Event Overview
Munich/Cernobbio. From May 15 to 17, 2026, BMW Group Classic will host the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in collaboration with the luxury Hotel Villa d’Este. This annual event showcases around 50 of the most spectacular automobiles, all competing for the esteemed “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show”. A distinguished jury will determine the overall winner.
Competition Classes
The participating vehicles will be organised into several competition categories:
- Class A: Automotive Tailoring: The Decade of Opulence, 1924-1934
- 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
- Class G: From Carnaby Street To The Autostrada: The Swinging GT Driver
- Class H: The Pace Race: The Supercar Comes of Age
Event Highlights
The Concorso d’Eleganza parade will take place on the terrace of the Villa d’Este hotel on Saturday, featuring all entrants vying for class victories and other awards. Besides the “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show”, participants will also compete for the “Coppa d’Oro” audience award presented by the Villa d’Este, along with several other accolades including the “Trofeo del Presidente”, awarded by Helmut Käss, Head of BMW Group Classic.
Special Presentations
This year, BMW ALPINA will make its debut at the event, showcasing its commitment to automotive enthusiasts. The brand will present itself publicly for the first time at Lake Como following its recent rebranding. Additionally, BMW Motorrad is set to unveil a vision vehicle that exemplifies cutting-edge performance and modern design.
Celebrating BMW M3’s Legacy
A special exhibition titled “Touring Car Legends” will commemorate “40 Years of the BMW M3”. Legendary racing drivers such as Johnny Cecotto, Emanuele Pirro, and Roberto Ravaglia will be present to share stories and insights from their careers. This segment aims to engage visitors through a fan talk format.
Public Engagement and Activities
The final day of the event, May 17, will be dedicated to the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Day – Il Festival”, allowing the general public to enjoy the vehicle parade and various entertainment options at Villa Erba. Furthermore, the popular “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” format will return on May 16, featuring approximately 120 vehicles from automotive clubs worldwide.
Auction Highlights
Broad Arrow Auctions returns as the official auction partner for this year’s Concorso. Scheduled for May 16-17, over 70 coveted collector cars will be available for bidding, including notable models such as a 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster and a 1990 Ferrari F40. Details about available lots can be accessed via their website.
Acknowledgements and Partnerships
BMW Group Classic expresses gratitude to its partners and sponsors including A. Lange & Söhne and Vranken Pommery Monopole for their ongoing support.
Tickets and More Information
Tickets for various events can be purchased through the official website. For updates, follow the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on social media platforms and download their app for iOS and Android.
© BMW Group
