From May 15 to 17, 2026, the legendary shores of Lake Como transformed into the epicenter of the global collector ecosystem for the annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
From May 15 to 17, 2026, the legendary shores of Lake Como transformed into the epicenter of the global collector ecosystem for the annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
May 17, 2026
Jointly organized by BMW Group Classic and the historic Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, this invitation-only sanctuary bypasses mass-market luxury spectacle to celebrate the absolute zenith of automotive preservation and future design philosophy. Under the thematic banner “Future needs Heritage,” the 97th Concorso d’Eleganza brought together an ultra-curated field of 54 automotive masterpieces spanning over a century of design. For multi-generational wealth managers and high-end asset collectors, the weekend served as a masterclass in aesthetic curation, where world-class provenance meets fine horology. From the highly anticipated debut of cutting-edge prototypes to the crowning of a historic pre-war icon on the Cernobbio waterfront, Villa d'Este firmly re-established itself as the ultimate live barometer for automotive high art.
The manicured gardens of Villa d’Este once again hosted the world’s most exclusive automotive beauty pageant, proving that investment-grade classic cars are increasingly standing shoulder-to-shoulder with blue-chip fine art. Rather than analyzing vehicles merely through mechanical specifications, the expert jury evaluated each entry as a sculpture of historical significance and coachbuilt artistry.
The crowning achievement of the weekend belonged to a local legend. The coveted “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” was awarded to Stefano Martinoli’s breathtaking 1937 BMW 328 “Bügelfalte”. As the only special roadster entirely produced at the Munich plant, this pre-war masterpiece — famed for the unique metal creases running atop its front fenders, perfectly embodies the intersection of aerodynamic racing design and bespoke tailoring. Alongside the grand trophy, Martinoli was presented with a one-off A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph in 18-karat white gold, hand-engraved with the Concorso crest.
The public referendum also celebrated iconic European design, granting the prestigious Trofeo Coppa d’Oro to Eric Blumencranz’s flawless 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster — one of the final disc-brake, iron-block variants ever delivered. Other highly localized asset classes saw significant market validation, including Dennis Garrity’s rare Ghia-bodied 1952 Ferrari 212 Coupé Speciale and Gregor Piëch’s radical 2000 Volkswagen W12 Nardò supercar, which reunited original designers Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro with their high-speed creation.
Beyond the historic classifications, Villa d’Este acted as a vital bridge to tomorrow. The Concept Cars & Prototypes class featured two high-profile world premieres from the BMW Group, sparking deep discussions among the attending UHNW elite regarding what defines a "future classic" in an increasingly digital world.
By seamlessly blending rare historic coachwork with next-generation design language, the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza demonstrated an absolute truth: True luxury is completely immune to transient trends. On the shores of Lake Como, automotive value is entirely dictated by uncompromised beauty, pristine provenance, and a commitment to preservation.
