The Costa Smeralda or “Emerald Coast,” is one of the world’s legendary vacation destinations. The playground of the international jet set since the 1950s, it could have been the very place for which the Fiat Jolly was created. Once you’re off your yacht, a home along the coast can command $3,000 per square foot or more. But it was not the real estate that captured the attention of the belle gente who gathered there from July 9 through July 12 this year — it was the cars.

The second edition of the Poltu Quatu Classic Concorso d’Eleganza was organized by the Poltu Quatu Resort, the Bcool International Guide and Auto Classic of Moncalieri, a leading Italian dealer and restorer of vintage cars. Best in Show was won by a Bugatti Type 49 from the noted Museo Nicolis of Villafranca di Verona. Silvia Nicolis was presented with a wrist watch by event sponsor Trussardi, and the Best in Show trophy was given by main sponsor Abarth.

The Bugatti from Museo Nicolis was chosen from more than 30 entries from some of the most important collections in the world. Participants came from from Italy, Argentina, Germany, Peru and the Principality of Monaco.

Dom Pérignon champagne awarded Best of Class pre-1950 to a Bugatti Type 37 owned by Daniele Turrisi of Bergamo, Italy; Best of Class pre-1960 to a Lancia Aurelia B24 owned by Edoardo Schon; and Best of Class post-1970 to a Lancia Stratos owned by Michele Lucente.

The jury was led by Dominik Fischlin, spokesman for FIVA and member of the Selection Committee for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and included Max Girardo of RM Sothebys; Luciano Bertolero, founder of Auto Classic and respected Ferrari historian; Filippo Perini, Director of the Centro Stile at Lamborghini; Francesco Pulcini, President of Poltu Quatu Resort; and Cristina Roma Pulcini, Vice President of the Poltu Quatu Resort.

Curator of the field was noted Italian collector Corrado Lopresto. As was the tradition of the original concours d’elegance, a fashion show played an integral part. Peruvian designer Claudia Bertolero and her models not only brought great style to the event, but on the Saturday evening also presented the Best Curated award to the 1920 Scat owned by Gianni Morandi. A Fiat 525 SS owned by the Bricchetti family won Best Restoration.

A special award was given to the vintage automobile that “Best represents the Past ” and was presented by President of the Italian Registry for Vintage Vehicles, Rossano Nicoletto. The car? Most appropriately, it was a Ferrari 512 BB formerly owned by the ultimate in Costa Smeralda jet set style, none other than Gianni Agnelli.

Poltu Quatu has all the hallmarks of an event with a brilliant future. For more information, visit www.poltuquatu.com.

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