Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana Very Best Of Show
The Ferrari 275 GTB wins Best of Show Award at the prestigious 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705.
It doesn’t matter what world city you are in, be it Rome, Paris or London, New York, Toronto, Miami or Los Angeles, there is one car that turns heads more than any other even among non-automobile enthusiasts, and that car is without question the classic Ferrari.
It’s most likely a combination of factors that makes those heads turn. Of course, the car’s sleek aerodynamic contours and sophisticated low-to- the-ground styling are the first things that catch the eye. The unmistakable growl from the exhaust, the paint-box of eye-catching colours and the iconic black-on-yellow-background prancing-horse logo all complete the attraction. The dictionary could save itself some words when defining classic sports car — simply show a picture of a Ferrari.
That was surely the sentiment this past September in Bologna, Italy, when a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB was awarded the prestigious Best of Show prize at the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 held at the spectacular Palazzo di Varignana resort against the majestic backdrop of the Bolognese hills. In just its second year, the Varignana 1705 Concours d’Elegance has already become one of the key events on the global luxury automotive calendar.
This classic 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB beat out a field of 35 automobiles built mostly before 1973, presented across six different classes. Each model represented a genre-defining moment in the history of the automobile and was painstakingly selected by a highly esteemed panel of global automotive experts for its superlative design values and exquisitely executed engineering. In addition to its Best of Show prize, the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB also won in its class, Il Meglio Della Motor Valley (The Best of the Motor Valley).
Owned by Giuseppe Matildi, this particular Ferrari has its own interesting backstory. Originally sold in 1966 in Milan through the Crepaldi dealership, this specific 275 GTB holds a significant place in Ferrari’s long and storied history. One of the final 105 cars produced in the long-nose series, it was part of a limited series modified to test the Torque Tube chassis — a crucial development that would be applied to future models including the 275 GTB/4 and the Daytona. True to Ferrari’s engineering expertise, this advancement was introduced to solve the vibration issues found in earlier models.
This particular 275 GTB is part of the “lightened” series, featuring aluminum doors and hoods that differentiate it from models with fully steel bodies or those made entirely from aluminum. It has also been certified by Ferrari Classiche, which ensures its authenticity and historical importance.
Matildi has owned the car since 1989 and has displayed it at some of the most prestigious events around the world. His car has participated in 10 editions of the Tour de France, as well as eight editions of Italia Classica. The timelessly elegant car was invited to the Ferrari 50th Anniversary celebration in Rome in 1997, further cementing its status among the Ferrari elite, the pinnacle for any sports car.
Ahead of that anniversary celebration, in 1996, Matildi had Autofficina Sauro carry out a complete restoration on the car, and more recently Autofficina Bonini meticulously restored the vehicle again, a job that took two and a half years to complete. This second restoration focused on bringing the car to today’s high standards while preserving its rich history. The bodywork, chrome, interior and engine have been painstakingly restored to concours-quality perfection, maintaining the car’s heritage while making it ready for future competitions.
That type of attention to detail and expertise have been a tradition and guiding philosophy ever since Enzo Ferrari founded the company in 1939 and the company manufactured its first car in 1940. Ferrari currently offers a large model range, which includes several supercars, grand tourers and one SUV.
Ferrari started racing in Grand Prix events and later in Formula One; since 1952 it has fielded 15 champion Formula One drivers, won 16 Constructors’ Championships and has accumulated more race victories, 1-2 finishes, podiums, pole positions, fastest laps and points than any other team in F1 history. There is a certain magic to the Ferrari name, and many of its earliest cars, those dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, count among the most expensive cars ever sold at auction.
Ferrari possesses a robust brand image around the world, and its name and logo have expanded into men’s and women’s fashion, eyewear, handbags and shoes. Its logo is now one of the best- known in the world, recognized for quality, style and sophistication.
The care taken and expertise employed to restore this 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB obviously paid off: the judges expressed their admiration for its breathtaking beauty, calling it one of the finest examples of Ferrari craftmanship they had ever seen. They praised its flawless restoration, which highlighted the classic Ferrari design in one of the brand’s most iconic colours — a vibrant “Giallo Fly” yellow.
It is a testament to the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 that it has achieved this level of fame and credibility in the world of luxury automotive prizes in just two years, a point which Matildi emphasized in his remarks upon winning the Best of Show award for 2024.
“I am very happy to receive this prestigious Best of Show award in the Concorso d’Eleganza at Palazzo di Varignana,” he said. “It was an amazing location, and the organization of the competition was of the highest standard and professional in every aspect. I want to give my special praise to Dr. Carlo Gherardi, who, with wonderful foresight, created this magical resort. And to the organizing committee, who have undoubtedly created a great event, which will see success for years to come.”
As organizers of the event, Palazzo di Varignana further solidified its reputation as a haven of Italian hospitality and culinary excellence, embodying the Italian heritage lifestyle in an enchanting setting. Located on 30 picturesque hectares, it features 150 beautifully appointed rooms, four exquisite restaurants offering the finest in Italian cooking and is a haven for enthusiasts seeking tranquillity amid the charm of the beautiful Italian countryside.
“The Quality Of The Automobiles, The Expertise Of Our Judges And The Passion Shared By Collectors And Attendees Made It A Truly Remarkable Event.”
“This year’s Concorso exceeded all expectations,” said Dr. Gherardi, founder of Palazzo di Varignana. “The quality of the automobiles, the expertise of our judges and the passion shared by collectors and attendees made it a truly remarkable event. We are honoured to crown the Ferrari 275 GTB as Best of Show and congratulate all of the class winners and special-award recipients.”
The Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 Best of Show is yet another award for Ferrari to place on the very crowded mantle of this iconic Italian luxury sports-car manufacturer. But when you have been synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, opulence and fantastically fast speeds for 84 years, you get very used to all the heads turning your way.
