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XNUMXnd edition of its second era, Biarritz Concours d'Elegance

After being stopped in 1958, last year the Biarritz Concours d'Elegance was finally revived. This year it held a new edition in September, offering lessons in style and conservation.

Photographs: Unai Ona

The twenties had certain milestones of importance for motor sports in the Iberian Peninsula. Not in vain, the Hispano-Suiza T45 of 1911 had already laid the foundations for a greater diffusion of racing cars, establishing a path along which models such as the Soriano-Pedroso of 1928. Powered by a forged aluminum engine with double overhead camshafts, this model straddles the streets and the circuits was designed with the intention of racing at Le Mans. A fact that, well seen, begins to give us certain accurate brushstrokes about the state of high-end Spanish motoring during those twenties.

However, although the engineers and investors responsible for the Soriano-Pedroso were aristocrats based in Spain, the truth is that this model was created in the French city of Biarritz. Something that draws even more attention when we examine the history of the place, lacking any industrial tradition beyond whaling. Activity that disappeared in the middle of the XNUMXth century, coinciding with the rise of tourism. That yes, not of any type of tourism. Far from being massive and popular, this one was based on trendy spas claimed by the Parisian elites of the day. In other words, just like the nearby city of San Sebastian, Biarritz became a meeting and resting place for people of political and financial power.

Thus, it is not surprising how an aristocratic scene was created on both sides of the border in which, during the twenties, various automobile events appeared. For starters, the aforementioned production of some high-end sports cars. But especially the inauguration of the Lasarte Circuit in 1923. With 18 kilometers of track and, until its closure in 1935, the venue for the Spanish GP on ten occasions. Undoubtedly an indisputable reference for the world of racing. Promoting the passage through San Sebastián of driving aces such as Rudolf Caracciola, Bernd Rosemeyer or Tazio Nuvolari.

In addition, in Biarritz the concentration of high-end vehicles has grown in the meantime. A perfect excuse so that, in 1929, an elegance contest was held for the first time in the form and manner of Monaco or Villa d'Este. In fact, the latter started just the same year. However, the passage of time took its toll and wear. Causing the one from Biarritz to fall from grace in 1958 to be happily recovered last 2021. An initiative that enhances the area within the automotive scene. Adding dates of interest next to the San Sebastian Circuit Spirit or museums like Torre Loizaga.

BIARRITZ 2022, A NEW EDITION FOR THIS CONTEST OF ELEGANCE

After the success of the 2021 edition, the Biarritz Concours d'Elegance was held again on the 9th, 10th and 11th of last September. Regarding the location, it found a change, starting to enjoy the outdoors by exposing the cars not in a warehouse but on the premises of a local golf club. Undoubtedly a perfect place for the classics to shine. Highlighting, like last year, the units sent by the aforementioned Torre Loizaga Museum.

Although last year they were kind enough to send the Phantom II S Coupe Continental, winner of the contest in 1958 -a complete twist of fate-, this 2022 they opted for an imposing 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost It belonged to a Maharaja of India. Used with much more head than the Cadillac 452A bodied by Pininfarina in 1931 commissioned by another of these local leaders. The one who, against all odds, survived the open field tiger hunts to which he was subjected to have appeared in events like Peeble Beach 2018.

In addition, the museum located in the outskirts of Bilbao exhibited a Rolls-Royce Phantom I Coupé in cream color. A true celebration of those golden days for high-end motoring. Jumping into something else entirely, one of the most striking models among all those exhibited in Biarritz was an M1 from 1981. A benchmark of style for the world of supercars. In addition to representing an excellent connection between the Bavarian house and Lamborghini. Things from the business world and making one's own technical expertise available to other brands. By the way, this unit received a special award for its state of preservation.

However, when it comes to prizes, the absolute winner was a Jaguar Type E 4.2 from 1965. In perfect condition and with an appearance worthy of the praise given by Enzo Ferrari. “The most beautiful car ever built”. At least until 1962. Year in which it is believed that the Commendatore expressed this idea just one year after the English model was released on the market.

In any case, going to an area more limited to the lesser known, the presence of the Delahaye 135 MS CL from 1953 stands out. A unique piece created that, in the field of French industrial design, has a lot to say about the general line of the later Facel Vega. Another of the many references ready for the viewer at the Biarritz Concours d'Elegance.

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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