Danish photographer Henrik Jauer has made the annual Concorso d’Eleganza something of a pilgrimage, inveigling himself with the collectors, car makers, designers and industry characters that flock to the lakeside grandeur of the Villa d’Este to experience the social scene that whirls around the upper echelons of the car market.
It’s here that supercars are previewed, concepts are proudly touted, one-offs are given rare outings before being squirreled away in a collector’s air-conditioned bunker and iconic classics from the past given intense scrutiny by a panel of judges.
Unlike the squeaky clean futurism of the international motor show, the Concorso is an old school affair, all oily classics, exhaust smoke, and evocative fumes (albeit emitted by engines that have been buffed and polished to better-than-new condition). Jauert’s exclusive portfolio from the 2010 Concorso captures the unique flavour of the BMW-supported event.
One of the highlights of the contemporary cars on show, the Flying Star is Touring Superleggera’s bespoke Shooting Brake version of the Continental GT. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
Styled by Italdesign Giugiaro, the Namir made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and marks the revival of this classic British sports car maker, a fusion of rotary engine, electric motors and sharp edged bodywork. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
Another unique creation, the 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster, built by Bertone in 1968. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
A view of Concorso d’Eleganza, on the shores of Lake Como. To the right is a 1959 Aston Martin DB2. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The Corrado Lopresto’s Lancia Aurelia B56. Just four cars were made as styling studies for the American market (the car was dubbed the ’Florida’). Suicide doors, exceptionally neat proportions and a gaping big grille gave the car an American flavour. Courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The prize-winning Lamborghini Miura Roadster - awarded most sensitive restoration - stands before a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. Courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
A view of the Villa d’Este, with a classic 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ’Gullwing’ in the foreground. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
General view of the show. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
An Alfa Romeo 1900 SS from 1956 stands alongside a diminutive Giaur Champion 750 race car (1953). Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 TZ2 stands alongside a Pininfarina-bodied 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 (centre) and the sole surviving Ghia G230S Prototipo from 1963 (left). Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
Paul Stewart in his 300 SL Gullwing talks to former Bonhams stalwart Simon Kidston, now CEO of high-end classic car financiers and consultants Kidston SA. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
John F Bookout Jr’s Frua-bodied Maserati A6GCS from 1955. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The new Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, a design study created by Zagato to celebrate the car maker’s centenary. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The Frazer-Nash Namir. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
The BMW/Kvadrat Dwelling Lab concept, by Patricia Urquiola and Giulio Ridolfo. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
Before its global debut at Salone, the BMW/Kvadrat Dwelling Lab concept, designed by Patricia Urquiola and Giulio Ridolfo, had an exclusive unveiling. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
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