ROME CELEBRATES AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE: ANANTARA CONCORSO ROMA DEBUTS

Rare cars, history, and timeless charm took center stage in the Capital with the inaugural edition of Anantara Concorso Roma, which from April 16 to 19 transformed Rome into an exceptional stage for over 70 of the most prestigious Italian vehicles. After more than sixty years, the Eternal City returned to hosting an automotive competition of this caliber, offering collectors, enthusiasts, and visitors an immersive experience of heritage, luxury, and culture, perfectly in line with the spirit of the “Automotive Dolce Vita.”

An exclusive tribute to the Italian automobile

What made the Concorso unique was its strongly distinctive identity: an event entirely dedicated to Italian excellence. From iconic racing cars to the most refined grand tourers, the lineup brought together models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, and Fiat. The 70 cars in competition were divided into 16 classes, ranging from pre-war Zagato bodies to modern hypercars, in a comprehensive narrative of the evolution of Italian automotive design and engineering.

The Queen of the Concorso: 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato

Claiming the Best of Show title was the extraordinary 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato, presented by collector Lawrence Auriana. This is an absolute masterpiece of 1930s Italian engineering: a unique experimental model equipped with an impressive 16-cylinder in-line engine, created by joining two 2-liter Type 26 units. A bold solution that in 1929 allowed the car to reach a world speed record of 246 km/h. Produced in only two units, this car also boasts a fascinating history: after being hidden during the Second World War to preserve its engine, it re-emerged in the following years until a restoration returned it to its current splendor.

A weekend of elegance, culture, and engines

The event kicked off at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, welcoming guests and participants with an exclusive program consisting of gastronomic experiences, luxury shopping, and visits to the city’s iconic sites. The heart of the Concorso took place between Villa Borghese and Casina Valadier, where the public could admire some of the world’s rarest cars up close. The awards ceremonies then concluded with gala events, including an evening at Palazzo Brancaccio, a symbol of Roman elegance.

International success from the very first edition

The success of the event was immediate, thanks to the direction of Jeremy Jackson-Sytner, the supervision of jury president Adolfo Orsi, and the organizational contribution of Anantara Hotels & Resorts. Also fundamental was the support of partners, including UBS, the main sponsor of the initiative, along with numerous international brands and Italian institutions. The event demonstrated how Rome can establish itself not only as a cultural capital but also as a hub for major international events capable of generating economic value and global visibility.

The Automotive Dolce Vita looks to the future

The Anantara Concorso Roma was not just a celebration of the past, but also a look toward the future of high-end automotive collecting. In a unique Roman context of history, art, and lifestyle, the event successfully reinterpreted the concept of a concours d’elegance, transforming it into a cultural and relational platform. A debut that hints at a promising future, destined to make this appointment an international benchmark for historic car enthusiasts and the entire sector.