As a precursor to this year’s concours, I thought I would take a look back and reflect on some of the highlights of last year’s competition.

For those of you who haven’t participated in the past, the Concorsco d’Eleganza takes place on the grounds of the famous Villa d’Este, along the banks of Lake Como, perhaps the most idyllic setting this side Pebble Beach.  With a discerning eye for design, authenticity and preservation, judges bestow the winning car with the ‘Best in Show’ prize while the general public gets to decide the winner of the ‘Coppa d’Oro’, the most traditional prize, by applause.  In 2002, the Concorso added the concept car category to “create a link between the glorious past and the future of the automobile”.

Starting off with the concept class this is the Frazer-Nash Namir, by Italdesign.

This is a hybrid concept with a 814cc rotary engine that powers an electric generator to produce nearly 370 bhp, yet fuel consumption is over 90 mpg! One of the more interesting design elements, apart from the usual supercar wedged shape, is the chevron-like windscreen along with blacked out A-pillars that create this unique wrap-around greenhouse effect.

Alcantara everywhere, three screen instrumentation panel and the absence of a transmission tunnel.

This 1 of 1 masterpiece (and my personal favorite) is the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, designed and built by Zagato.

Commissioned by gentleman-racer and certified ”Alfista” Martin Kapp, the car was built in the “codatronca” style paying homage to the Alfa Romeo Zagato’s of the 1960s, namely the Giulietta SZ Codatronca, Giulia TZ and TZ2.  Codatronca is Italian for “truncated tail”, where the rear of the car comes to an abrupt end.

No flat panels anywhere, a proper Zagato design.

Pure racer on the inside.

This concept is the Spada TS Codatronca, by Spadaconcept.  Based on a Corvette platform, this car shares many design elements and one particular link with the Alfa Romeo TZ3 above – the man behind the inspiration for both, Ercole Spada.

Spada was hired by Zagato in the early 60s and was the main designer responsible for those same Alfa Romeos the TZ3 drew its inspiration from.  In a sense, Spada is paying homage to himself with this TS.      

While definitely angular, you can see both elements of “shooting brake” and “codatronca” happening here.

Another gem: the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta.  Designed by Pininfarina, based on the current 599 Fiorano GTB.
Very similar to its donor car’s interior with the exception of that wood trimmed accent on the steering wheel.  Perhaps also an option on the 599?