Winner – Coppa d'Oro at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este — A Celebration of Authenticity and History
Every year, the shores of Villa d’Este become the meeting point for some of the world’s most important historic automobiles. Collectors, enthusiasts, designers and historians gather at Lake Como to celebrate automotive craftsmanship, heritage and elegance at one of the most prestigious concours events in the world.
This year, among the carefully curated selection of exceptional automobiles, our 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster drew attention for a very different reason: authenticity.
Delivered in 1963 in DB 050 White with black leather interior and black hardtop, this late-production 300 SL Roadster has spent its entire life in Germany before recently making its way back onto the international concours stage. What makes this car especially remarkable is not a restoration, but the absence of one. The car remains entirely original throughout — including details such as its period snow chains and skis, reminders that this 300 SL was not hidden away in a collection, but genuinely driven and enjoyed throughout its life.
Burak Fidan, Jessica and Eric Blumencranz, Tim Bechtel, Michelle Stürz, Florian Schmucker
Rather than restoring the car cosmetically, our approach focused on careful preservation and mechanical recommissioning using original parts only, always respecting the vehicle’s authenticity, history and character. Every mark, material and detail tells part of its story.
Throughout the weekend at Villa d’Este, the response from visitors was overwhelming. Enthusiasts spent long periods studying the car closely, appreciating the untouched finishes, original materials and honest signs of life accumulated over more than six decades. Conversations repeatedly returned to one theme: originality can never truly be recreated.
The highlight came when the 300 SL Roadster was awarded the prestigious Coppa d’Oro — the public’s choice award and one of the most meaningful recognitions of the entire event. To receive this honor among such an extraordinary field of automobiles was deeply emotional for our entire team.
For us, the award represents far more than a trophy. It reflects a growing appreciation for preservation, authenticity and the responsibility of keeping automotive history alive for future generations. Since 1972, this philosophy has guided everything we do: preserving and restoring the cars people love while respecting the stories they carry with them.
Seeing the public connect so strongly with this unrestored 300 SL reminded us exactly why this work matters. Some cars are restored to perfection. Others deserve to remain exactly as time intended.
