The prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a hallmark event for classic and concept car enthusiasts, is set to return to the shores of Lake Como from May 23rd to 25th, 2025. For the past two decades, BMW Group Classic has expertly organized this singular concours, held in collaboration with the luxurious Villa d’Este hotel. This year promises another spectacular gathering of automotive artistry, historical significance, and world premieres.
A Battle of Automotive Masterpieces: Around 50 of the most breathtaking automobiles from various eras will compete across several meticulously defined classes for highly coveted awards. The ultimate prize, the “Trofeo BMW Group,” will be bestowed upon the overall winner by a distinguished jury. Other notable awards include the “Coppa d’Oro,” decided by public referendum, and the “Trofeo del Presidente,” presented by Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The “Trofeo Il Canto del Motore” for the best engine sound, selected by the Jury, will once again be presented by renowned opera singer and BMW Group Classic brand ambassador Jonas Kaufmann. The confirmed competition classes are:
- Glorious Excess: The Evolution of the ‘Money no Object’ Motor Car, 1920-1940
- Sculpture in Motion: The Decade of the automotive Arms Race, 1928-1938
- Renaissance: The Post-War European Sports Car comes of Age
- Titans of the Track: When the Boss says “Let´s race!”
- Frozen in Time: Preservation ‘Time Capsules’ from 1900-1973 which have survived in unrestored State
- “Go Big or Go Home”: Automotive Excess of the ‘80s to the new Millennium, when nothing seemed too fast, expensive or bold
- Vanishing act: Gone but proudly not forgotten
- Style matters: Opulence meets Elegance before Times change forever
- Spectacular concept cars from various manufacturers will also compete in their own esteemed class.
BMW Group’s Grand Stage: The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has become a prime platform for BMW Group to unveil its latest innovations. This year will be no exception, with the anticipation of three world premieres. BMW will present an elegantly sporty one-off designed for two, promising pure driving pleasure. BMW Motorrad will showcase a thrilling study in two-wheeled adrenaline. Furthermore, BMW M GmbH is set to bring several high-performance models to Lake Como, including a highly anticipated world premiere.
Celebrating Automotive Milestones: The 2025 edition will also be a celebration of numerous significant anniversaries. In a truly unique display, all surviving original body variants of the BMW 328 that competed in the 1940 Mille Miglia will be showcased together for the first time. This includes the victorious BMW 328 Touring Coupé and the legendary BMW 328 “Mille Miglia” Series 1 roadster, famously known as the “Trouser Crease Roadster.” BMW’s remarkable performance in the 1940 Mille Miglia saw them clinch 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th places, along with the regularity prize and the team award across all classes.
A Look Back at BMW’s Legacy: BMW Group Classic will also present a selection of vehicles from its own collection to commemorate other key milestones. A highlight at Villa Erba will be a display of various BMW 3 Series models across all generations, marking 50 years of this iconic model. The BMW 507 and 503, two legendary models from the 1950s, will celebrate their 70th birthdays and will be featured throughout the event. The beloved BMW Isetta also turns 70 in 2025 and will be part of the Lake Como festivities. The 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Cars will be represented by Sandro Chia’s Art Car no. 13, a BMW M3 GTR. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will also mark a significant centenary: the 100th anniversary of the launch of the very first Phantom, their flagship model.
Public Days and Enthusiast Gatherings: On Sunday, May 25th, the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Day – Il Festival” will once again open its doors to the wider public at the stunning Villa Erba gardens. This day offers a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts of all ages to witness the parade of all the participating vehicles. Additionally, the “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” event, a popular format originating in Munich, will take place on Saturday, May 24th at Villa Erba. This event will bring together automotive enthusiasts, car clubs, and communities from around the globe, with an expected 150 diverse vehicles on display, including Italian classics from the Veteran Car Club Como.
Exclusive Timepiece for the Best of Show: The winner of the “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” will receive a special timepiece from A. Lange & Söhne: a unique 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in 18-carat white gold featuring a solid pink gold dial and a hand-engraved Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d‘Este crest on the hinged cuvette. This partnership, which began in 2012, highlights the historical connection between motorsport and timekeeping, as well as a shared dedication to tradition, craftsmanship, and mechanical innovation.
Broad Arrow Auctions Joins as Official Auction Partner: Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, will serve as the official auction house partner for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In their inaugural year in this role, they will host a two-day auction of exceptional collector vehicles at Villa Erba. A dedicated BMW auction will take place on the evening of Saturday, May 24th, featuring models such as a 1958 BMW 507 Series II, a 1981 BMW M1, and a 2000 BMW Z8. The main auction, open to all brands, is scheduled for Sunday, May 25th.
Gratitude to Partners: BMW Group Classic extends its appreciation to its esteemed partners: A. Lange & Söhne, Broad Arrow Auctions, VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE, and Schedoni Luxury Goods SRL, for their invaluable support.
Voices from the Helm: Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, stating that it promises “myriad highlights” with the entered vehicles and their owners at the forefront. He anticipates an “exciting competition” for the top prizes, along with the three BMW world premieres and the celebration of significant anniversaries, particularly the special exhibition of the surviving 1940 Mille Miglia BMWs. Davide Bertilaccio, CEO of Villa d’Este Hotels, emphasized the long-standing tradition of the Concorso at Villa d’Este, expressing pride in their ongoing collaboration with BMW Group Classic to offer an “unforgettable weekend” for guests and classic vehicle enthusiasts.
Ticket Information: Tickets for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht,” and “Public Day – Il Festival” can be purchased at https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/packages-tickets/.
Summary:
- The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will be held from May 23-25, 2025.
- BMW Group Classic has organized the event for the past 20 years.
- Around 50 classic cars will compete in various classes.
- BMW Group will present three world premieres.
- Several significant automotive anniversaries will be celebrated, including the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series and the 100th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
- The “Public Day – Il Festival” will take place on May 25th at Villa Erba.
- “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” will be held on May 24th at Villa Erba.
- Broad Arrow Auctions is the official auction partner.
- The “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” winner will receive a unique A. Lange & Söhne timepiece.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 based on the provided text. Event details and schedules are subject to change. Please refer to the official event website for the most up-to-date information.
Full details & bid : BMW
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
