On 15-17 May 2026, over the course of one long weekend, the world’s most important and elegant collector cars will again converge between the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the gardens of Villa Erba, accompanied by the low hum of Riva runabouts and the occasional roar of seaplanes overhead. It is intoxicating, disorienting, and, for the unprepared, almost impossible to fully absorb.
That is precisely why a sense of orientation matters. With blue-chip automobiles at every turn and a social calendar that unfolds across multiple venues, the Concorso can quickly overwhelm even seasoned collectors. Classic Driver will be there to guide you through it all on YouTube and Instagram, but some moments demand your presence and attention more than others. Knowing where to look — and when — makes all the difference.
The weekend begins before it officially starts, in a quiet choreography that unfolds behind the scenes. Transporters arrive discreetly in Cernobbio, their contents still concealed, their significance only hinted at by the watchful attention of mechanics and organisers. Covers are lifted just enough to reveal a line, a badge, a fragment of history waiting to be unveiled. In these fleeting glimpses, before the crowds gather, the cars still feel like secrets shared among a privileged few — and we'll be around to allow you a sneak peek.
Saturday at Villa d’Este is the beating heart of the Concorso, where the event reveals its most exclusive and refined character to the chosen few who have scavenged an access pass. Around 50 of the world’s most significant automobiles are presented across a series of carefully curated classes, each one telling a distinct story about style, innovation, and cultural history. From the opulence of pre-war coachbuilding to the exuberance of mid-century design and the rise of the supercar, the selection is as much about storytelling as it is about rarity. Every car has earned its place, and every detail is scrutinised by the jury and guests.
This year’s classes offer a particularly rich cross-section of automotive history. “Automotive Tailoring: The Decade of Opulence (1924–1934)” celebrates the height of bespoke luxury and coachbuilt excess, while “Future Couture: Dressed for Speed (1935–1939)” captures the aerodynamic optimism of the late pre-war years. “Viva Villa d’Este: Extravagant 1950s Style” revels in post-war glamour, whereas “The Top Goes Down, The Price Goes Up: Selling Sunshine” explores the enduring appeal of open-top motoring. “They Earned Their Names: Enzo’s Endurance Legends” pays tribute to Ferrari’s competition heroes, and “Every Scratch Tells a Story: Ageing Gracefully Without Restoration” honours authenticity over perfection. Completing the picture, “From Carnaby Street to the Autostrada: The Swinging GT Driver” reflects the cultural shift of the 1960s grand tourer, while “The Pace Race: The Supercar Comes of Age” charts the emergence of the modern performance icon. Which cars will compete in each class is still a well-kept secret.
As the day unfolds, the tension builds almost imperceptibly. Owners and collectors drift between quiet confidence and nervous anticipation, while the jury conducts its deliberations out of sight. The afternoon parade, set against the incomparable backdrop of Lake Como and moderated by Simon Kidston as the master of ceremony, brings each car into the spotlight in turn. It is here that the public’s Coppa d’Oro winner is decided, before, ultimately, the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show crowns the weekend’s defining automobile on Sunday night. Meanwhile, star tenor Jonas Kaufmann will once again present the "Trofeo Il Canto del Motore" for the best engine sound, chosen by the jury.
Yet to focus solely on Villa d’Este would be to miss half the story. Just across the water at Villa Erba, Saturday takes on a different rhythm with "Amici & Automobili - Wheels & Weisswürscht", a gathering that celebrates car culture in a far more relaxed and inclusive way. Around 120 vehicles from clubs and communities assemble on the lawns, creating a vibrant contrast to the formality and exclusivity of the concours. Here, the spectrum of automotive enthusiasm is on full display, from cherished classics to modern performance icons.
This year, that spectrum is further enriched by a series of significant anniversaries and exhibitions. The 40th anniversary of the BMW M3, in particular, brings together multiple generations of the model in a dedicated lakeside display. Conversations flow more freely here, and the atmosphere feels closer to a celebration among friends than a formal competition. It is a reminder that passion for cars extends far beyond the concours lawn.
Sunday shifts the focus once more, opening the gates to a broader audience at Villa Erba for the Public Day, known as Il Festival. The concours cars that were judged in near-seclusion on Saturday are now accessible to enthusiasts and families alike, creating a more open and animated environment. The parade returns, but with a different energy, less about competition and more about shared appreciation. It is the moment when the Concorso reveals its most welcoming face.
Running alongside the main events, the Broad Arrow Auction adds another layer of intensity to the weekend. With more than 70 collector cars offered across two days, it provides a tangible link between admiration and acquisition. Early highlights range from pre-war Bugattis to modern supercars such as the Ferrari F40 and BMW M3 GTS, illustrating the breadth and depth of today’s collector market. Even for those not intending to bid, the auction room offers a compelling glimpse into the dynamics of value and desire. You can browse the full catalogue in the Classic Driver Market.
Ultimately, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is defined as much by its atmosphere as by its automobiles. It is a place where elegance and excess coexist, where history feels immediate, and where every moment competes for your attention. Without a plan, it is easy to drift and miss the subtleties that make the weekend so special. With one, you can begin to navigate its rhythms and discover its hidden layers.
You will not see everything, and that is part of the appeal. The Concorso rewards those who move with intent, who pause at the right moments, and who allow themselves to be drawn into its quieter corners as well as its headline events. Between the villas, the lake, and the ever-present movement of extraordinary machines, something memorable is always unfolding. The challenge is simply to be in the right place when it happens.
Cernobbio, 16 May
