Cars & motorsport
A. Lange & Söhne’s Guide to the Upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
A. Lange & Söhne continues its dedication to fans of classic automobiles with a series of partnerships with top concours shows over the next few months. First up: What is arguably the car world’s most elegant event, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, in Italy’s gorgeous Lake District.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
Running from May 23 to 25, 2025, this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este offers classic car aficionados a rare opportunity to view (and perhaps purchase?) some of the world’s most desirable collectible automobiles and participate in an exquisitely elegant celebration of design, craftsmanship, and artful beauty.
For Glashütte-based watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne, those last attributes above are the bridge that brings together those who appreciate fine motor cars and fine timepieces.
“We feel that the intersection between classic cars and the kind of watchmaking we do is a perfect fit,” says A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “Moreover, when those worlds overlap at picture-perfect locations like the grounds of the Villa d’Este and the Villa Erba along the shores of Italy’s famed Lake Como, it becomes a cherished, unparalleled event to attend.”
Expert Advice for Attendees
Now in its 13th year of partnership with the show, the watchmaker certainly qualifies as an experienced insider to the ins and outs of the Concorso d’Eleganza.
Here are some don’t miss recommendations:
Broad Arrow Auctions Preview
Mark Your Calendar: May 23, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Part of the Hagerty organization of classic car lifestyle companies, Broad Arrow Auctions has built a sterling reputation in four short years as one of the best-curated houses in the industry. An impressive catalog of 70 collectible cars is on offer at the event.
The auction scene can, quite quickly, get fast and furious at the Concorso d’Eleganza. This preview event is the earliest possible opportunity to see the cars in person and start taking notes on something you might want to take home with you.
Parade on the Terrace
Mark Your Calendar: May 24, from 2:00 pm
Separate from the auctions, the parade of the participating “show cars” is one of those you-will-regret-missing-this events at the Concorso. It is a true pleasure to behold.
“Viewing the cavalcade of gorgeous automobiles while enjoying the beverage of one's choice from the terrace of the Villa d’Este can be one of life’s more pleasant moments,” observes Schmid.
Award Ceremonies
Mark Your Calendar: May 25, from 2:00 pm
After the parade for only the category winners, awards are presented in a variety of classes, from concept car and prototype design to the proper “Prix d’Honneur” for historical cars.
“Finding out who the winners are in the various categories is always full of surprises and superb expressions of craft,” Schmid shares. Last year’s ‘Best of Show’ award went unexpectedly to a rare 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Figoni spider.
BMW Events
Mark Your Calendar: Throughout the Concorso
BMW and the BMW Group Classic are the official automotive sponsors of the Concorso d’Eleganza and have been for over 20 years.
Keep your eyes out for BMW happenings throughout the show, which can range from displays of vintage BMWs to the car maker’s latest offerings to exhibitions of edgy new concept cars.
Walking the Grounds
Mark Your Calendar: Throughout the Concorso
While viewing the multitude of astounding classic cars is an extremely tempting pastime, don’t forget that you’re on lovely Lake Como in May and that the 460-year-old Villa d’Este and Villa Erba (built circa the 19th century) are beautiful architectural and landscaping masterpieces.
“When visiting Concourso, do yourself a favor, and take a little break to walk around and enjoy the buildings and the grounds. There are delights around every corner,” Schmid concludes. “The Villa d’Este’s centerpiece, the 16th-century Fountain of Venus, should definitely be on your take-a-look list.”
More Down the Road
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is the first classic car concours of the 2025 season to be produced in partnership with A. Lange & Söhne.
That said, the watchmaker will have even more to share (hint, hint) at the Concours of Elegance Germany, running from July 25 to 26 at Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee, the Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace, happening in the UK (just southwest of London) from September 5 to 7, and at the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week in Newport, RI, from October 2 to 5.
Tune in to Watchonista for more details on those events as they draw closer.
To find out more about the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, check out the event’s website and visit the A. Lange & Söhne’s website to learn more about the watchmaker.