Maik Hahn for BonnetMagazine - August 29th 2025 - Photography by Alessandro Belotti

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025: Reflections of Perfection on Lake Como

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 united historic masterpieces and bold modern visions in a celebration of true automotive artistry

Lake Como has always carried a certain magic. Its waters shimmer with an almost cinematic stillness, its villas and gardens whisper stories of centuries past. Against this timeless backdrop, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 unfolded once again, confirming its reputation as one of the most refined and atmospheric automotive gatherings in the world.

The 2025 edition, held in late May, brought together around fifty exceptional cars. Each class was curated with the precision of an art exhibition: “Glorious Excess” from the interwar period, “Sculpture in Motion” from the golden age of design, timeless icons of the 1960s, and even the playful excess of the 1980s. The range stretched from perfectly preserved time capsules to avant-garde concept cars, reminding every guest that automotive elegance is not fixed in one era—it evolves.

Among the celebrated moments was a reunion that few thought possible: all surviving BMW 328s from the legendary 1940 Mille Miglia, including the Touring Coupé and the “Trouser Crease Roadster,” displayed side by side. In parallel, anniversaries were honored with quiet reverence—fifty years of the BMW 3 Series, seventy years of the BMW 507 and Isetta, and a nod to the BMW Art Cars that first redefined how automobiles can serve as canvases for creativity.

Yet this was not a museum. Villa d’Este thrives on contrasts, and alongside history came the thrill of modern premieres. BMW used the lawns to reveal the new M2 CS, the dramatic Concept Speedtop, and the futuristic Motorrad Concept RR superbike. The dialogue between the past and future could not have been clearer: racing machines from the 1930s stood only steps away from visions of tomorrow.

When it came time for awards, the jury crowned the 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3) with the coveted Trofeo BMW Group Best of Show. Its racing pedigree and sculptural presence made it impossible to ignore. The public’s heart, however, was captured by a white 1957 BMW 507 Roadster, which received the Coppa d’Oro. Other honors included a Ferrari 330 GTC in the preservation class and a one-off Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato, whose contemporary reinterpretation of Italian lines resonated with modern design sensibilities.

But perhaps more than the awards, what lingers is the atmosphere. Beyond the awards, the event’s atmosphere stood out for its relaxed elegance, where collectors, designers, and enthusiasts mingled naturally among the cars. It is not just a concours—it is theatre. Guests spoke in hushed admiration, collectors mingled with designers, and every car seemed to tell its story with poise.

The cultural side of the weekend extended beyond the private lawns. Public days at Villa Erba opened the magic to a wider audience, while gatherings of car clubs created a dialogue between exclusivity and community. Even small details—live music, curated gastronomy, and the charitable support for local kindergartens—added to the sense that Villa d’Este is about more than cars; it is about lifestyle, heritage, and generosity.

What set this year’s Concorso apart was the effortless dialogue between eras, aesthetics, and ambitions. Pre-war icons stood confidently beside modern concepts, while bespoke coachbuilt visions shared the stage with perfectly preserved originals. The result was not just a showcase of rare machinery, but an atmosphere that defined Villa d’Este as one of the most captivating concours in the world—an event where heritage and innovation meet in perfect harmony.

As the sun set over Lake Como, reflections danced across the water and the last echoes of engines faded into evening. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 left behind more than memories of rare automobiles. It offered a vision of what elegance means today: a harmony of heritage and innovation, luxury and authenticity, tradition and daring.

We are already looking forward to returning next year, when the gardens of Villa d’Este will once again transform into the most enchanting stage in the world of motoring.

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