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Classic Cars Exempt from new Tariffs

NEW YORK (April 3, 2025) – In an annex to a draft proposal released by the Trump Administration Wednesday afternoon, classic cars—defined as any automobile manufactured “at least 25 years prior to the year of the date of entry”—will be specifically excluded from a potential new 25% US car import tariff. This decision means the current 2.5% classic car tariff rate will remain.

The news was welcomed by collector car buyers concerned about potentially prohibitive increases in the cost to import classics, as well as international sellers who rely on the US market. Auction sites such as Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and the Calgary, Alberta-based Carbuckle regularly offer lots from Canada and other countries.

Sellers with newer enthusiast cars—those less than 25 years old—and those exempted under the “show and display” rule now face a significant disadvantage when targeting US buyers, with the 25% on top of the 2.5% import duty. This will likely sway both the demand and inventory of classic cars, potentially driving values up. Time to buy that RS4 Avant?

BMW Group Classic Presents the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025

MUNICH/CERNOBBIO – On May 23 – 25, 2025, BMW Group Classic will host the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in cooperation with the Villa d’Este luxury hotel. The partnership has been running for 20 years in its current form.

Around 50 of the most spectacular cars of their eras will do battle in the following competition classes for the coveted prizes. Most prestigious of all is the “Trofeo BMW Group”, awarded by the high-caliber Jury to the overall winner of the Concorso d’Eleganza.

Class A
Glorious Excess: The Evolution of the ‘Money no Object’ Motor Car, 1920-1940

Class B
Sculpture in Motion: The Decade of the automotive Arms Race, 1928-1938

Class C
Renaissance: The Post-War European Sports Car comes of Age

Class D
Titans of the Track: When the Boss says “Let´s race!”

Class E
Frozen in Time: Preservation ‘Time Capsules’ from 1900-1973 which have survived in unrestored State

Class F
“Go Big or Go Home”: Automotive Excess of the ‘80s to the new Millennium, when nothing seemed too fast, expensive or bold

Class G
Vanishing act: Gone but proudly not forgotten

Class H
Style matters: Opulence meets Elegance before Times change forever

Prizes will also be awarded once again to spectacular concept cars from a variety of manufacturers competing in a separate class with a rich tradition.

The Concorso d’Eleganza parade on the terrace of Villa d’Este will take place in customary style on the Saturday of the event. Beyond the “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” top prize, the participants and competing vehicles at the Concorso will each battle it out for victory in their individual categories, for the “Coppa d’Oro” prize awarded by Public Referendum and for an array of other distinctions such as the “Trofeo del Presidente”, which will be presented by Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Star opera singer and BMW Group Classic brand ambassador Jonas Kaufmann will again present the “Trofeo Il Canto del Motore” for the best engine sound, as chosen by the Jury.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will provide the stage for spectacular BMW Group world premieres once more this year. The BMW brand will celebrate the premiere of an elegantly sporting one-off designed to provide motoring pleasure for two; BMW Motorrad will present a case study in unbridled adrenalin on two wheels; and BMW M GmbH will bring several high-performance models to Lake Como, including a world premiere.

The 2025 calendar contains a multitude of anniversaries that will be honoured in suitable style at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This will be the first time that all of the still-surviving original body variants of the BMW 328 that lined up for the 1940 Mille Miglia have come together to be displayed – so it is a truly unique occurrence. The cars include the victorious BMW 328 Touring Coupé and the legendary BMW 328 “Mille Miglia” Series 1 roadster (nicknamed the “Trouser Crease Roadster”). BMW finished the race in 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th places, and also won the prize for regularity and the team award in all classes.

BMW Group Classic will bring a number of cars from its collection to Cernobbio to help mark a handful of other anniversaries. One of the headline acts in the crowd-pulling grounds of Villa Erba will be an array of different BMW 3 Series models of all generations reflecting 50 years of the 3 Series. Meanwhile, a pair of BMW icons from the 1950s – the BMW 507 and 503 – notch up their 70th birthdays this year and will be integrated across the event programme in fitting style. Not to be forgotten and likewise on the Lake Como bill will be the BMW Isetta, itself turning 70 in 2025. The 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Cars will be embodied by Sandro Chia’s Art Car no. 13 (a BMW M3 GTR). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is also celebrating a special milestone, the centenary of the launch of the very first Phantom – the pinnacle model in the marque’s portfolio.

On Sunday, 25 May, the “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Day – Il Festival” will once again give the wider public the opportunity to experience the parade of all the cars in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This fascinating day in the divine gardens of the nearby Villa Erba will lay on an automotive feast for all ages. 

The “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” event format familiar to many from its Munich roots and now also an established fixture on the shores of Lake Como will also be part of the festival weekend in 2025. On Saturday, 24 May, automotive enthusiasts, and car clubs & communities from around the world will show off their automotive gems in the grounds of Villa Erba. 150 vehicles are expected – rich in variety, spread across brands and including Italian classics from the Veteran Car Club Como.

The “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” winner will be the recipient of a special timepiece from A. Lange & Söhne: the unique 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in 18-carat white gold with solid pink gold dial and hand-engraved Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d‘Este crest on the hinged cuvette. Through its partnership with the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which began in 2012, the German watchmaker focuses on the historic links between motor sport and timekeeping. The cooperation is also characterised by a shared commitment to tradition, handcraftsmanship and mechanical innovation.

BMW Group Classic thanks its partners A. Lange & Söhne, Broad Arrow Auctions, VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE and Schedoni Luxury Goods SRL for their support.

“This year’s edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is set to be another wonderful event featuring myriad highlights. The vehicles entered in the concours and their owners represent the focal points and centrepiece of the event. Awaiting us is an exciting competition for the coveted prizes, first and foremost the “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show”. But that’s not all: we have three world premieres from BMW to look forward to and will be celebrating several fantastic anniversaries. The special exhibition of all the surviving cars that raced to glorious overall victory for BMW in the 1940 Mille-Miglia is particularly close to my heart. Guests can experience this and much more – not only at Villa d’Este but also once again on the public days in the gardens of Villa Erba.”

– Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

“The Concorso d’Eleganza has been part of the history and tradition of Villa d’Este for almost a century now, and we feel honoured to be able to welcome vehicle owners from around the world – together with cars of rare beauty and value – year in, year out. It all represents the perfect match for the elegance and scenic allure of this timeless setting on the shores of Lake Como. We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with BMW Group Classic and will be pulling out all the stops to offer our guests and classic vehicle enthusiasts an unforgettable weekend.”

– Davide Bertilaccio, CEO Villa d’Este Hotels

Tickets for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” and “Public Day – Il Festival” can be purchased here:
https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/packages-tickets/

Keep up to speed via the following channels:
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d‘Este App for iOS and Android
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este website: https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concorsodeleganza_vde/

McLaren Automotive and Forseven Consolidated under new CYVN Holdings Group

ABU DHABI (April 3, 2025) – CYVN Holdings LLC, the Abu Dhabi advanced mobility investment vehicle, today announces the consolidation of its portfolio of British businesses after the successful completion of the acquisition of McLaren Automotive and a non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing.

The new McLaren Group Holdings Ltd will oversee the combined business of McLaren Automotive and CYVN’s anchor investment in the UK, Forseven. The new Group will also include CYVN’s shareholding in McLaren Racing and the newly formed McLaren Licensing business.

McLaren Automotive will benefit from CYVN’s strategic investment in NIO, to deliver access to visionary technologies and electrification, in addition to three years of stealth mode development from the team at Forseven. This development process has leveraged Gordon Murray Technologies, following its strategic acquisition by CYVN Holdings in 2023 to accelerate CYVN’s engineering and lightweighting expertise.

As a clear demonstration of the Group’s intent to move at pace, McLaren Automotive’s portfolio will be expanded into new product categories, details of which will be announced later this year.

Nick Collins, currently CEO of Forseven, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group Holdings.

Under its Chairman, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, CYVN has a clear vision and strategy to redefine the high-performance and luxury sectors, set a new benchmark for excellence, and transform McLaren into a high-performing British automotive business on the global stage.

“I’m personally committed to making this vision a reality. It isn’t just about investing, it is about shaping the future of McLaren as a brand, as a business and its place on the global automotive map. We want to – and we will – push boundaries and deliver groundbreaking innovations that drive real progress in the sector.

“This is the start of an exciting new era for McLaren as a car brand and an automotive business. With our active ownership through CYVN Holdings and our portfolio of complementary businesses and strategic investments, McLaren will have access to world-class engineering and design excellence, leading-edge technology, and experienced leadership in advanced mobility. These resources will fuel McLaren’s next chapter, enabling the brand to stay at the forefront of innovation.

“We are also equally committed to driving the long-term success of McLaren Racing. Our investment reflects our strong conviction in the Racing business’ potential, and we look forward to supporting the team in building on their successes, winning more podiums, and inspiring fans worldwide.”

– Jassem Al Zaabi, who will become Chairman of McLaren Group Holdings

“With the support and ambitions of our shareholder, we have a unique opportunity to sustainably grow McLaren into a world-beating company. The combination of what McLaren has achieved, and what Forseven has built in a short time is incredibly complementary. Together, we believe McLaren can be more, can do more and can offer more.”

– Nick Collins, McLaren Group Holdings Chief Executive Officer

Turnaround plan
Running concurrently with the integration and structural alignment process over the next six months, a turnaround plan for the existing McLaren Automotive operation is required and will commence immediately. 

“We have a clear strategy to achieve our vision, and we will move at an incredible pace to do so. We need to optimize operations, deliver efficiencies and reshape the new integrated organization, so that we can grow our portfolio of cars, enhance customer experience and continue strengthening our global supplier and dealer relationships.”

– Nick Collins

More details on the new McLaren Automotive vision and strategy will be announced later this year.

Bowmore & Aston Martin Unveil Bowmore ARC-54

GAYDON, U.K. (April 3, 2025) – Bowmore® and Aston Martin have unveiled the second and final release in their groundbreaking ARC Series, Bowmore ARC-54.  A pinnacle in the story of the partnership, this striking creation unites a truly rare 54-year-old whisky from Bowmore distillery with a remarkable handblown decanter inspired by the cutting-edge design of the ultimate hypercar, Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Distilled in November 1968, this rare and remarkable spirit pays homage to the fact that single malt excels with time in cask, aging like no other to capture the definitive multi-dimensional character of Bowmore. After 54 years spent in a 2nd Fill European Oak Sherry Butt and 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead within the hallowed walls of the No.1 Vaults.  Inspired by the Golden Ratio with 61.8% European Oak aged spirit and 38.2% American Oak aged spirit, the two parts are united for 15 months. The resulting whisky encapsulates infinite layers of flavour to captivate every sense, fully immersing the drinker in every drop.

Each handblown decanter takes inspiration from the F1-inspired aerodynamic exterior of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, including the full-length venturi tunnels that contribute to in the region of 1,100 kg of downforce, and the natural fluid forms of the terroir of Islay. Emanating from the design direction and principles of an Aston Martin, Bowmore ARC-54 is sculpted with precision, creating a striking sense of flow in its lines and styling.  The shape is defined by these fluid aerodynamics and showcase the shared philosophy through the diffuser inspired glass sculpture to enhance the flowing reflections of the whisky within.

“A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to. This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity. As guardians of this spirit, we strive to harness the power of the past in every drop that we create – whilst constantly reimagining Bowmore for the next generation that will experience our whiskies.”

– Dr Calum Fraser, Bowmore Chief Blender

“Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. It embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars.  Both of these cars push the boundaries ARC-54 decanter, similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics are employed, replacing air flow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”

– Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer

Limited to 130 decanters globally, Bowmore ARC-54 is a multi-dimensional drinking experience. Zesty citric tones and delicate floral notes flow together with salty caramel sweetness, spiced ginger and cinnamon – with a signature whisper of peat smoke. Housed in an individually handmade decanter that epitomises the two brands’ shared mindset when it comes to craftmanship, the design takes inspiration from both the flow of air underneath the iconic Aston Martin Valkyrie through the sculptured venturi tunnels and the natural fluid forms of the landscapes and terroir of Islay. 

Bowmore ARC-54 will be available from selected stockists worldwide as of April 3rd 2025.

Price available on request.

ON THE BLOCK: Broad Arrow Presents a BMW-only Sale at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

LONDON (April 3, 2025) – Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, continues to add exceptional collector cars to the offering for its inaugural year as the official auction partner of the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Today, Broad Arrow is delighted to announce that a significant BMW-only sale will feature as part of its two-day Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction. Taking place on the evening of Saturday 24 May, Broad Arrow’s BMW auction will celebrate the heritage of BMW as hosts of the revered Concorso. Early featured collector cars for the BMW-only auction represent halo cars for the marque across nearly 70 years of production.

“It is a real honour for us to host a special auction to celebrate BMW and its legacy of hosting the famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. We have collated some of the very best cars from BMW’s illustrious history, including both classic and modern as well as iconic motorsport racers. Our evening sale adds a new dimension to the premier event in the concours world, and I am excited to present some of the most exceptional collector BMW cars available, with more soon to be announced.”

– Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for the EMEA Region at Broad Arrow

Featured cars offered from private collectors at the BMW-only sale include:

1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster (Estimate: €2.000.000 – €2.300.000)
It is rare to come across a BMW 507 that was under original ownership for nearly its first half-century on the road. Yet this 507, chassis number 70127, can tell such a story. First registered to “Fa. W. Bartels jr.” of Braunschweig, Germany in 1958, it remained in the family for nearly half a century before they reluctantly parted with it. Subsequent owners lavished a great deal of attention on the 507, including a partial interior retrim and a fresh black soft-top. Its most recent owner purchased the car in 2018 and clearly saw great value in its exceptional originality, fastidiously maintained over the previous six decades, though he added just seven kilometers over seven years.

This rare BMW 507 Series II Roadster is offered as a highly original example and is among the most collectible BMW models. Additionally, this sought-after and timeless mid-century sports car celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and is eligible for the most prestigious driving and concours d’elegance events worldwide.

1980 BMW M1 (Estimate: €450.000 – €550.000)
BMW’s “M” division created the M1 as its first fully independent engineering project. Designed to compete with Porsche in Group 5 racing, the M1 featured a mid-engine layout, a tubular space frame chassis by Gianpaolo Dallara, and a striking wedge design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Just 453 examples were made between 1978 and 1981, including road and racing versions, with the M1 playing a key role in the Procar BMW M1 Championship with drivers Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet winning the first two seasons.

One of only 71 road cars finished in red from new, this BMW M1 was originally delivered in Berlin to German record producer, Frank Farian. Producer for famous names such as Boney M and Meat Loaf, Farian commissioned BMW Motorsport to modify the bodywork to match that of the famous M1 Procars. This included a large rear wing and a front splitter, while the flared wheel arches allowed wider 16-inch BBS RS multipiece wheels. Additional upgrades performed by Farian included reupholstering the seats with full leather, and unsurprisingly, the car’s sound system was upgraded with a Becker Mexico stereo, Clarion 150EQB graphic equaliser and additional speakers.  

Farian owned the M1 for over a decade before selling it to an employee who kept it for the next 18 years when it found a new owner in Belgium. It returned to Germany in 2012 with a new owner and in 2020 it won the Owner’s Choice Award at the prestigious Salon Privé Concours in the U.K.

Following this showing, the car was sold to its current caretaker and was taken to a noted specialist in Sweden for servicing and the paintwork was restored to its original red. On completion, it was displayed at the inaugural 2024 The Aurora Scandinavian Concours in Sweden. 

This remarkable BMW M1 has covered just under 91,000 kilometers (56,000 miles), has known celebrity ownership, and benefits from period modifications by BMW Motorsport.

2000 BMW Z8 (Estimate: €200.000 – €225.000)
Inspired by the 1956 BMW 507, the Z8, introduced in the late 1990s, blended retro design with modern performance. Designed by Henrik Fisker, the Z8’s styling incorporated nods to the 507, including a sculpted dashboard and front fender vents. Built on a bespoke aluminium chassis with a two-seat roadster body, it features the 4.9-litre V8 engine from the E39 BMW M5, producing 400 cv and 500 nm of torque. With a weight of 1,585 kg, the Z8 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.

Delivered new in Italy on 22 June 2001 by Autosport Brescia, this Z8 was specified in sleek Titanium Silver over a striking two-tone Sport Red and Black leather interior. Offered by just its third owner, the Z8 is in excellent condition, having covered just over 23,000 kilometers during its lifetime.

1981 BMW M1 (Estimate: €475.000 – €575.000)
This M1 was completed on 30 January 1981, one of 11 M1s delivered new to the BMW importer in the United Arab Emirates. It was purchased by Vijay Mallya, co-founder of the Force India Formula One Team, with the digital history file showing it was first registered in the U.K. on 30 January 1989.

It remained under Mallya’s ownership and travelled with him to Dubai, then to the U.K. and on to Alaska in 2012 before returning to the U.K. in 2014. Having owned it for 29 years, he sold the car in 2016 to its current owner in the Netherlands.

“These wonderful cars are just a taste of what is to come,” added Joe Twyman. “More fine examples from BMW’s wonderful history are soon to be announced.”

Broad Arrow will conduct its inaugural European auction in partnership with BMW AG as the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. As a crown jewel in the concours world, Broad Arrow is excited to present 70 of the highest quality collector cars with a premium auction experience during the Concorso weekend on the shores of Lake Como.

The current and continually updated catalogue for the Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este sale can be viewed here.

Consignors interested in offering their exceptional motor car at The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction at Villa Erba are invited to contact a Broad Arrow Car Specialist at +44 20 4592 0169 (UK/Europe) or on +1 313 312 0780 (North America) or via email at info@broadarrowauctions.com.

NOTE: The Broad Arrow BMW sale is an independent auction, offering consignments from private collectors.

Audi Sport Announces Sale of Exclusive Racing Cars from Le Mans and DTM

INGOLSTADT (April 2, 2025) – Audi Sport is breaking new ground: for the first time in history, LMP and DTM prototypes from the former factory racing programs are available for purchase as exclusive objects in drivable condition. The newly created Audi Sport racing legends project team is building up these fascinating prototypes with manufacturer expertise for a select circle of collectors.

“We are rebuilding these chassis together with reconditioned parts from that time into racing cars according to strict standards and with a high level of expertise. In some cases, even the developers from that era are involved in the current projects. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the RS 5 DTM are two of the fastest racing cars we have ever built. Customers can look forward not only to extremely sought-after racing cars, but also to a firework display of driving emotions. Our customers become part of a select circle, benefit from our motorsport expertise and receive comprehensive support.”

– Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH

Audi has clinched victories at Le Mans and championship titles in the DTM with these types of racing cars. The winning examples from this era remain in AUDI AG’s vehicle collection – looked after, kept running and used at events by Audi Tradition.

Following the program presentation on April 2 in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi Sport will present itself at three international classic car events in Germany, France and Great Britain. The first example is to be handed over in the middle of the year.