Resort Palazzo di Varignana, in the hills of Bologna, Italy, will host the third edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 from September 26 to 28, 2025, bringing together rare automobiles, collectors, and enthusiasts for a three-day celebration of automotive excellence. In just three years, the concours has earned a place on the international collector car calendar, becoming one of Europe’s most distinctive gatherings.
The 2025 event builds on last year’s edition, where Giuseppe Matildi’s 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB took Best of Show. This year introduces a new Supercar class for post-1973 models, a jury featuring global figures from design and heritage, and an expanded roster of historically significant automobiles. For the first time, the public will have access on September 27, opening the experience to enthusiasts beyond the collector world.
The concours has confirmed six rare categories: Vintage Elegance, Motori per il Dopoguerra (Engines of the Postwar Era), Raffinatezza Italiana (Italian Refinement), Aerodynes, Gioielli di Maranello (Jewels of Maranello), and Supercar. Each will bring together cars that reflect distinct eras of design, engineering, and cultural influence.
American actress Rita Hayworth’s Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet will appear in the Aerodynes class. This Pininfarina-bodied cabriolet, built in limited numbers with a 2.5-litre inline-six, represents postwar glamour and remains a rare link to Hollywood’s golden age. From Ferrari comes the ultra-rare 121 LM (1955), one of only four ever produced, remembered for its fierce presence at Mille Miglia and Le Mans. The line-up also includes the Ferrari 250 Cabriolet Pininfarina and the Daytona 365 GTB/4, both competing in Gioielli di Maranello.
Corrado Lopresto, one of Italy’s most influential collectors, will showcase his one-off 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS Berlinetta Pininfarina, notable as the first car in history to feature twin headlights. With 11 Best of Show titles worldwide, it has been recognised as one of the most important Italian postwar cars ever built.
Other highlights include the Bugatti Type 40 Duval (1928), a Vintage Elegance entry with matching numbers and only three owners from new. Its sympathetic restoration preserved the original patina while securing ASI Targa Oro and FIVA certification, making it Mille Miglia eligible. Bringing a more contemporary edge, the BMW M1 “Exclusiv” (1979) designed by Walter Maurer will compete in the Supercar class. With its motorsport heritage and one-off artistic design, the car stands as a rare fusion of performance and avant-garde expression.
Carlo Gherardi, Founder of Palazzo di Varignana, said, “In just three years, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 has grown into a true celebration of excellence. This event reflects our passion for beauty, heritage, and innovation. All qualities that define both the Motor Valley and our resort. We are proud to welcome collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to experience an unforgettable blend of motoring culture and Italian lifestyle.”
Concorso President Massimo Dall’Olmo will oversee the competition, while the jury led by Stefano Pasini will evaluate entrants across the six categories. The panel includes Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Stephen Bayley, Laura Kukuk, and Adolfo Orsi, underlining the event’s international recognition.
Main sponsor Azimut brings its perspective from finance into the automotive space. Monica Liverani, CEO at Azimut Capital Management and Chief Sustainability Officer at Azimut Holding, said, “The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 is a prestigious event that celebrates the cultural and historical value of the automobile. These are values we feel deeply connected to through our Azimut Automobile Heritage Enhancement (AHE) fund, the world’s first evergreen fund dedicated to historic cars. It is a highly innovative product that invests in luxury classic cars, supercars and hypercars, recognizing them not only as masterpieces of design and engineering but also as unique assets within the investment landscape. We are delighted to be part of this edition of the Concorso and to contribute to the success of an event that embodies excellence, passion and innovation.”
Marco Preti, CEO of Cribis said, “The automotive industry has always been one of the most authentic expressions of Made in Italy excellence, a sector that over the years has achieved extraordinary milestones thanks to innovation, creativity, and passion, establishing itself as a pillar of our industrial and cultural identity. The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 has, in recent years, become a key occasion to celebrate this tradition and highlight its future. Cribis is proud to support an event that brings together culture, beauty, and engineering, expressions of what makes our country truly unique.”
The concours is also supported by the Motor Valley Association, ASI, Automotoclub Storico Italiano, and Autodromo di Imola Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
By the end of September, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 will bring together collectors, jurors, and enthusiasts for three days of competition, culture, and design. With its growing reputation, the event has quickly become a key marker in the international concours season, combining rare automobiles, Italian heritage, and lifestyle in a way that is both exacting and accessible.
