The Alfa Romeo 4C has taken out top design honours at the recent Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance in Italy.

Under the category of ‘concept cars and prototypes’ the Alfa Romeo 4C, baby brother to the Alfa Romeo 8C, was deemed the winner joining the 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS that claimed the event’s Historic Car title.

First launched at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the 4C’s carbon tub design, SMC (sheet moulding composites) panels and aluminium front and rear frames all combine in an attempt to stick to Alfa’s target weight of around 900kg. The production version of the super-light delight will be propelled by a turbocharged 1.8-litre direct injection four-cylinder thought to deliver up to 300hp (224kW).

Alfa Romeo’s win at the Concorso d’Eleganza ended Aston Martin’s bid to take a third crown with its Project AM310 Concept. The British marque previously secured wins in 2009 and 2011 with the One-77 and V12 Zagato respectively.

Joining the 4C on the banks of Lake Como were the Stile Bertone Jaguar B99, Lexus LF-LC, Ford Evos concept and the BMW Zagato.

The Alfa Romeo 4C is expected to begin production in 2013 following an appearance at the 2012 Paris motor show in September. It is expected to hit international markets with a price tag of approximately £45,000 ($71,700).

While a 4C Spider might well follow in the footsteps of the hard-top, a right-hand drive version of either car is still unconfirmed. Regardless, the new Mazda/Fiat alliance will ensure Aussies will get the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo roadster by 2015.