Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026

Held from 15-17 May 2026 on the shores of Lake Como, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este once again brought together some of the world's finest historic automobiles under the theme "Future Needs Heritage." The event featured 54 exceptional cars from 13 countries, alongside world premieres, concept vehicles, and special anniversary celebrations.

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026 - Key Visual BMW 328

The Best of Show award, chosen by the international jury, was presented to the 1937 BMW 328 "Bügelfalte", a unique one-off racing roadster owned by Stefano Martinoli of Italy. The public's favorite, receiving the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este, was the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster owned by Eric Blumencranz from the United States.

BMW 328 "Bügelfalte"

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

BMW also used the event as the stage for two global premieres:

Vision BMW ALPINA

BMW Motorrad Vision K18

Both concepts reflected BMW's vision of combining heritage with future performance and design.

Special exhibitions celebrated several important milestones, including:

• 90 years of the BMW 328

• 40 years of the BMW M3

• 50 years of the BMW 6 Series

• 50 years of the BMW Art Car Collection

Historic BMW Art Cars by Robert Rauschenberg and John Baldessari were among the highlights displayed at Villa Erba.

The event also hosted the Broad Arrow Auctions, attracting bidders from 31 countries and offering a collection of 70 collector cars, ranging from classic Ferraris to modern hypercars such as the Pagani Zonda Unica and Ferrari Daytona SP3.

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este continues to be regarded as one of the world's most prestigious classic car events, celebrating automotive history while providing manufacturers with a unique stage to unveil the future of design and performance.

Why is Villa d'Este considered one of the world's greatest classic car events?

Because it is more than a concours. Held on the shores of Lake Como since 1929, Villa d'Este brings together the world's finest historic automobiles, leading collectors, renowned designers, and major manufacturers in an atmosphere that celebrates automotive heritage, craftsmanship, and elegance unlike any other.

Why does the official key visual feature the BMW 328?

The BMW 328 was chosen as the symbol of the 2026 event to celebrate its 90th anniversary. As one of BMW's most iconic pre-war sports cars, it perfectly reflects the event's theme, "Future Needs Heritage," connecting the brand's rich history with its vision for the future.