Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: Highlights from the Iconic Car Show

From 23rd to 25th May, 2025 the town of Cernobbio once again took centre stage in the motoring world as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este returned to its historic setting along the shores of Lake Como. The manicured gardens of the Hotel Villa d’Este and neighbouring Villa Erba played host to one of the most esteemed gatherings of historic automobiles and contemporary design concepts, offering a blend of heritage and innovation in a uniquely Italian setting.

The highlight of the weekend was the awarding of the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show to the 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3). Designed by Vittorio Jano, this early Grand Prix car is widely regarded as a milestone in racing history, being one of the first true single-seaters. Presented by the Auriga Collection of Germany, the car impressed the international jury with its historic significance and meticulous restoration. In addition to the trophy, the winner received an exclusive 1815 Chronograph timepiece, crafted in white gold by A. Lange & Söhne especially for the event.

Public appreciation also played a key role. The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, decided by visitors, was awarded to a 1957 BMW 507 Roadster. Known for its elegant proportions and smooth V8 engine, the 507 remains a touchstone of post-war automotive design. Presented by an American collector, it drew widespread admiration throughout the weekend.

While the concours celebrates the past, BMW also used the event to reveal three global debuts. These included the BMW M2 CS, a performance-focused sports model, along with two concepts: the BMW Concept Speedtop and the BMW Motorrad Concept RR. The unveiling took place during a private Friday evening event, positioning the Concorso not only as a retrospective but also as a forward-looking platform.

Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to the public, with thousands attending the extended programme at Villa Erba. Among the most visited attractions was BMW Mille Miglia Icons, an exhibition of rare cars that competed in the 1940 edition of the Mille Miglia, including BMW’s victorious entries from that year. It was a unique opportunity to view historic machines rarely seen outside private collections.

The event also marked a number of anniversaries. The 70th anniversary of the BMW 507 was commemorated with a special showcase, and 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom were celebrated through a display featuring the one-off Phantom Goldfinger, inspired by the 1964 James Bond film. Both exhibits reminded attendees of the close ties between design, history, and cultural memory.

Saturday’s “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” gathering brought together car clubs from across Europe, featuring an impressive line-up of BMW 3 Series models to mark the 50th anniversary of the model range. The weekend concluded with a grand parade of all the concours entries, offering visitors a final glimpse of the extraordinary vehicles across the event’s eight judging classes—spanning from pre-war grand tourers to futuristic prototypes.

Now in its 96th year, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este remains a rare confluence of history, craftsmanship, and passion. With each edition, the event expands its reach, drawing both seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts to a setting where art, engineering, and community intersect.

Photo credit: BMW AG

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