Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Classic Car Show and Broad Arrow Auction in Cernobbio, Italy (May 15-17, 2026)
May 15 @ 9:00 am - May 17 @ 5:00 pm
From May 15 to May 17, 2026, the shores of Lake Como in Cernobbio, Italy, will host the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
This is the spot where the rarest builds and most dedicated owners actually show up. Located just a few hours’ drive from the historic Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, this event combines some of the most prestigious classic car gatherings in Europe into a singular, world-class experience.
Moving past the marketing gloss, the weekend remains a purist’s tribute to pristine engine bays, bespoke coachwork, and authentic driving passion.
Every May, collectors debut multimillion-dollar vintage racers on the manicured lawns of Lake Como. In 2026, the schedule features 50 world-class entrants competing for the Coppa d’Oro, a 70-car Broad Arrow auction at Villa Erba, and major BMW milestones like the M3’s 40th anniversary.
From pre-war legends to futuristic concept cars, this is the definitive guide to the world’s most exclusive automotive stage.
FEATURED CARS
The selection committee brings out the heavy hitters every year, putting around fifty hyper-rare machines from the 1920s to the 1970s on the grass. Car Collectors ship their prized possessions across the globe just for a shot at the Coppa d’Oro.
Villa d’Este on Lake Como is regarded as one of the world’s most romantic settings. Founded in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it was converted into a luxury hotel in 1873, becoming a favorite destination for European aristocracy and global elites.
Because the exact 2026 competition classes are finalized, you can bank on seeing four historic marque categories that define the essence of this concorso:
- Future Couture: Dressed for Speed (1935–1939), focusing on the peak of pre-war aerodynamic design.
- Viva Villa d’Este: Extravagant 1950s Style showcasing the most flamboyant post-war coachwork.
- Enzo’s Endurance Legends: They Earned Their Names, featuring historic Ferrari racing icons that dominated the track.
- Every Scratch Tells a Story: The preservation class for cars ageing gracefully without ever being restored.
- Modern Concept Cars and Prototypes: A direct look into the future of automotive design, straight from the world’s top manufacturers.
Car Buffs will spot everything from one-off hypercars to forgotten time capsules that have not seen daylight in decades.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
This weekend is not just a static parking lot show. Gearheads get actual access to the machinery that shaped an entire industry. The action runs parallel to the Broad Arrow’s Villa d’Este Classic Car Auction, where serious money changes hands for blue-chip metal.
Villa Erba is a stunning setting for the Amici & Automobili car show, which will prominently display some of the world’s best car collections
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weißwürscht gathering puts a relaxed Bavarian spin on the traditional Cars and Coffee setup. In contrast, Sunday shifts focus to the Public Day – Il Festival, where Auto Fanatics can physically hear the engines roar and smell the unburnt fuel as the historic cars parade through the romantic parkland.
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2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction
The official auction for the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is hosted by Broad Arrow Auctions, which is currently in its second year as the event’s official partner after taking over from RM Sotheby’s in 2025.
The auction will take place at Villa Erba in Cernobbio on May 16–17, 2026.
“The 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este marks a significant new chapter for the event’s storied auction, as Broad Arrow Auctions (a Hagerty company) returns for its second year as the official auction partner.
Broad Arrow officially replaced RM Sotheby’s—the event’s long-standing auctioneer since 2011—following a landmark multi-year partnership with BMW Group Classic that began in 2025.
This shift brings a fresh, expanded energy to the shores of Lake Como, with Broad Arrow moving the primary sales action to the Rotunda at Villa Erba and introducing a diverse catalog that pairs traditional pre-war legends with a growing selection of modern ‘Investment Grade’ supercars.”
Notable “Broad Arrow” Early Consignments
The 2026 catalog is expected to feature approximately 70 high-caliber collector cars. Early highlights include:
- 1990 Ferrari F40: Estimated between €2,300,000 – €2,500,000.
- 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4: A modern performance masterpiece estimated at €1,750,000 – €2,000,000.
- 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix: A rare, matching-numbers example celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
- 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster: Featuring bespoke bodywork by Eugène Matthys (Est: €2,500,000 – €3,500,000).
- 2003 Honda NSX-R: An increasingly popular modern classic with an estimate of €700,000 – €800,000.
- 1967 Meccanica Maniero 4700 GT by Michelotti: A unique piece of Italian automotive history offered without reserve (Est: €300,000 – €400,000).
Auction Schedule
- Friday, May 15: Public preview day at Villa Erba.
- Saturday, May 16: The first day of the live auction.
- Sunday, May 17: The auction continues alongside the public “Il Festival” parade.
GUEST HOSTS & CELEBRITIES
A show this serious requires judges and announcers who actually wrench and drive. Simon Kidston returns as the Master of Ceremonies, offering deep, encyclopedic knowledge of every chassis and firing order as the cars roll across the gravel.
The judging panel is stacked with historic racing veterans, ex-designers, and hardcore Automobile Connoisseurs who know exactly what to look for, checking everything from accurate factory spot welds to period-correct upholstery.
Petrolheads will appreciate the fascinating backstories shared directly by the master builders and caretakers out on the field.
THE VENUE
Set directly against the dramatic waters of Lake Como, the Villa d’Este provides an epic stage for rolling art. The historic hotel and its sprawling neighboring estate, Villa Erba, offer meticulously kept gardens that contrast perfectly with the raw mechanical aggression of the classic machines on display.
It gives visitors a unique slice of historic Italian luxury mixed with hardcore motoring heritage. For visiting Autophiles, walking these historic grounds while surrounded by priceless cars is an absolute bucket-list experience. For more information, please visit the official event website: http://concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/
FULL SCHEDULE & TICKET PRICING
- Show Name: Broad Arrow Auctions
Date: May 15–16, 2026
Time: Block schedules vary
Location: Villa Erba
Tickets: Registered bidder status required
(Ticket Information)
- Show Name: Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weißwürscht
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 to 15:00
Location: Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Italy
Tickets: Possibly starting at €13.00 (Reduced tickets available for €3.00; 100% of proceeds support Cernobbio school projects)
(Ticket Information)
- Show Name: Public Day – Il Festival
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 09:30 to 18:00
Location: Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Italy
Tickets: Possibly starting at €55.00 (Reduced family and youth ticket packages available from €8.00)
((Ticket Information)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BY DAY
Friday, May 15, 2026
The weekend kicks off as Piston-heads array their classics along the gravel paths. Initial inspections happen here, and the Broad Arrow auction previews open up for high-end buyers looking to add to their fleets.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
The grounds open at 10:00 for the Public Days at Villa Erba. The true Grease Monkeys will head straight to the Amici & Automobili event for a relaxed vibe filled with hearty Bavarian sausages and pristine automotive metal.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Shortly after sunrise, the historic rigs fire up and drive into the parkland for Il Festival. The afternoon is dominated by the legendary parade, giving Motorheads the chance to see and hear the entrants in motion before the final awards are handed out at 18:00.
EVENT SUMMARY
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 | Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy | Classic Car Show & Auction
