Rome – under clear blue skies and surrounded by centuries of history – became the stage for one of the most captivating automotive debuts in recent memory. The inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma, presented by UBS, transformed the Eternal City into a living gallery of Italian design, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and curious visitors into a weekend defined by elegance and emotion.
More than 70 historic Italian cars took pride of place across some of Rome’s most scenic vantage points, creating a rare open-air exhibition that blended seamlessly with the city’s timeless charm. From Ferrari to Lamborghini, Maserati to Alfa Romeo, the lineup celebrated the very best of Italy’s automotive legacy – each vehicle telling its own story of innovation and style.
At the heart of the event was a powerful sense of occasion. This was the first concorso d’eleganza held in Rome in 60 years, and the return felt nothing short of triumphant. Judging unfolded on Saturday among pristine lawns and panoramic views, culminating in Sunday’s awards presentation – a moment that crowned not just a winner, but a piece of automotive history reborn.
The standout of the weekend was the extraordinary 1932 Maserati V4 Sport Zagato, awarded Best of Show. Known as the “Sedici Cilindri”, the car is a marvel of engineering, powered by a 4-litre 16-cylinder engine. Its legacy is equally remarkable – in 1929, it set a world speed record over 10 kilometres. Its return to Rome for the first time in 90 years added a poetic layer to its victory, bridging past and present in a city where history lives on every corner.
Yet the event was more than a competition. It was an immersive celebration of Italian lifestyle – a curated experience that extended far beyond the showfield. Guests were hosted at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, while the main displays unfolded at Casina Valadier and Piazza Bucharest in Villa Borghese, offering sweeping views over the city. Between viewings, attendees indulged in Italian cuisine, luxury hospitality, and cultural exploration, embracing the spirit of “La Dolce Vita della Automobili”.
The atmosphere resonated far beyond invited guests. Locals and tourists alike seized the opportunity to witness rare and iconic cars up close, with day passes granting access to one of the most exclusive automotive gatherings in the world. The accessibility added a vibrant, democratic energy to an otherwise elite setting, reinforcing Rome’s role as a global cultural crossroads.
Behind the scenes, the event’s success was driven by a collaboration of influential figures and brands. Under the leadership of Jeremy Jackson-Sytner and the guidance of Chief Judge Adolfo Orsi, the concours achieved a level of refinement typically reserved for long-established events. Anantara Hotels & Resorts, alongside presenting partner UBS and a distinguished network of supporters, delivered an experience that felt both meticulously curated and effortlessly Roman.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, described the debut as exceeding expectations, highlighting the rare collection of cars, the strength of partnerships, and the unparalleled setting. UBS echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the event’s celebration of craftsmanship and collaboration, while Rome’s Councillor Alessandro Onorato underlined its broader significance – positioning the concours as a catalyst for tourism, investment, and cultural pride.
With backing from globally recognised partners – including RM Sotheby’s, American Express, Gulfstream, Veuve Clicquot, Lavazza, and Maserati among many others – the foundation has been laid for a lasting legacy.
In just one weekend, Anantara Concorso Roma has established itself not only as a premier automotive event, but as a defining expression of modern Italian luxury. If its debut is any indication, Rome may once again become a permanent fixture on the global concours calendar – where history, design, and lifestyle converge in unforgettable fashion.
