Miguel Sánchez
Villa d'Este It is one of the most outstanding events in relation to classic motorsport. Not surprisingly, its first edition was held back in 1929. A year in which, really, there were not even too many historic vehicles.
What's more, the winner was an almost brand new Isotta Fraschini. From here on, cars have always shone with more elegance at the Italian event. Focusing your selection towards style exercises “avant garde” by the best bodybuilders of the moment.
However, as time has passed, more models have been incorporated. In this way, the celebration of the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has attracted a certain number of models to Villa d'Este 2023 where, above style, effectiveness on the track stands.
This being the case, it is best to give a brief review of what has been seen in this latest edition through the photographs provided by Unai Ona. Let's get to it.
PROTOTYPES OF THE TWENTIES
At Rolls-Royce power has never been a problem. What's more, in the brand there has always been a reluctance to confirm the horsepower of its creations. In fact, in more than a few moments it has referred to the data as "Enough". And it's OK. Not in vain, thanks to this behavior, the British house manages to distance itself from the race for a somewhat absurd fetish in luxurious and calm models like the ones it produces.
However, during the twenties their new models added weight without increasing power. Because of this, the idea of insufficient performance began to spread among some customers. Something, of course, very worrying in the face of the public image provided by Rolls-Royce. With all this, around 1926 the company created a small series of experimental prototypes with which to test weight reduction and aerodynamic improvement.
At this point, the 10 EX, 15 EX and 16 EX made up one of the most interesting sets in the history of Rolls-Royce, with extensive testing on circuits and an atypical history in the brand's history. Well, one of them was at Villa d'Este and, furthermore, he was accompanied by a 1928 Sports Phantom Prototype.
All topped off with a curious selection of Rolls-Royce units for the Indian market. Where from colonial authorities to various maharajas joined important order lists.
GHIA, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ITALY AND AMERICA
If there is an Italian bodywork company connected to the American industry, it is Ghia. Follower of an aesthetic clearly influenced by Virgil Exner, Chrylser relied on her during the fifties for the production of some really striking prototypes and short series models.
What's more, cars like the L6.4 marked pages of success in the highest and most exclusive range of the US market.
In this sense, at Villa d'Este 2023 it was striking to see a Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Special from 1953. Equipped with an Italian license plate, this was a good memory of those times when talk was made of "the most long in the world." Undoubtedly, a clear allusion to the way in which the chassis crossed the Atlantic in roundtrip. Sparing no expense.
In addition, within this type of collaboration, the 62 Cadillac Series 1953 Ghia also stood out. Produced in just two units, this is a good example of the creative zeal of Felice Boano and Luigi Segre. From whom it started to ask Cadillac for two bare chassis in order to create this design with which, perhaps, to be able to convince the American manufacturer of the benefits of a futuristic design with the artisan touch given by the Italians.
Photographs by Unai Ona
