And Mr Wilhelm Schmid on the rear seat of this BMW:
The parade is over, I didn't shoot 100% of the cars, it was not an easy task due to the presence of a lot of photographers but I believe you have a good overview of the cars of the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza.
A true feast for the eyes and seeing them moving is the most important. A car has to be driven like a watch has to be worn.
Fx
This year the Concorso was gathering 49 cars in 9 different categories from the king of the roads of the 20s to the evolutions of the decades.
I propose you a walk in the park by the Lake Como shores to discover the biggest part of these 49 cars and also to attend the parade!
MG Magnette K3 of 1933:
Aston Martin DB4 (1962) on the right and the DBS (1970) on the left:
Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962):
Brett Lord Sinclair, are you here?
Let's open the boot! What a surprise!
Mercedes-Benz 500K (1936):
BMW 328 (1937):
Isotta-Frashchini 8A (1930):
Hispano-Suiza H6B (1929):
Rolls-Royce Wraith (1938):
The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic (1938) of Ralf Lauren:
Back to the Bugatti:
Lamborghini 400GT (1966):
Lamborghini 350 GTS (1965):
Lamborghini 350 GTV (1963), my fav car of the Concorso:
Lamborghini Miura SV (1972):
Passion starts very young!
But what the hell is this?
I should have taken my Romain Jerome Spacecraft with me! This is the incredible, the amazing Lancia Sibilo designed by Bertone in 1978:
But we don't have to wait till the end of the 70s to see strange bodies:
The FIAT 508 CS MM (1938):
Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France:
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952):
Maserati A6G 2000 (1952):
Talbot-Lago T14 LS (1956):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California (1961):
Ferrari 500 Superfast (1964):
Talbot-Lago T14 LS (1956):
Back to Ralf Lauren's car:
And to my fav Lamborghini:
Several generations between them:
The parade is starting!
Mercedes-Benz 680S (1928):
Hispano-Suiza H6B (1929):
Mercedes-Benz 540K (1937):
BMW 328 (1937):
Lagonda LG45 Rapide (1937):
Bugatti 57SC Atlantic (1938):
Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport (1949):
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952):
Talbot-Lago T14LS (1956):
Bentley S1 Continental (1959):
Ferrari 500 Superfast (1964):
Two wheels are missing but what a pleasure to see this BMW bike!
Aston-Martin 2 litre Sports SPA Replica:
Aston Martin DB4 GT (1961):
Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962):
Aston Martin DB4 (1962):
Aston Martin DBS (1970):
Ferrari 212 Export (1951):
Maserati A6G 2000 (1952):
Maserati A6G/54 (1955):
Maserati A6G/54 GT (1956):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California (1961):
Ferrari 250 GT SWB (1961):
Jaguar XK120 (1949):
Siata 208S (1954):
Jaguar XKSS (1956):
Porsche 356 A (1957):
AC Cars Cobra 289 (1965):
FIAT 8V (1953):
Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France (1958):
Ferrari 250 LM (1964):
And the Lancia Sibilo (1978)!!!!
BMW M1 (1980):
Lamborghini 350 GTV (1963):
Lamborghini 350 GT (1964):
Lamborghini 350 GTS (1965):
Lamborghini 400 GT (1966):
Lamborghini Miura SV (1972):
MG Magnette K3 (1933):
FIAT 508 CS MM (1938):
Bandini 750 Siluro (1955):
And Mr Wilhelm Schmid on the rear seat of this BMW:
The parade is over, I didn't shoot 100% of the cars, it was not an easy task due to the presence of a lot of photographers but I believe you have a good overview of the cars of the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza.
A true feast for the eyes and seeing them moving is the most important. A car has to be driven like a watch has to be worn.
Fx
Gotta love those Blue cars!
Vielen Dank Xavier for your extreme indepth coverage of the show!
I have never been to one before, but i have to say i appreciate these vintages from the glorious past!
Proves that Car Marques back then had way better taste than many do these days!
Love those Nacht Blau darlings!
Tschuss
Stephen
It is always difficult to choose a favorite...
But the first Lamborghini got my vote!
Fx
Fx
A superb event, some dream cars, nice ladies. Thanks for sharing! [nt]
No message body
Fantastic breakfast.
You have made my day with this overdose of material beauty.
Amazing cars, some of them are totally new to me. I have enjoyed this post a lot.
Thanks, FX.
vte
Thank you Fx!
Thoroughly enjoyed your post and lovely pictures!
What an event it must have been. Thanks for all the effort on this post - I literally felt you brought us there along!
Always love that 1815 chrono you have too. It was one of the pieces I have been following (looking at your pictures of it!) that inspired me to get a lange chronograph recently (I got the datograph).
Cheers
Robin Wong
What an event it must have been. Thanks for all the effort on this post - I literally felt you brought us there along!
Always love that 1815 chrono you have too. It was one of the pieces I have been following (looking at your pictures of it!) that inspired me to get a lange chronograph recently (I got the datograph).
Cheers
Robin Wong
Breathtaking
Event, host, watches, cars, ladies, scenery...
I remain speechless to have the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful report
Thank you so much FX, it made my evening (and certainly the upcoming days)
Best,
Laurent
I remain speechless to have the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful report
Thank you so much FX, it made my evening (and certainly the upcoming days)
Best,
Laurent
Thanks Laurent for your kind words!
I tried to shoot as many cars as possible because there are a lot of cars lovers here and much more specialists than myself.
Glad to see that you enjoyed them!
Fx
Glad to see that you enjoyed them!
Fx
Awesome
Love the XKSS, and of course the BMW motorcycle. Almost bought an R69S way back when, but got a Harley instead...should have gotten the BMW. Thanks for the incredible report FX, and as always, your photos are superb.
Amazing, I hope to see the Atlantic in person one day..
What a treat on all accounts. Looks like Ralph was sporting Ferragamo's?
I had the chance to see it one year before in Paris...
There was an exhibition of Ralph Lauren's cars. I couldn't take pictures in the museum but I think that I retrieved the situation!
Thanks DoubleUp!
Fx
Thanks DoubleUp!
Fx
Stunning !
is the word to be used here .. just blows my mind ... it's too m m m m m m much
Thanks for this great report, it must have been a tough job
Filip
Great Post
Thank you for all the great parts of your detailed report at Villa d'Este.
I was there as well and it was a pity we did not meet. Perhaps some day soon. Would be
my pleasure. Best Edmond