The jury said the decision was not an easy one this year, with so many worthy cars in the competition. A 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France and the wedge-shaped Abarth 2000 Scorpione design study of 1969 were also in contention – but while the Abarth was commended for its influence on later cars such as the Lamborghini Countach, the Maserati was ultimately chosen for its purposeful elegance. Owner Albert Spiess is a regular at Villa d’Este, previously exhibiting several of his prized Lamborghinis; the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato in the concept class this year was also created at his behest. Spiess was awarded a unique A. Lange & Söhne watch for the 'Best in Show' win, which supersedes that of Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic at the 2013 Concorso.

Meanwhile, the audience-voted Coppa d’Oro title went to the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider Corsa of Corrado Lopresto. Winning the concept category was the striking Maserati Alfieri, and a 1929 Opel Motoclub Supersport with torpedo sidecar clinched the Trofeo BMW Group for motorcycles.

Photo: Rémi Dargegen for Classic Driver © 2014