An international jury of experts has declared the Duesenberg SJ 'The Best of Show'. Despite the rainy weather conditions, the beautiful grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este provided a fantastic stage for the outstanding diversity of historic cars that took part in this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
The exclusive beauty contest for historic cars captivated both the numerous visitors and the international press who attended the event from 19 to 21 May. There were eight prize categories and an overall prize for 'Best of Show'.
International jury Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este selects the Duesenberg SJ as the winner
A 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster designed by Gurney Nutting won the competition. On Sunday, the proud owner received the trophy for the winner of 'Best of Show' from Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
The history of Duesenberg and its famous owners
In the 1880s, celebrities such as Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, James Cagney and many others drove a Duesenberg, just like Jay Gatsby in the remake of “The Great Gatsby”. The founders of the company, Fred and August Duesenberg, emigrated from Westphalia (Germany) to the United States in XNUMX.
Success in motorsport and the rise of the Duesenberg SJ
With successes in motorsport, their name quickly became popular. Duesenberg, now written with “ue”, confidently positioned itself at the top of the market with a small range of exclusive models. The highlight came in 1932 with the extravagant SJ model. With a whopping 320 horsepower and the supercharger switched on, this huge car reached speeds of about 220 km/h. The expression “it's a Duesy” was coined as a synonym for the quality of the vehicles.
Highlights and winners of Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023
The Audience Award went to the 250 Ferrari 1961 GT Spyder California, with its elegant Pininfarina/Scaglietti body. Its owner, Jonathan Hui's Historic Car, Keybridge Collection of Hong Kong, was awarded this year's Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este trophy.
Christophe Graaf d'Ansembourg from Belgium received a trophy for the most impressive sound coming from his 917 Porsche 1970 K.
On Sunday, the exclusive cars could also be admired under a radiant spring sun in Villa Erba, which attracted more than 9000 visitors.
The exhibition on 100 years of Le Mans, with legendary racing cars from a whole century, up to the magnificent parade of all price categories, completed the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023.
This year there were exceptionally two prize categories dedicated to 75 years of Porsche and 100 years of Le Mans.
Trophies and special prizes Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023:
- Trophy BMW Group (Best of Show by the jury): 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster of Gurney Nutting (William Lyon).
- Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este (Best of Show Audience Award): 1961 Ferrari 250GT Spyder California (Keybridge Collection).
Special prices:
- Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes: 2022 Pagani Huayra Codalunga (Pagani).
- Trophy BMW Group Ragazzi (youth prize): 1985 Ferrari 288GTO (Horst Koester).
- Trophy of the President of Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este/Chairman of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance/Chairman of Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance: 1968 Ford GT40 (Rob Walton). Also winner of the Trophy Auto and Design – most exciting design.
- Trophy BMW Group Classic (Most Careful Restoration): 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith James Young Drophead Coupé (Yohan Poonawalla).
- Trophy Rolls-Royce (Most Elegant Rolls-Royce): 1928 Rolls-Royce Sports Phantom Prototype (Alexander Schaufler).
- Trophy Vranken-Pommery (best iconic car): 1963 Porsche 901 Prototype 'Quickblau' (Alois Ruf).
- Trophy ASI (best preserved post-war car): 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Coupé (Stephan Hofmann).
Text: BMW Group/Dirk Ivens.
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