Concorso d’Eleganza 2010, Lake Como

Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 TZ2
Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 TZ2: This unique styling study by Pininfarina was built on the company’s TZ2 racing car chassis in 1965. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.
(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

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.

Contemporary cars

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.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Italdesign Giugiaro

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.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Lamborghini Miura Roadster

Another unique creation, the 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster, built by Bertone in 1968. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Concorso d’Eleganza

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. 

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Corrado Lopresto’s Lancia Aurelia B56

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. 

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Lamborghini Miura Roadster

The prize-winning Lamborghini Miura Roadster - awarded most sensitive restoration - stands before a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. Courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Villa d’Este

A view of the Villa d’Este, with a classic 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ’Gullwing’ in the foreground. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

General view

General view of the show. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Alfa Romeo 1900 SS

An Alfa Romeo 1900 SS from 1956 stands alongside a diminutive Giaur Champion 750 race car (1953). Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 TZ2

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.  

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Paul Stewart in his 300 SL

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. 

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Maserati A6GCS

 John F Bookout Jr’s Frua-bodied Maserati A6GCS from 1955. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert. 

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa

The new Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, a design study created by Zagato to celebrate the car maker’s centenary. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Frazer-Nash Namir

The Frazer-Nash Namir. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

The BMW

The BMW/Kvadrat Dwelling Lab concept, by Patricia Urquiola and Giulio Ridolfo. Image courtesy of Henrik Jauert. 

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

BMW/Kvadrat Dwelling Lab concept

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.

(Image credit: Henrik Jauert)

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.