This weekend, on May 24-25, 2025, Broad Arrow Auctions will hold their inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction in partnership with BMW. Over 70 classic and collector cars will be available for bidding, including a special selection of BMWs alongside modern supercars with well-documented histories. The auction’s first day will focus solely on BMWs, while the second day will showcase vehicles from other brands.
The 2003 Honda NSX-R, known as NA2, debuted exclusively in Japan in May 2002. Despite being based on a design that was 15 years old at the time of its release, it delivered outstanding performance and earned numerous “performance car of the year” awards against more recent competitors. This demonstrated the lasting quality of Honda’s engineering prowess. The NA2 represented the pinnacle of Honda’s Type R philosophy by refining every element of the original NA1 NSX-R over ten years of development.
This model made extensive use of carbon fiber components, including an innovative hood with an outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, and notably, the world’s first one-piece hollow-form carbon fiber rear spoiler for any production vehicle.
It’s powered by an enlarged 3.2-liter V6 DOHC VTEC engine that incorporated new racing-inspired assembly techniques, such as a precision-balanced crankshaft, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a revised final gear ratio. These improvements produced 290 horsepower, which was sent to the rear wheels through an enhanced six-speed manual transmission, resulting in a markedly improved drivetrain. In line with Honda’s focus on handling finesse rather than sheer power, the chassis featured stiffer springs, increased damping, and firmer bushings, all working together with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 high-grip tires fitted on lightweight forged BBS wheels.
Estimate: €750,000 – €950,000
The 1939 BMW 328 Wendler Cabriolet stands out as a notable pre-war sports car. It features custom-made cabriolet bodywork designed by Wendler Karosserie in Reutlingen, Germany. This refined vehicle combines BMW’s acclaimed performance with an enhanced sense of luxury and elegance. Chassis number 85419 was initially registered on July 2, 1940, and is said to have been owned by BMW executive Rudolf Graf von der Schulenburg-Wolfburg.
This BMW 328 received a thorough restoration in 1993, bringing it back to its original condition. Its quality was acknowledged when it was displayed at the esteemed Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2009. Notably, the car maintains its original engine with matching numbers, verified by its official BMW Group Classic Birth Certificate, which highlights its authenticity and significance.
Estimate: €250,000 – €350,000
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster, launched in February 1933, featured advanced engineering for its era. It boasts a rear suspension with two coil springs on each side and a front setup that merges a lower transverse leaf spring with an upper suspension arm, ensuring both comfort and stability during drives. The elegant vehicle is powered by a 2.9-liter inline-six engine, initially offering 60 horsepower and later upgraded to 68 horsepower in 1935. This powertrain includes an overdrive transmission, improving its suitability for long journeys.
This specific model of the 290 Roadster underwent thorough restoration about 11 years ago, yielding a visually appealing result. Its exterior is painted in a striking red hue, offset by tan leather upholstery inside. The interior shines with an opal instrument cluster adorned with period-correct VDO gauges. Every bright trim detail has been carefully restored to high standards, enhancing the car’s overall elegance. To match its refined look, it also features a custom-made luggage set designed for stylish touring adventures.
Estimate: €275,000 – €325,000
The 1990 Audi quattro 20V is a later model of the renowned all-wheel-drive performance vehicle, initially intended for the Swiss market. This unique coupe features a robust DOHC, 20-valve, turbocharged 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine that delivers 217 horsepower. The car boasts an eye-catching Panthero Metallic exterior and an interior adorned with Jacquard-Satin fabric and Kodiak partial leather in granite.
This particular Audi quattro 20V comes with several appealing factory options, such as cruise control, manual air conditioning, a laminated safety glass windshield, and anti-theft wheel bolts. It also includes enhancements like a power sunroof, heat-insulating green-tinted glass, and heated, electrically adjustable convex exterior mirrors. With only 41,239 kilometers recorded on its odometer, this example stands as a well-maintained testament to Audi’s legacy in rallying and technological achievements.
Estimate: €130,000 – €150,000
The 1991 Alpina Roadster Limited Edition, or RLE, is a highly exclusive vehicle with only 66 units produced from July 1990 to September 1991. These models were based on the BMW Z1 and received distinctive enhancements from Alpina. The car’s design was notably refined through features like its signature side-stripes and unique 20-spoke wheels, contributing to its sophisticated look.
In terms of performance, each RLE underwent significant mechanical improvements. The engine capacity was increased by 200 cubic centimeters, and it included Mahle cast pistons, adjusted camshafts, and a custom-machined Alpina cylinder head. These changes elevated the power output to 200 horsepower and torque to 261 Nm. Each RLE also boasted personalized touches such as an engraved Alpina Limited Edition number on the hand-stitched leather MOMO steering wheel horn button, wheel center caps, and a limitation plaque, highlighting its rarity and uniqueness.
Estimate: €120,000 – €150,000