1934 Alfa Romeo P3 wins at Villa d’Este

Images: Patrick Hornstein & Christophe Pund

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como, the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este once again proved to be one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in the world of classic automobiles.

Held from May 23-25 in the exquisite gardens of the Hotel Villa d’Este, the event welcomed classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers of automotive design and heritage.

This year’s Best of Show went to the 1934 Alfa Romeo P3, a masterpiece presented by the Auriga Collection (Germany). The jury was captivated by the car’s exceptional state of preservation and rich historical significance.

The awards ceremony on Sunday was marked by the presentation of the coveted trophy by Helmut Käs (BMW Group Classic) and Wilhelm Schmid (CEO of A. Lange und Söhne).

In addition, the winner received an exclusive 1815 Chronograph in white gold, crafted specifically for the event.

The public voted the legendary 1957 BMW 507 Roadster as the winner of the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este.

Represented by Dirk de Groen (USA), the iconic roadster captivated spectators with its flowing design and signature 3.2-litre V8 engine – an enduring symbol of the Bavarian marque’s design and engineering excellence.

BMW made a strong impression with a showcase that blended innovation and tradition. Friday evening featured the world premiere of the new BMW M2 CS, a bold statement in performance engineering.

Sharing the spotlight were two visionary concept vehicles: the sleek BMW Concept Speedtop and the powerful BMW Motorrad Concept RR, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance motorcycles.

Several key anniversaries were celebrated in style. The BMW 507 marked its 70^th birthday with a tribute in the scenic mosaic garden.

A special homage was also paid to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, celebrating its centennial with the display of the exclusive Phantom Goldfinger, a nod to the iconic 1964 James Bond film.

The 50^th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series was commemorated with a parade of historic models, while the 85^th anniversary of the Mille Miglia Icons was honoured with a special exhibition featuring original 1940 racers.

Also on display was Art Car No. 13 by Sandro Chia – a BMW M3 GTR transformed into a vibrant work of art – and a tribute to the 70th anniversary of the BMW Isetta, a beloved symbol of urban mobility.

Rounding out the weekend, Broad Arrow Auctions held an exclusive sale of rare BMW models, underlining the enduring strength and appeal of the brand’s collector market, with sales topping out at over €30 million (Rs 30 crore).

Trofeo BMW Group Villa d’Este 2025

Trofeo BMW Group – “Best of Show by the Jury”

• Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3), 1934

Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este – “Best of Show by Public Referendum”

• BMW 507, 1957

Trofeo Vranken-Pommery – For the best iconic car by the Jury

• BMW 507, 1957

Trofeo ASI – For the best-preserved post-war car

• Serenissima 308V, 1965

Trofeo Auto & Design – For the most exciting design by the Jury

• OSI Silver Fox Prototype, 1967

Trofeo il Canto del Motore – For the best engine sound by the Jury

• Aston Martin DB3S, 1956

Trofeo Automobile Club Como – For the car driven from farthest away

• Rolls-Royce 20 HP, 1927

Trofeo Schedoni – For the car with the best-preserved leather interior

• Jaguar E-Type Lightweight (86PJ), 1963

Special Awards:

Trofeo Coppa d´Oro Villa d´Este (Best of Show by Public Referendum): 1957 BMW 507 Roadster (Dirk de Groen). Also won Trofeo Vranken-Pommery (Best Iconic Car)
Trofeo BMW Group Ragazzi (Young People’s Referendum): 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC (Tony Owen). Also won Frozen in Time: Preservation Time Capsules from 1900-1973
Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes by Public Referendum: 2025 Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato (designed by Norihiko Harada)
Trofeo dei Presidenti dei Concorsi Internazionali (by presidents of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and Oberoi Concours d’Elegance): 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 MM Spider Corsa by Touring (Ralph Lauren)
Trofeo del Presidente della Giuria (President of the Jury Award): 1930 Bentley Speed Six Weymann Sportsman Coupé by Gurney Nutting (Nationales Automuseum)
Trofeo Coppa d´Oro Villa d´Este (Best of Show by Public Referendum): 1957 BMW 507 Roadster (Dirk de Groen). Also won Trofeo Vranken-Pommery (Best Iconic Car)
Trofeo BMW Group Classic (Most Sensitive Restoration): 1939 Lagonda V12 DHC (Nishant Dossa)
Trofeo ASI (Best-Preserved Post-War Car): 1965 Serenissima 308V Torpedo by Fantuzzi (Tom McGough)