2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 to showcase pre-1973 automotive icons

Avoid the crowds while you see some of the best examples of pre-1973 automotive elegance

By Bruce Brown Published August 22, 2024

1914 Benz 8-20PS Jadewagen at the Nicolis Museum right front three-quarter view. — Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

Much of Europe was crowded this summer, but tourist numbers will diminish with September’s cooling temperatures and school calendars. If classic automobiles are your passion, you may want to make the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 in Varignana, Italy, a highlight of a September trip. The concours, which will be held on September 27-29, will present 30 of the most exclusive pre-1973 automotive icons presented by collectors from around the world. This will be the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705’s second year following a successful premiere in 2023.

Why does the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 matter

Like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Monterey Car Week, and Pebble Beach Automotive Week, the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 celebrates automotive excellence. The experience is held at the Palazzo di Varignana, encompassing a resort with a spa, luxury villas, a restaurant resurrected from the 1920s, and a working agricultural estate. The resort’s core is Palazzo Bentivoglio, a fully restored castle dating to 1705.

Recommended Videos

The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 is not a large event but rather a focused, exclusive gathering that promises, from the announcement, a “Breathtaking Ensemble of World’s Most Exclusive and Exquisite Pre-Eminent Automobiles.” Thirty cars have been accepted for this year’s event. A jury of seven automotive experts will judge the vehicles in six classes.

The Palazzo di Varignana website provides much more information about the Consorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705, allows you to order tickets to the event, and allows you to learn about the resort.

A few of the cars that will be at the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705

1914 Benz 8/20PS Jadewagen

1914 Benz 8-20PS Jadewagen at the Nicolis Museum right front three-quarter view. — 1914 Benz 8-20PS Jadewagen at the Nicolis Museum Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

1947 Isota Fraschini 8C Monterosa Touring Car

1947 Isota Fraschini 8C Monterosa Touring Car against a black background right front three-quarter view. — 1947 Isota Fraschini 8C Monterosa Touring Car Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

1925 Bugatti Type 35-3

1925 Bugatti Type 35 - 3 parked on a blue carpet with a palace in the background direct front view. — 1925 Bugatti Type 35 – 3 Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4 Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

1955 Porsche Speedster

1955 Porsche Speedster on display, right rear three-quarter view. — 1955 Porsche Speedster Ben Lewis / Influence Associates

Former Digital Trends Contributor

A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…

Topics

Auto News

Auto

Jeep unveils the all-new Cherokee to debut late 2025

New Jeep Cherokee coming late 2025

Jeep Cherokee

When the Cherokee left Jeep's lineup at the end of 2023, it created a noticeable gap between the smaller Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee, leaving a lot of potential buyers wondering what happened. The Cherokee has always been a strong player in a super competitive field, going head-to-head with big names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Tucson. So, it was a bit confusing when Jeep pulled the plug on the last generation without having a replacement lined up. After two years of sitting on the sidelines, Jeep is finally bringing the Cherokee back.

Recently, Jeep shared the first teasers of the new SUV ahead of its big reveal and expected launch later this year. Fans of classic Cherokees might be excited about the new model’s design, which goes back to a boxier, more rugged look that feels true to Jeep's roots. To highlight this, Jeep put out a cool image showing the new model alongside the older XJ-series Cherokees from the '80s and early 2000s. The 2026 version sports a flatter front end and squared-off headlights that remind many of the classic models, and the roofline is more upright, giving it a tougher vibe.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
Right now, Jeep offers a mix of vehicles, including gas engines and plug-in hybrids with their clever 4xe technology available in models like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. There’s a chance the new Cherokee could include a basic gas engine—maybe the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Compass—alongside a 4xe hybrid model or even an all-electric version. For now, more details are still under wraps, but fans are eager to find out what Jeep has in store as the launch date gets closer.

Auto

The 2025 BMW X7 M60i may be the sportiest full-sized SUV on the market

Driving this, you forget you're in a full-sized SUV

Front 3/4 view of a a blue BMW X7 M60i

The luxury SUV market is a little crowded these days, so sometimes it’s difficult to stand out. There’s an argument that you should play to your historic strengths if you want to succeed, and that’s likely what BMW has done with the X7 M60i SUV. The vehicle is much larger than your average Blimmer, but at its core, it has all of the qualities that BMW customers tend to appreciate.

I recently spent some time looking at BMW’s biggest SUV, which has been enhanced with an “M” package. So, before hopping in the driver’s seat, I was already expecting a good amount of comfort paired with exceptional power. This is why the X7 M60i did not disappoint on either front.
It’s very aggressive, like a tiger on a leash

Auto

Bridgestone’s new touring tire comes with an 80,000 mile warranty

Bridgestone Launches All-New Turanza EverDrive Touring Tire

bridgestones new touring tire comes with an 80000 mile warranty bridgestone turanza everdrive 3

Since we started using a set of Firehawk Indy 500 tires a few months ago, Bridgestone has really impressed us with their dedication to quality and innovation in the tire scene. This week, they’ve introduced an exciting new addition—the Turanza EverDrive touring tire, and it's backed by an incredible 80,000-mile warranty, which is their longest yet.

These tires are designed for sedans, CUVs, and minivans, and they come with some really new and useful technology. The next-generation rubber compound helps fight against uneven wear, so you can expect them to last you longer. Plus, they’ll give you a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for all your daily adventures with or without the family.