VILLA D'ESTE STYLE 2016
'Villa La Massa' is a supremely luxurious hotel hidden in the countryside just out of Firenze, near Bagno a Ripoli. It is also the 'sister' in Toscana of The Grand Hotel Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, one of the best hotels in the worlds and the best scenario in the world for supreme classic cars. The 'Concorso d'Eleganza', held in VdE every year at the end of May, is the most refined event of this type in the whole world; the 'Villa d'Este Style' event, though equally elegant, is quite different. It aims to celebrate this revered name reuniting as many examples of this beautiful Touring design as possible. It is organized every year (in 2016 it was Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April) by Villa d'Este itself and this year the meeting was arranged in Villa La Massa, to enjoy a nice tour of the countryside and the luxurious surroundings of this classic hotel
The arrival at the programmed destination, being this the maiden voyage of a freshly-restored, 63-years-old classic car, is a relief
Mr. Fontana, Vice-President of the Group owning both Villa d'Este and Villa la Massa, is the inspirator and main supporter of the 'Villa d'Este Style' events
The classic elegance of the Villa d'Este coupés is evident from all angles
The side view of this Alfa Romeo shows the elegance of its taut, sporty line; it is rightly considered one of the masterworks of Felice Bianchi Anderloni
Hans Ribben's splendid Villa d'Este. This is the best color that you can paint this wonderful carrozzeria
Classic Alfa Romeos are a joy for the eye, and this time there was also a splendid 6C 2300 Touring Berlinetta.....
Dr. Marco Makaus is the Project Leader of the 'Villa d'Este Style' events (amongst other things). Knowing his good taste and experience, it's small wonder that these events are so well-sorted and elegant
A very selected group of splendid machines, in an enchanting surrounding
The 19th Hole
After the journey, a good Martini cocktail is welcome, but it must be good. Marco and I share some precise ideas about what a Martini cocktail has to be and how it has to served: the Villa la Massa bartender was up to the task. He mixed a very good, dry cocktail based on the classic Bombay gin, and offered on the side several excellent appetizers. The Martini was extremely good and the service at the bar, like in every other section of this hotel, was impeccable
Sunday 17 April
The beautiful Villa offers a splendid background for some pictures of the 403, a Touring design somewhat similar to the VdE but with a deeply different final result, in a very British style
If you drive a classic Bristol, the camera bag for your big reflex cannot be a crude black nylon affair; Anna shows that a custom-made, vintage Nikon item in natural leather is a must for any elegant traveller
Checking levels before driving back home....
'Villa d'Este Style' is a really unique event, and can only be done in Italy; few places can match the sheer beauty and exclusiveness of the eponymous Touring masterpiece. We all look very much forward to the 2017 edition
