Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026: Dates, Classes

Initial details for Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 are announced, including dates, competition classes, public days and media accreditation. Learn more.

From 15 to 17 May 2026, Lake Como will once again host the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the most respected events in the world of historic automobiles. Organised by BMW Group Classic in cooperation with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the concours continues a tradition that has long transcended the format of a classic car competition and evolved into a cultural landmark.

Approximately 50 automobiles are expected to compete in 2026. From this carefully curated field, an expert jury will select the overall winner, awarding the prestigious Trofeo BMW Group. At the same time, the unique tradition of presenting concept cars will continue, with manufacturers and private owners invited to submit their entries.

The organisers have already defined the thematic competition classes. They range from the stylistic boldness of the 1950s in Viva Villa d’Este: Extravagant 1950s Style to open-top glamour under the motto “The Top Goes Down, The Price Goes Up.” Other classes spotlight endurance legends associated with Enzo Ferrari, unrestored cars that wear their patina with pride, the grand touring spirit of the Swinging Sixties, and the formative years of the supercar era. Together, these themes span multiple chapters of automotive history, from racing heritage to the rise of high-performance icons.

Several significant BMW anniversaries will shape the 2026 edition. The BMW 328, first introduced in 1936, marks its 90th anniversary and will take centre stage. The event will also celebrate 40 years of the BMW M3, whose first generation debuted in 1986, 50 years of the BMW 6 Series launched in 1976, and 60 years of the BMW 02 Series, which entered production in 1966. This historic framework adds an additional retrospective dimension to the concours weekend.

Beyond the exclusive competition at Villa d’Este, the programme extends to the grounds of Villa Erba. On Sunday, Public Day – Il Festival will once again open the parade of concours cars to a broader audience. The format Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht Lake Como, already established in Munich, will bring together clubs and automotive communities from across Europe. Owners wishing to participate can apply until 2 March 2026.

A. Lange & Sohne remains a key partner of the event. The winner of the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show will receive a unique 1815 Chronograph in 18-carat white gold, featuring a solid red gold dial and the engraved coat of arms of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the hinged caseback. The long-standing partnership between the watchmaker and the concours has become an integral ceremonial element of the weekend.

The weekend will also include the Broad Arrow Auctions sale at Villa Erba on 16 and 17 May. Early highlights include a 1990 Ferrari F40 estimated at €2.3–2.5 million, a 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster with one-off coachwork by Eugène Matthys estimated at €2.5–3.5 million, a 2003 Honda NSX-R estimated at €700,000–800,000, and a 1999 Honda NSX Type S in Monte Carlo Blue Pearl estimated at €200,000–250,000.

Media accreditation is now open, and tickets for the main concours events and public days are on sale. Further details of the full programme are expected to be announced in spring. Based on the information already released, the 2026 edition once again promises to combine competition, historical reflection, festival atmosphere and the collector car market in one of Europe’s most iconic automotive settings.