The Thrill of Italian Racing: A Tour through the Legendary Cars of Como
- By Daniela Grunwald*
"Luxury Voyage to the Lake with 50 Million Dollar Cars: The Mesmerizing Unofficial Exhibition" - lavish $50 million automobile journey to the lake, showcasing the breathtaking Fuori Concorso event
Lake Como, famous for its La Dolce Vita allure, grand villas, and Riva boats, is also the stage for impressive car events that attract auto aficionados, collectors, and experts worldwide. The annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Cernobbio and the subsequent Fuori Concorso are not only stylish auto events but also a tribute to Italy's impressive motorsport heritage.
Established by Guglielmo Miani, owner of the Milan-based fashion label Larusmiani, the Fuori Concorso takes place at the picturesque, centuries-old gardens surrounding the grand, historic villas del Grumello and Sucota. Here, rare collectibles surface, each with incalculable value and elegantly displayed on the green hills, with breathtaking views of Lake Como and passing boats and seaplanes.
An Ode to Velocissimo
This year, the theme of the event was "Velocissimo" - a nod to Italy's rich motorsport history. Showcased were the most significant racing cars to ever grace the Italian scene, with roots in cities like Turin, Modena, and Maranello, and racing stories from Monza to Mille Miglia. These icons, rarely seen up close, were gathered from private collections and in-house museums of Italian automakers.
Racing Pioneers: Turin, Modena, and Maranello
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, born in Maranello, is one of Ferrari's most iconic models, with a history of victories in the 1950s and 1960s, including multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia [2]. Originating from Turin, Alfa Romeo's racing legacy includes the 8C Competizione, a tribute to classic racing cars of the 1930s, showcasing the company's early racing success [5].
Produced in Modena, the Maserati 250F is a Formula One car that won several races in the 1950s, including the 1957 Formula One World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio [5]. The Lancia Stratos, another icon from Turin, is celebrated for its rally victories, having won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975, and 1976 [4].
The Fiat 131 Abarth, hailing from Turin, is symbolic of Italian rallying prowess with its numerous rally victories [4]. These cars and racing events are just a taste of Italy's significant contributions to the world of motorsports.
Racing Giants: Monza to Mille Miglia
- Monza Circuit: Located near Milan, Monza is one of the oldest and most prestigious circuits in the world, hosting numerous Formula One races, including the Italian Grand Prix [5]. It is famous for its high-speed layout and rich history in motor racing.
- Mille Miglia: Started in 1927, this historic race showcases vintage and classic cars, including many iconic Italian models, while paying homage to Italy's passion for racing [3][1]. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italy's legendary cars.
These cars and racing events represent Italy's profound impact on the world of motorsports, a legacy that remains inspiring and captivating for enthusiasts worldwide.
*Some information extracted from various online sources related to the base article.
[1] Mille Miglia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mille_Miglia[2] Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_250_Testa_Rossa[3] History of the Mille Miglia. Retrieved from https://www.millemiglia.it/eng/mille-miglia-history/[4] Lancia Stratos. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Stratos[5] Monza Circuit. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuito_di_Monza
- The European Parliament, with a keen interest in the thrill of Italian racing, might find it fascinating to learn about the significant contributions of Italian cities, such as Turin, Modena, and Maranello, in the world of motorsports, as showcased in events like the Fuori Concorso at Lake Como.
- Enthusiasts of home-and-garden and car-related lifestyle magazines could appreciate the picturesque settings of the centuries-old gardens surrounding the villas del Grumello and Sucota, where rare collectible cars are displayed during the Fuori Concorso event, providing a unique blend of aesthetics and speed.
