Broad Arrow Auctions Villa d'Este
Broad Arrow Auctions is partnering with BMW Group Classic to serve as the official auction of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. They anticipate offering 70 phenomenal classic and collector cars for sale with the backdrop of Lake Como. The first day of the sale will be limited to BMWs and the second day will be open to all marques.
The 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid was a specially designed rally raid car built by Citroën Sport for participation in long-distance endurance races like the Dakar Rally. Drawing on expertise from Peugeot’s successful 205 and 405 T16 rally raid vehicles, the ZX Rallye Raid came equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine that could produce between 330 and 400 horsepower. It also had a four-wheel-drive system combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, enabling it to handle the toughest desert terrains effectively. Constructed around a light yet strong tubular frame chassis and covered in a composite body, it weighed about 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) and was engineered with durability, speed, and agility in mind.
Upon its debut in 1990, the ZX Rallye Raid made an instant impact and dominated the rally raid scene in the early 1990s. Notably, it won the Paris-Dakar Rally four times in 1991, 1994, 1995, and 1996, with renowned drivers Ari Vatanen and Pierre Lartigue at the wheel. The vehicle also claimed five consecutive FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies titles from 1993 to 1997, which further cemented Citroën’s superiority in the sport. Its success can be attributed to its advanced suspension system, aerodynamic design, and a powerful yet reliable engine, allowing it to withstand the challenging conditions of long-distance desert racing.
The 1936 Fiat 570 Bertone Barchetta Special is a remarkable vehicle that signifies the beginning of Nuccio Bertone’s career as a coachbuilder. This unique car started life as a 1936 Fiat 500 A “Topolino” Balestra Corta chassis, which was then transformed by Bertone into an eye-catching barchetta with a distinctive “fish mouth” front end and aluminum bodywork. The engine was upgraded with a three-bearing crankcase and a specialized Marino cylinder head, resulting in a competitive 570-cc displacement.
From 1947 to 1950, the Fiat 570 had an impressive racing career. Driven by both Bertone and later Carlino Francesconi, it took part in four Mille Miglia races, earning a 2nd place class finish in 1948. The car also saw success in other events, including the Circuito di Vercelli and the Aosta-Gran San Bernardo hillclimb. Its racing history showcases its performance and the innovative design of Bertone.
In 1996, Nuccio Bertone rediscovered and restored the car, commemorating its importance at prestigious events such as the Bagatelle Concours d’Elegance and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Preserved within the Bertone family collection until 2021, this Fiat Bertone barchetta stands as a key piece of Italian motorsport history, combining exceptional provenance, competition heritage, design significance, and rarity.
The 1966 Fiat Abarth OT 1300 is a GT racer that has gained recognition for its small, high-revving engine, light weight, and nimble handling. In particular, this vehicle, chassis number 0047, was first registered to the racer Fiorenzo Genta and took part in three consecutive Targa Florio races. It’s worth noting that it achieved a notable victory in the GT 1.3 class in 1967, a feat that’s even more impressive given that it completed all three races, which is not often seen. The car is also characterized by an air intake mounted on the roof, designed to help keep the cockpit cool, earning it the nickname “Periscopio.”
After changing hands several times, including a stint with Vincenzo Osella of the Osella Corse Formula One team, the current owner acquired the car in 1988. Now, after spending 37 years in storage, it is being presented as a restoration project. Its history file contains comprehensive records detailing its racing history and various owners. With an estimated auction price ranging from €400,000 to €450,000, this vehicle presents a valuable opportunity for a collector looking to restore an important piece of motorsports history.
The 1965 Elva BMW Mk 8 was a highly regarded, lightweight sports racer designed for competition in the Group 7 category. The British manufacturer, Elva, created this car as part of their lineup known for its agile and innovative race cars with advanced chassis designs. The Mk 8 was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which is based on the one used by BMW. This powerful engine, combined with a tubular spaceframe chassis and an aerodynamic fiberglass body, made the car a strong contender on the track.
Elva had already established a reputation for producing nimble racing cars, and the Mk 8 reinforced that image. With a weight of just a few hundred kilograms, it was built for superior agility and cornering rather than raw power. The car’s independent suspension on all four wheels ensured precise handling and responsiveness. Its mid-engine layout contributed to excellent weight distribution, allowing drivers to push the vehicle to its limits in challenging racing conditions.
This car is being offered with no reserve by Broad Arrow Auctions at their upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction that will take place May 24-25, 2025.