Cavallino Classic Modena 2025: the Concorso of Ferrari Excellence

One of the very first decisions made by Luigi Orlandini after becoming Chairman & CEO of Cavallino Inc.—the American company behind the historic Palm Beach Cavallino Classic—was to pay tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s hometown by creating an exclusive new event in Modena. Thus, Cavallino Classic Modena was born: a Concorso d’Eleganza dedicated to honoring the city where it all began.

The formula is one of pure excellence, with the same esteemed panel of judges as Palm Beach and the same obsessive attention to detail—selecting only those Ferraris that best embody the spirit and story of the marque.

Guided by one of Enzo Ferrari’s founding principles—always looking ahead, embracing innovation and the unexpected—Orlandini partnered with visionary chef Massimo Bottura, choosing the stunning 19th-century Casa Maria Luigia as the home of the event. Today, the guesthouse is not only Bottura’s estate but also one of the most refined and celebrated hospitality venues in Italy. The result is a truly rare and intimate celebration, where local art, culture, and taste come together with the legendary heritage of Ferrari.

On Saturday, May 17, following Friday’s welcome reception and vehicle placement, judging will be completed and the selected cars will parade through the historic center of Modena, arriving at the Museo Enzo Ferrari.

Later that evening, back at Casa Maria Luigia, and in the presence of Massimo Bottura, the prestigious Platinum Awards and Best of Show trophies will be announced and presented by Luigi Orlandini, Enzo Mattioli Ferrari—a direct descendant of Enzo Ferrari—and representatives of Ferrari’s senior leadership.

Saturday’s dinner is always one of the signature moments of Cavallino Classic Modena. Massimo Bottura will prepare dishes from his world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana opened in 1995 in the heart of Modena—an unforgettable culinary journey shaped by creativity, memory, and passion.

This year’s edition will not only showcase iconic Ferrari models from across the decades but also pay tribute to a milestone in Ferrari history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 308 GTB 2-seaters, a model that brought many “first” in Ferrari, as being the first model manufactured in the several thousands and the first V8 road car built in Maranello. The other classes include “The 12 Cylinder-front”, “The 250s”, “The 275s”, “The road legal mid-engined V8”, “The racing mid-engined V8”, “The Dino” and “The Supercars”.

Among the cars on the field, the 1951 212 Export Cabriolet Vignale Cabriolet, s/n 0106, one of the only two made and the eldest car at Casa Maria Luigia and the 1953 250 MM Spyder Vignale, s/n 0330-0390 ordered by Harry Schell and Alfonso de Portago to race the 1954 Buenos Aires 1000 Kilometers, where they finished 2nd OA. From 1962 the 330 GTO s/n 3765, the 14th GTO manufactured, used as works car and, the only one receiving so, upgraded with a 4-liter engine to race, with Mike Pakes and Lorenzo Bandini the 1962 24 Hours of le Mans, before being returned, in 1963, to the original 3 liters configuration. The 275 GTBs class includes 1966 GTB4 s/n 09021, the Paris Show car and the first of the model sold by Ferrari, while the “Speciali” class includes the 1985 GTO “288”, s/n 52715, the 21st manufactured and today considered among the best preserved; while in the Racing V8s, there is the 2013 458 GTE s/n 2862, restored to concours after racing twice (2013 and 2014) at Le Mans.

The event concludes on Sunday, May 18, with a scenic drive along the traditional Ferrari test roads, ending at Casa Canossa for a Michelin-starred lunch inspired by the very best of Emilia-Romagna’s cuisine.

Event partners include prestigious names such as RM Sotheby’s, Riva, Bang & Olufsen, Azimut – Automobile Heritage Enhancement, and Moët & Chandon.

RM Sotheby’s is delighted to return as the presenting partner of Cavallino Classic Modena. RM Sotheby’s is the world’s leading auction house for collector grade automobiles and boasts an unrivalled track record in offering the greatest Ferraris for public sale. It is the only auction house to work in partnership with Ferrari and has conducted a number of Ferrari-only sales at Maranello.

In the elegant setting of Casa Maria Luigia, Riva will showcase an icon of nautical heritage and design: the legendary Aquarama Super, meticulously restored by Riva Classiche, the division dedicated to preserving the timeless beauty and authenticity of these masterpieces. A celebration of heritage, elegance, and craftsmanship awaits.

Bang & Olufsen will bring immersive listening and viewing experiences to Cavallino Classic Modena, showcasing exclusive products from its portfolio including the Beolab 90 and Beovision Theatre. Bang & Olufsen will also provide the sound system for the event, delivering exceptional sound experiences throughout this prestigious celebration.

On Saturday, guests will also be invited to attend the symposium organized by Azimut – Automobile Heritage Enhancement, the first regulated classic cars investment fund in the world: an insightful discussion bridging real investment opportunities with the cultural responsibility of preserving the world’s great automotive heritage.

Over the weekend, Moët & Chandon will delight guests with a refined tasting experience featuring its distinguished collection of champagnes. Among the highlights will be the iconic Moët Impérial, celebrated for its vibrant fruitiness, seductive palate, and elegant maturity. Guests will savour the house’s signature style — a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay — while enjoying a sophisticated atmosphere that will perfectly complement the timeless allure of Moët & Chandon.