Lukman Taruna Persada Ramadan
The inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma, presented by UBS, recently concluded a magnificent weekend of competition and celebration, marking a significant return of a prestigious classic car event to Rome after a 60-year hiatus. This landmark occasion brought together an exquisite collection of over 70 historic Italian automobiles, transforming the Eternal City into a grand stage for automotive artistry and cultural reverence. Hosted by the opulent Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, the event seamlessly blended the glamour of vintage motoring with the unparalleled backdrop of Roman history, drawing an international array of collectors, enthusiasts, and luxury lifestyle connoisseurs.
Setting the Stage: Rome’s Grand Return to Concorso d’Eleganza
For six decades, Rome, a city synonymous with timeless elegance and historical grandeur, had not witnessed a Concorso d’Eleganza of this scale. The Anantara Concorso Roma not only revived this cherished tradition but elevated it to a new echelon of luxury and exclusivity. Classic car concourses, such as the famed Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este or Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, are globally recognized as celebrations of automotive design, engineering, and preservation. They offer a unique platform for rare and historically significant vehicles to be judged for their authenticity, condition, and aesthetic appeal. The decision by Anantara Hotels & Resorts to launch such an event in Rome underscores a growing appreciation for automotive heritage and the city’s inherent capacity to host world-class luxury spectacles. This initiative positions Rome firmly back on the international map for elite cultural and automotive events, promising to attract high-net-worth individuals and significant tourism interest in the years to come. The event served as a testament to Italy’s enduring legacy in automotive design and engineering, a nation that has consistently produced some of the most iconic and desirable cars in history.
A Gathering of Automotive Icons
More than 70 meticulously curated historic Italian cars graced the Roman landscape, representing the pinnacle of the nation’s automotive prowess. The show field, set against breathtaking Roman vistas, glistened with legendary marques including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, alongside other esteemed manufacturers. Each vehicle presented was not merely a mode of transport but a living piece of history, reflecting different eras of Italian design innovation, technological advancement, and artistic expression. From pre-war marvels showcasing early automotive ingenuity to post-war masterpieces that defined eras of speed and style, the collection offered a comprehensive journey through Italy’s rich motoring heritage. The discerning judges, comprised of leading experts in automotive history, design, and restoration, evaluated these automotive treasures, considering factors such as originality, historical accuracy, and the narrative behind each vehicle. This rigorous selection and judging process ensured that only the most exceptional examples of Italian automotive art were presented, making the competition intensely captivating for participants and spectators alike.
The Weekend’s Itinerary: A Celebration of Heritage and Luxury
The Anantara Concorso Roma unfolded over a captivating weekend, transforming various iconic Roman locations into dynamic exhibition spaces. The event was meticulously structured to offer a multi-faceted experience, combining the intensity of a classic car competition with a curated luxury lifestyle program. Guests, many of whom stayed at the luxurious Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, were immersed in an itinerary designed to celebrate both automotive excellence and Italian culture.
The heart of the exhibition and judging took place at the historic Casina Valadier and the scenic Piazza Bucarest in Villa Borghese. These elevated vantage points offered panoramic views of the city, providing an unparalleled backdrop for the display of these automotive masterpieces. Imagine a 1960s Ferrari gleaming under the Roman sun, with the ancient city stretching out beneath it—a truly cinematic experience. Beyond the static displays, the event likely featured elegant parades through historic Roman streets, allowing the public to witness these rolling sculptures in motion, their engines echoing through ancient cobblestone pathways.
Complementing the automotive spectacle, the Concorso incorporated a range of luxury lifestyle experiences. These included gourmet Italian food tastings, featuring regional delicacies and fine wines, providing a sensory journey through Italy’s culinary traditions. Exclusive social gatherings and galas, held in historic venues, offered opportunities for networking among collectors, industry leaders, and enthusiasts. Furthermore, guests were afforded unique opportunities to explore Rome’s iconic sights, combining cultural immersion with the automotive theme. The integration of these elements underscored the event’s ambition to be more than just a car show; it was a holistic celebration of Italian excellence in design, cuisine, hospitality, and heritage.
Anantara’s Vision and UBS’s Strategic Support
The conceptualization and execution of the Anantara Concorso Roma were spearheaded by Anantara Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand renowned for its distinctive properties and immersive experiences. Anantara’s commitment to creating unique, culturally rich events aligns perfectly with the ethos of a classic car concourse, which celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and a discerning lifestyle. William E. Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International, Anantara’s parent company, and a passionate classic car collector himself, articulated the profound success of the inaugural event. "This weekend’s inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma has exceeded what I ever could have imagined for our launch event. We were able to curate a quite remarkable collection of historic Italian cars, we had the support of incredible partners, and the event had the perfect backdrop of the Eternal City, combined with blue skies every day—it was truly exceptional," Heinecke remarked, highlighting the confluence of a stellar collection, strong partnerships, and the incomparable Roman setting. His personal passion for classic cars undoubtedly provided a genuine foundation for the event’s vision and authenticity.
The event’s prestige was further elevated by the presenting partnership with UBS. As a leading global financial services company, UBS’s involvement signals a strategic alignment with luxury lifestyle events that resonate with their high-net-worth clientele. Sponsorship of such a concourse allows UBS to engage with a sophisticated audience that appreciates art, heritage, and exclusive experiences, reinforcing their brand image as a supporter of excellence and passion. Representatives from UBS likely emphasized their commitment to fostering unique cultural experiences and connecting with individuals who share a passion for exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance, further solidifying the event’s standing in the luxury sector.
The Crown Jewel: 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato
The undisputed star of the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma was the magnificent 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato, which was rightfully crowned "Best of Show." This vehicle, affectionately known as "Sedici Cilindri" (Italian for sixteen cylinders), is a masterpiece of early automotive engineering and design, embodying the audacious spirit of Maserati in its nascent years. Its name derives from its extraordinary 4-liter, 16-cylinder engine, a revolutionary powerhouse for its time.
The history of the 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato is steeped in pioneering achievements. In September 1929, two years before its official production year, a prototype of this car, driven by Baconin Borzacchini, set a world speed record, achieving an astonishing speed over 6.2 miles (approximately 10 kilometers) at the Autodromo di Cremona. This feat cemented its legendary status, demonstrating Maserati’s early dominance in performance engineering. Its return to Rome for the Anantara Concorso Roma was particularly poignant, marking its first appearance in the city in 90 years. This long-awaited homecoming added a layer of historical significance to its victory, connecting its illustrious past with the present celebration of Italian automotive heritage. The Zagato coachwork, renowned for its lightweight and aerodynamic designs, further enhances the car’s aesthetic and historical value, making it a truly exceptional example of pre-war Italian motoring art. The Best of Show award not only recognized its immaculate preservation and historical importance but also its enduring allure as an icon of speed and elegance.
A Symphony of Strategic Partnerships
The success of an event of this magnitude relies heavily on a robust network of partners, and the Anantara Concorso Roma boasted an impressive roster of leading luxury brands and automotive entities. This extensive list underscores the multidisciplinary nature of classic car events, which often bridge the worlds of luxury, art, and automotive passion.
Key event partners included:
- Richard Mille: A Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its high-performance, avant-garde timepieces, aligning with the precision and engineering marvels of classic cars.
- Lockton Wattana: Likely an insurance or risk management partner, crucial for safeguarding invaluable classic cars.
- Maserati: A natural partner, given the prominence of Maserati vehicles in Italian automotive history and the Best of Show winner.
- Schedoni Modena: Renowned for exquisite bespoke leather goods, particularly for luxury cars, emphasizing craftsmanship.
- RM Sotheby’s: A leading auction house for collector cars, highlighting the investment aspect and value of these vehicles.
- American Express: A global financial services corporation, catering to a clientele that aligns with luxury travel and experiences.
- Gulfstream: A manufacturer of luxury private jets, appealing to the ultra-high-net-worth demographic that attends such events.
- Sanlorenzo: An Italian builder of luxury yachts, further extending the theme of high-end transportation and lifestyle.
- Globeair: A private jet charter company, facilitating travel for exclusive attendees.
- Tenute Lunelli, Whispering Angel, Veuve Clicquot: Premium beverage partners, offering fine wines and champagne, integral to luxury hospitality.
- Lavazza: An iconic Italian coffee brand, providing an authentic Italian touch.
- Acqua di Parma: A prestigious Italian fragrance and lifestyle brand, epitomizing Italian elegance.
- Technogym: A leading company in fitness equipment, reflecting a focus on well-being within the luxury lifestyle.
- Renauld, CARS, Octane, Cover Car: Automotive media and specialized publications, ensuring widespread coverage and engagement with the enthusiast community.
- Ripense, Antica Manifattura Cappelli, La Dolce Vita, FICOFI: A diverse group of partners likely contributing to local Roman cultural experiences, fashion, and fine living.
- Automobile Club D’Italia (ACI), ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano), Comune di Roma, ACLI: Crucial institutional and local government partners, providing official support and legitimacy, especially for an event held in such a historically sensitive urban environment.
This comprehensive network of collaborators highlights the significant cross-industry appeal of classic car events, creating a symbiotic ecosystem where luxury brands, automotive heritage, and local culture converge.
Economic and Cultural Resonance
The Anantara Concorso Roma carries significant implications beyond the immediate excitement of the event itself. For Rome, the re-establishment of a major Concorso d’Eleganza after 60 years is a powerful statement about its cultural vibrancy and its capacity to attract high-value tourism. Such events draw an affluent international crowd, leading to increased spending in hotels, restaurants, luxury boutiques, and other local businesses. This influx of economic activity contributes to the city’s overall prosperity and strengthens its image as a global hub for luxury and culture.
From Anantara’s perspective, hosting this Concorso significantly enhances its brand positioning within the ultra-luxury hospitality sector. By associating its name with an event of such prestige and heritage, Anantara reinforces its commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences and becomes synonymous with discerning taste and cultural appreciation. It also offers unparalleled networking opportunities with a highly desirable demographic of global travelers and collectors.
For the classic car community, the Anantara Concorso Roma provides another prestigious platform to celebrate and preserve automotive history. The growing interest in classic cars, both as cultural artifacts and as alternative investments, makes such events increasingly relevant. They serve as educational forums, showcasing the evolution of design and engineering, and inspiring future generations of enthusiasts and restorers. The return of the 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato to Rome after 90 years is a poignant example of how these events facilitate the reconnection of historic vehicles with their geographical and cultural origins, enriching the narrative for all involved.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Anantara Concorso Roma
The resounding success of the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma, as affirmed by William E. Heinecke, sets a promising precedent for its future. The ability to curate a "remarkable collection of historic Italian cars," coupled with "incredible partners" and the "perfect backdrop of the Eternal City," creates a compelling foundation for this event to become a permanent fixture on the global classic car calendar.
The organizers will likely build upon the lessons learned from this debut, potentially expanding the categories, introducing new elements to the lifestyle program, or exploring additional iconic Roman venues for future editions. The event’s unique identity, rooted in its exclusive focus on Italian automotive heritage within the historic context of Rome, differentiates it from other international concourses. As the classic car market continues to thrive, driven by both passion and investment, the Anantara Concorso Roma is poised to grow in stature, attracting an even broader and more enthusiastic audience in the years to come. It represents not just a celebration of past achievements but a vibrant future for automotive elegance in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Dwi Wanna
Walid Sujud Trenggono
Chandra Hamzah
