BMW 328 “Bügelfalte” Crowned Best of Show at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026

The shores of Lake Como once again provided a spectacular setting for one of the world’s most prestigious classic motoring events as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 welcomed collectors, manufacturers and enthusiasts from across the globe. Held from 15–17 May under the theme “Future Needs Heritage”, the event celebrated more than a century of automotive excellence while showcasing the latest vision for the future of mobility.

The highest honour of the weekend, the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show, was awarded to the remarkable 1937 BMW 328 “Bügelfalte”, a unique roadster recognised for its historical importance and distinctive styling. Named after the striking metal crease running along its front wings, the one-off model remains one of the most fascinating examples of pre-war BMW engineering. Owned by Italian collector Stefano Martinoli, the car was selected by an international jury of automotive experts as the overall winner of the competition.

The BMW 328 occupies a special place in automotive history and was a central feature of this year’s celebrations, marking the model’s 90th anniversary. Produced between 1936 and 1940, the lightweight sports car became one of the most successful racing machines of its era and helped establish BMW’s reputation for performance, innovation and design. Throughout the weekend, parades led by BMW 328 models paid tribute to a car that continues to define the brand’s sporting heritage.

Meanwhile, the public selected its own favourite through the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este referendum. The award went to a beautifully preserved 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, owned by Eric Blumencranz of the United States. As one of the final examples produced, the iconic roadster attracted considerable attention from visitors and secured the popular vote among the event’s impressive field of entrants.

A total of 54 historic automobiles from 13 countries competed across eight classes, representing a diverse cross-section of motoring history. From elegant pre-war machines and post-war grand tourers to rare Ferraris and exceptionally preserved original vehicles, the competition highlighted both automotive craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic design.

Beyond the concours competition, Villa d’Este also served as a stage for the future. BMW used the event to unveil the Vision BMW ALPINA, a luxury grand touring concept blending performance, comfort and exclusivity. BMW Motorrad also introduced the Vision K18, a striking motorcycle concept powered by an 1,800cc six-cylinder engine and designed to demonstrate the brand’s future direction in two-wheeled mobility.

Visitors attending the public days at nearby Villa Erba enjoyed a packed programme of displays and anniversary celebrations. Among the highlights were commemorations marking 40 years of the BMW M3, a model that created the template for the modern high-performance sports saloon, and 50 years of both the BMW 6 Series and the BMW Art Car Collection. Rare BMW Art Cars by Robert Rauschenberg and John Baldessari were displayed as part of the ongoing BMW Art Car World Tour.

The event once again demonstrated why Lake Como remains one of the most prestigious destinations in the classic car world. Combining historic automobiles, world premieres and international collectors against the backdrop of one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este continues to bridge the gap between automotive heritage and future innovation. With record public interest and a strong line-up of concours winners, the 2026 edition further strengthened its reputation as a landmark occasion on the global motoring calendar.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 – Major Award Winners

• Best of Show (Trofeo BMW Group): BMW 328 “Bügelfalte” (1937) – Stefano Martinoli
• Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este (Public Vote): Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (1963) – Eric Blumencranz