The 1953 Maserati A6GCS and 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider shared Best of Show honors at the Concorso d’Eleganza di Meano, showcasing classic Italian automotive excellence.
The recent Concorso d’Eleganza di Meano, held in the picturesque region near Brescia, has celebrated the unique heritage of Italian automotive craftsmanship, crowning both a 1953 Maserati A6GCS/53 and a 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider as joint winners of the coveted Best of Show title. This event continues to draw attention for its ability to assemble a diverse array of historical and modern performance cars.
The Maserati A6GCS/53, owned by Igor Zanisi and chassis number 2043, is not only a stunning piece of automotive history but also a remarkable participant in the Mille Miglia. This car has the distinction of competing in every edition of the legendary race from 1953 through 1957, thus earning its status as one of the most prominent Maserati entrants of that era. Under the skilled hands of noted drivers such as Luigi Musso, it tackled some of the most challenging motorsport events, including the Targa Florio and the Coppa della Toscana. Its remarkable achievements include two wins at the Giro dell’Umbria and Avellino, along with a commendable second place finish at the Circuito di Caserta in 1953.
Even today, Zanisi's Maserati remains a competitive participant, having recently completed the 2026 1000 Miglia regularity event alongside his daughter Lara, finishing in 48th place overall. The vehicle is currently undergoing Maserati’s Classiche Certification process, ensuring its authenticity and preserving its storied legacy for future enthusiasts.
The Ferrari F355 Spider, which shares the spotlight as Best of Show, hails from a different era yet exemplifies the pinnacle of Italian sports car design and engineering from the mid-1990s. Known for its charismatic styling and dynamic performance capabilities, the F355 Spider has remained a beloved choice among car collectors and enthusiasts alike. At the Meano Concours, the public vote swung in favor of a 1925 Ballot Paris LT1, showcasing the event's rich mix of automotive history.
Diverse and Historical Lineup
The Concorso d’Eleganza di Meano wasn’t just about the top two honors. The field consisted of over 50 cars, depicting a wide range of automotive artistry. Several classic vehicles made their presence felt, including a 1923 Fiat 519 adorned with Garavini coachwork and a rare 1930 Itala 65 Sport in Manfredini specification. Additionally, a 1926 FN 1300 SS Sport added to the event's historical allure.
Post-war vehicles also featured prominently, with a 1948 Leone 1100 Sport barchetta, a 1957 Fiat 1100 TV Zagato, and a 1958 Renault Dauphine Gordini drawing admiration. Notably, the variety extended to more contemporary offerings such as an Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT, which has been in the same ownership since 1963, and a striking Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce America that exemplifies the era's design ethos.
Modern performance vehicles also found their place, including a revered Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, a Porsche 996 GT3, and the Maserati MC20, illustrating the evolution of Italian automotive design over the decades.
Celebrating Automotive Craftsmanship
As part of the festivities, the cars departed from the magnificent Castello di Meano for a scenic road run through the surrounding area. This picturesque route included a passage beneath the iconic arch at Villa Morando, concluding at the historic Villa Feltrinelli in Gerolanuova, where the prize-giving ceremony took place.
Beyond celebrating vehicles, the Concorso d’Eleganza di Meano also supports educational initiatives like the Auto d’epoca: a scuola di restauro program. This initiative provides vital training in historic vehicle restoration, with scholarships presented in honor of project founder Vincenzo Tenchini. Jointly conducted with IAL Lombardia and Noci Motor Classic, it emphasizes the importance of preserving automotive heritage for future generations.
For those intrigued by this celebration of history and craftsmanship, more details about the Meano concours can be found on their official website. The event not only reminds us of the rich tapestry of Italian automotive ingenuity but also fosters a community dedicated to the ongoing appreciation and restoration of these timeless machines.
