Yesterday was the Nashville Viva Italia Concours D’Elegance. Which is basically just a fancy way of saying that there were rare Italian vehicles, a classically trained singer, and a guy selling pizza. While the singer was pretty good and I was too cheap to try the pizza, the cars were simply stunning. The majority were Ferraris, which are never a bad thing, but there was a good showing from Alfa Romeo and Maserati, as well as a single Lancia, and a single Lamborghini. My top five after the jump.

5. Lancia Fulvia Zagato

The Lancia Fulvia was ahead of its time both technologically and stylistically. A sporty little Italian 2+2 with a body designed by Zagato and a hatch for practicality. That sounds more or less how I would describe the ideal day to day car today. Sadly, this car is both old and Italian, and therefore has probably been repaired twice since I last saw it… yesterday. You just have to love that colour and the way the hood opens too.

4. Ferrari 599

With its 12 cylinders, 611 horses, 3.7 second 0-60, and Pininfarina looks, I love the 599. While this isn’t a classic yet, the 599 is both the archetype of Pininfarina’s current design style for Ferrari and Maserati, and an absolute track monster. What it all really comes down to is the “flying buttresses,” which at first appear to be the c-pillar.  It is such an elegant way to increase airflow to the lip spoiler. If those were on a Yugo 65 I’d want one of those too.

3. Ferrari Testarossa

There were actually two Testarossas at the event, but I decided my favourite of the two was the one in slightly worse condition. Why? Because it’s not yellow. Not only do I usually hate yellow cars, but black paint just shows off the Testarossa’s lines so well, there is really not other option worth considering, except of course the classic scarlet.

2. Ferrari Dino 206 GT

A gorgeous curvy targa-top Ferrari with a tiny 2.0l V6 serving as a power-plant. All in all, this is a stunning car. I honestly thought that Ferrari would create another Dino. A small, ultra-light, cheaper less expensive Fezza with a smaller engine could be some sort of super Lotus. The California doesn’t count, that’s more of a super Mercedes SLK.

1. Lamborghini 350GT

Here is a car that just oozes passion. The first Lambo was born out of a classically Italian vendetta against Enzo Ferrari. Ferruccio Lamborghini made tractors out of old military parts, and owned a Ferrari, which had clutch problems. When he took it to Maranello, Enzo simply told him that “the problem was not with the car.” Being insane, Ferruccio went home and decided to stop making tractors and start making sports cars. The first one to hit the market was the 350GT of which 120 were sold. This is one of them.