Gallery: Concorso d'eleganza Villa d'Este

The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este swallows the exclusive resort of Cernobbio on the shore Lake Como for one weekend a year, and it offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the world's most beautiful cars, motorcycles and people first hand. Andrew Elphick supplies the words and pictures.

Best in show award went to the fabulous 'nero' teardrop coupe Bugatti Type 57C Alantic - surprisingly large for a vehicle whose creator once claimed Bentley's were merely 'the world's fastest lorries'. The reptile skin-upholstered Mercedes-Benz 680S of Paul Andrews claimed the Class A trophy win, and the ostentatious Mercedes-Benz 500K of Evert Louwman coming runner up to the Best of show Bugatti in class B.

The true winner is the location, and a mooch around the many incredible cars, without a velvet rope in sight, while you soak up the Italian way of life cannot be beaten. Nor can the excellent bars and restaurants within walking distance, before you retire to your bed overlooking Lake Como. A date worth sticking in your 2014 diary we think.

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