Munich/Cernobbio. From May 15 to 17, 2026, BMW Group
Classic is organizing the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
in cooperation with the luxury hotel Villa d’Este.
Around 50 of the most spectacular automobiles of their time will
compete for the coveted trophies in the following competition classes,
first and foremost the “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show”,
with which the top-class jury will select the overall winner of the
Concorso d’Eleganza.
Class A Automotive Tailoring: The Decade of
Opulence, 1924-1934
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Class B Future Couture: Dressed For Speed, 1935–1939
Class C Viva Villa d’Este: Extravagant 1950s Style
Class D “The Top Goes Down, The Price Goes Up”:
Selling Sunshine
Class E They Earned Their Names: Enzo’s Endurance Legends
Class F Every Scratch Tells A Story: Ageing
Gracefully Without Restoration
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Class G From Carnaby Street To The Autostrada: The
Swinging GT Driver
Class H The Pace Race: The Supercar Comes of Age
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Once again, spectacular concept cars from various manufacturers will
be awarded prizes in their own traditional class.
The Concorso d’Eleganza parade on the terrace of the
Villa d’Este luxury hotel will take place as usual on Saturday. In
addition to the main prize “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of
Show”, all participants will compete with their vehicles for the
respective class victories, the “Coppa d’Oro” audience
award, presented by the Villa d’Este, and numerous other prizes, such
as the “Trofeo del Presidente”, which will be awarded by the
Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza
Villa d’Este, Helmut Käs.
Jonas Kaufmann, star tenor and BMW Group Classic brand ambassador,
will once again present the “Trofeo Il Canto del Motore” for
the best engine sound, chosen by the jury.
BMW ALPINA was introduced in early 2026 as a
manufacturer of automobiles for enthusiasts who appreciate the
extraordinary. The traditional Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is
the perfect setting for the independent, exclusive brand within the
BMW Group. Following the presentation of the new word mark and the
new brand emblem, BMW ALPINA will present itself directly to the
public for the first time at Lake Como.
Once again this year, BMW Motorrad will present a
spectacular vision vehicle at the Concorso d`Eleganza Villa d`Este
that sets new standards in exclusive performance and modern design.
The celebrations of the already announced anniversaries will be
complemented by the spectacular special exhibition “Touring Car
Legends” on the occasion of “40 Years of the BMW
M3”. Not only legendary BMW M3 (E30) racing touring
cars will be presented on the grounds of Villa Erba, but also the
respective contemporary competition vehicles from the touring car
scene. Racing drivers Johnny Cecotto (VEN), Emanuele Pirro (IT) and
Roberto Ravaglia (IT) will be on site to recount anecdotes from
their active time as BMW works drivers and answer visitors’
questions. A corresponding “fan talk format” will be realized.
On Sunday, May 17, the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa
d’Este Public Day – Il Festival” will once again
give the general public the opportunity to experience the Concorso
d’Eleganza Villa d’Este vehicle parade. In addition, the events at
Villa Erba will offer a wide range of entertainment for every age.
The “Amici & Automobili – Wheels &
Weisswürscht” event format, which is well-known from
Munich and also established on Lake Como, will once again be an
integral part of the automobile weekend on Lake Como in 2026. On
Saturday, May 16, car enthusiasts, automobile clubs and communities
from all over the world will be on the grounds of Villa Erba with
around 120 vehicles to show off their automotive highlights. The
range of vehicles is huge, open to all brands and offers an
interesting mix of different vehicles from various decades and
concepts. The “40 years of the BMW M3” anniversary will
also be honored here with a large number of vehicles on display. The
areas by the lake will then become the BMW M3 meadow with all
generations of the icon.
The “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” winner will be
presented with a special timepiece from A. Lange
& Söhne: the unique 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in
18-carat white gold with a solid red gold dial and the hand-engraved
red gold dial and the hand-engraved coat of arms of the Concorso
d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the hinged back. A. Lange & Söhne has
been a loyal companion of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for 15
years. This long-standing partnership will be honored accordingly
during the event.
Broad Arrow Auctions, driven by Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY),
returns as the official auction partner of BMW AG for the prestigious
Concorso
d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, presenting over 70 of the world’s most
desirable collector cars for sale on 16-17 May 2026, with preview days
taking place from Friday 15 May.
Early highlights for this premier collector car auction feature
technological and design marvels of motoring history, including a 1929
Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys, a stunning 1926 Bugatti
Type 37 Grand Prix and modern-era supercar heroes such as a 1990
Ferrari F40 and an iconic 2011 BMW M3 GTS. Full details of the sale,
including available lots, can be found under .
BMW Group Classic would like to thank its partners and sponsors
A. Lange & Söhne, Broad Arrow
Auctions, Vranken Pommery Monopole and
Schedoni Modena for their support.
Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este:
“We can hardly wait for the event to start, the excitement grows
every year as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este draws closer. I can
already promise that the field of participants at the Concorso will be
spectacular. I am grateful to have a reliable partner at my side in
the luxury hotel Villa d’Este, which together with the BMW Group sets
new standards in organization year after year. I would also like to
thank the loyal sponsors of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.”
Davide Bertilaccio, CEO Villa d’Este S.p.A:
“In partnership with BMW Group Classic, we are proud to create an
atmosphere where excellence comes naturally, where history continues
to inspire innovation, and where every guest becomes part of a truly
timeless and extraordinary experience. This is made possible thanks to
the commitment and dedication of the Villa d’Este team, in close
collaboration with the BMW team, as well as their meticulous attention
to detail, which makes this event truly memorable. As the event draws
closer, we are delighted to present to our guests the latest edition
of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. More than a tribute to a
distinguished tradition, it represents one of the most prestigious and
longest-running Concours events in the world, a living celebration of
craftsmanship, passion and cultural heritage.”
Tickets for “Amici & Automobili – Wheels &
Weisswürscht” and the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Public Day – Il Festival” can be purchased here:
Stay informed on these channels:
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este App for iOS and Android (please
download the latest version)
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este website:
Instagram:
BMW Group Classic Media Server für Downloads:
CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE 2026
2026-03-26 09:00:00
www.press.bmwgroup.com
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/canada/article/detail/T0456642EN?language=en
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