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Classic Gala Schwetzingen 2021 best of

September 14, 2021

**Maserati Ghibli**

Giugiaro managed the masterpiece at Ghia, to put the Ferrari Daytona against an adequate Maserati – the Ghibli was a sensation with a 4.7 or 4.9 liter engine.

**Fiat 127 Scout**

The Fiat 127 is mostly forgotten by the successful trendsetters. It served Fissore as the basis for a beach wagon in the style of the Citroen Mehari or Renault Sinpar – not beautiful, but practical, fun and very rare!

**Lotus Esprit S1**

With the Esprit, Giugiaro achieved a masterpiece in 1976, the chassis was similar to that of the DeLorean. This is the S1

**Fiat 2300 S Coupé**

The panoramic window in the rear of the 2300 S was so large that Ghia divided it into three parts. Abarth tuned three of these Coupé for GT races to approx. 160 HP – at that time a lot of power for 1200 kg. The series cars, which were designed by Sartorelli, were used more as a family GT

**Fiat 600 Elaborazione Zagato**

It was love at first sight, this Fiat 600 features a series body but it underwent a “customization” by the milanese coachbuilder. Two-tone painting, Borrani steering wheel, Abarth tuned engine and chrome decorations. The conditions were outstanding, winning the well deserved best of class 1955-1960.

**Fiat 600 Berlinetta Monterosa**

Sister of the 600 Zagato (both share also the same owner), this little berlinetta designed by Giovanni Michelotti shows off a two-tone paint. It was built on a standard Fiat 600 chassis by the less known coachbuilder Monterosa.

**DeTomaso Pantera GTS**

Tom Tjaarda designed the Pantera as a Ford GT 40 in an Italian bespoke suit, built by Alejandro DeTomaso. The exotic mid-engine car has been a great sales success over the years.

**Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Prototype**

Luigi Segre and Mario Boano created the Karmann at Ghia in 1953, which Wilhelm Karmann enthusiastically suggested to VW boss Nordhoff – he hardly suspected that this coupé would be built from 1955 to 1973. This is the concept car which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

**Opel Diplomat CD Frua**

Opel chief designer George Gallion was good friends with GM chief designer Bill Mitchell and both wanted a Diplomat sports car. The Diplomat CD stood against the C111 at the IAA 1969. Frua turned it into a roadworthy prototype.

**Glas GT**

The Glas GT was a Coupé produced from 1964 to 1967, for the bodywork we used Pietro Frua who designed a coupé with a very sporty appearance and line.

**Ghia 450 SS Spider**

Luigi Segre did everything al Ghia boss to keep the connection with Chrysler. The Ghia 450SS looked like an Italian Thunderbird with an aluminum body, but without a dealer network it was unsuccessful.

**Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica**

Carrozzeria Viotti built this one-of-a-kind sports sedan with 2 doors in 1939, the streamline design was created by freelance designer Mario Revelli di Beaumont. Winner of the Classic Gala Trofeo Italia.

**Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este**

This coupé based on the Alfa Romeo 6C, named after the Concorso d’Eleganza on Lake Como, with its large wheels is one of the most elegant pontoon GTs in the world, built by Touring Milano

**BMW 328 Spider Vignale**

Certainly one of the most anticipated automobiles at the event!
The BMW 328 Spider was rebodied by Vignale in 1949 and was unknown to most of all car enthusasts till the Concours d’Elegance of Schwetzingen 2021. Well deserved the 2nd best of show price behind the Chrysler GS Special Ghia.

**Chrysler Ghia Special**

The star of the Show! One of only two built GS1 Coupès with two individual seats in the rear, while the remaining 13 copies were equipped with a full-length bench. Class winner Pebble Beach 1959 and now Concours d’Elegance in Schwetzingen 2021!

The 17th Int. Concours d’Elegance Automobile 2021 in Schwetzingen ended in triumph! Among the protagonists were numerous cars bodied and designed by Italian coachbuilders. We have collected the best in this gallery. We are looking forward for next year’s edition.
Here is the link to the event: Classic Gala

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andreas Scheidl

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.