Lake Como’s shores recently witnessed a spectacular event. Broad Arrow Auctions, part of Hagerty, held its inaugural European sale. This auction partnered with BMW AG and the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Over 70 of the world’s most remarkable cars, boats, and motorcycles went under the hammer. The atmosphere was electrifying.
The two vibrant sales took place on Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th. They filled the Rotunda at Villa Erba. The rooms were packed. The energy was palpable. Over 8,000 viewers watched live on the Broad Arrow YouTube channel. Total sales reached an impressive €31,172,625 (£26,241,160). A remarkable 78 percent of all lots found new owners. This figure includes three lots sold swiftly after the live auction concluded.
“Our Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction proved a resounding success,” stated Joe Twyman. He serves as VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region. “We had a wonderful opportunity. Presenting such a spectacular collection of the world’s most desirable cars on the shores of Lake Como, at the world-famous Concours, was an excellent way to launch our first European sale.”
The Star of the Show: A Historic Ferrari Claims Top Honours
The undisputed highlight of the Sunday sale was a 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa. This vehicle is possibly the most original early Ferrari in existence. It achieved an auction record price of €7,543,750 (£6,352,324). This car had never before been offered for public sale. Its history is truly exceptional.
This particular Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa is one of only two commissioned by one of Ferrari’s earliest customers. Its provenance is impeccable. Over the years, it has earned numerous awards at prestigious shows. It has also competed in some of the greatest events. These include the legendary Mille Miglia and the challenging Targa Florio. The auction room was gripped by intense bidding. Two determined potential buyers competed fiercely. They battled for the chance to own this extraordinary piece of Ferrari history. Its sale marks a significant moment. It reflects the enduring allure of early Ferrari racing cars. It also highlights the strength of the top-tier collector car market.
Other Notable Sales: A Diverse Collection Finds New Homes
Beyond the record-breaking Ferrari, other exceptional vehicles captivated bidders. The auction showcased a broad spectrum of automotive excellence.
A Siata Spider’s Elegant Departure
Another standout was a 1954 Siata 208S Motto Spider. It was the last of just 33 Motto-bodied examples. This car attracted strong interest. Bidders were drawn to its beautiful style. They also appreciated its remarkable history. It ultimately achieved a sale price of €1,750,000 (£1,473,408). Its elegant design and rarity made it a highly desirable acquisition. This car represents a significant piece of Italian automotive design. Its sale underscored the market’s appreciation for unique coachbuilt vehicles.
Modern Classics Shine Bright
Broad Arrow also presented a selection of very special modern classic cars. These machines bridge the gap between vintage and contemporary. They combine exhilarating performance with growing collector appeal.
2003 Honda NSX-R
A spectacular example of the 2003 Honda NSX-R garnered significant attention. This Championship White, lightweight supercar had only covered 15,800 kilometres. Bidders from across the globe competed for it. Enthusiasts from the UK, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and the US all vied for ownership. An electrifying bidding duel concluded with a world auction record. It sold for an incredible €934,375 (£786,463). This demonstrates the rising value of certain Japanese performance icons. Its purity and driver focus make it a cherished car.
1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione
An outstanding 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione secured a winning bid of €2,312,500 (£1,946,328). This track-focused version of the legendary F40 is exceptionally rare. Its raw power and uncompromising design make it a truly sought-after machine. Its sale price reflects its unique place in supercar history. It remains a dream car for many.
2023 Ford GT
A contemporary marvel, a 2023 Ford GT, sold for €613,750 (£516,524). This modern interpretation of a racing legend combines cutting-edge technology with iconic design. Its performance is breathtaking. The GT continues to be a highly desirable supercar. Its presence highlighted the auction’s diverse offerings.
Beyond Four Wheels: A Motorcycle Legend
The auction demonstrated a wide range of enthusiast vehicles. A 1990 Ducati 851 F90 Corsa particularly tempted many bidders. This motorcycle had belonged to the legendary John Surtees. Remarkably, he never rode it. Its unique provenance and sporting heritage made it a compelling lot. It ultimately sold for €81,250 (£68,389). This shows the appeal of vehicles with significant historical connections.
BMW Focus: A Dedicated Sale Sees Strong Results
Broad Arrow also conducted a dedicated BMW-only sale. This took place on Saturday evening. It featured cars from private collectors. The results were equally impressive. This segment celebrated models from the German marque. BMW AG, of course, serves as hosts of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
An outrageously beautiful 1980 BMW M1 captured the spotlight. This particular example was enhanced to Procar specification by BMW Motorsport. It caused a stir in the sale room. It sold for an impressive €602,500 (£507,142). The M1 is a rare and iconic supercar. Its motorsport heritage and distinctive design make it highly collectible. Its strong performance at auction further solidified its value.
“We achieved remarkable sales,” remarked Joe Twyman. “This was for some of the world’s most collectible models. Collectors were clearly excited. They loved the carefully curated selection of cars we presented. We are extremely proud to have achieved such strong results. We also secured a number of auction record sale prices. This was at our first European auction. I now look forward to expanding Broad Arrow’s European sale calendar throughout 2025.”
Kenneth Ahn, President of Broad Arrow, added his gratitude. “First and foremost, thank you to everyone. Thank you for the tremendous interest and support. This was for our very first auction in Europe. It was held on the stunning shores of Lake Como. By all accounts, it was an incredible success. We are also deeply grateful to our wonderful partner, BMW AG and We also thank the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. We look forward to welcoming even more car enthusiasts and industry friends. and We will continue to grow our presence in Europe.”
Top Performers at Villa d’Este 2025
The Broad Arrow Auctions Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 delivered significant sales. Here are the top ten:
- 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni – €7,543,750 (£6,352,324)
- 1938 Talbot Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi – €3,606,250 (£3,035,352)
- 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione – €2,312,500 (£1,946,328)
- 1954 Siata 208S Motto Spider – €1,750,000 (£1,473,408)
- 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS – €1,525,000 (£1.283.616)
- 2006 Porsche Carrera GT – Sold Ahead of Auction
- 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – €1,007,500 (£847,953)
- 2003 Honda NSX-R – €934,375 (£786,463)
- 2023 Ford GT – €613,750 (£516,524)
- 1980 BMW M1 – €602,500 (£507,142)
The next auction on the Broad Arrow calendar is scheduled for Monterey Jet Center, California. It will take place on August 13-14, 2025. This event is held in conjunction with Motorlux.
The Ever-Growing Appetite for Automotive Gems
Broad Arrow Auctions’ first European sale proved a resounding success. It cemented its position in the prestigious European auction scene. The record-breaking sale of the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa highlights a robust market. It shows strong demand for historically significant vehicles. Collectors continue to seek out rare and unique automotive treasures. Events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este provide the perfect stage. They allow these magnificent machines to find new custodians. The passion for exceptional cars remains stronger than ever.
Which of these auction results surprised you the most? Do you think the value of classic cars will continue to climb at such rates? Which modern classic do you believe will be the next to break auction records? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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