Most leading concours-type events are glamorous, but there's something about Concorso d‘Eleganza Villa d’Este--perhaps Italy's stunning Lake Como backdrop, or maybe it's the occasional appearance of a major automaker touting an edgy, sleek concept vehicle.

Hosting the event for the tenth time, BMW will reveal a pair of concept studies creative by its automotive and motorcycle design experts. That suggests concepts on both two and four wheels, but beyond those not-so-cryptic clues there's not a lot to go on. Previous BMW concepts launched at Villa d'Este have included last year's Gran Lusso Coupe, the M1 Homage concept and the BMW Zagato Coupe concept.

Whatever BMW unveils, they'll have to be special to match the standards set by the rest of the event. This year, Villa d'Este also celebrates the 110th anniversary of the BMW-owned Rolls-Royce luxury brand, and 100 years of Italian sports car maker Maserati. The former sees a special exhibition in the rotunda at Villa Erba, while Maserati will be celebrated with a special competition class in the BMW Group Italia Trophy beauty contest. A 1956 Maserati 450 S, one of only nine built, will also compete in the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este prize, decided by public referendum.

Further Concorso celebrations include a Great Gatsby-inspired open-air cinema, a gala dinner and of course, vehicle parades. A Great Gatsby class of the historic car competition will pay tribute to vehicles of the 'Roaring Twenties', including an entry from one of the era's defining brands, Duesenberg. This year's Concorso d‘Eleganza Villa d’Este, the 85th running of the event, takes place from 23-25 May 2014.

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