Motorsport Legends to Star at Broad Arrow’s Inaugural Villa d’Este Auction 2025
Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, will showcase a series of historically significant motorsport icons at its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction, which will take place on 24–25 May 2025 on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Italy.
As the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, in collaboration with BMW AG, Broad Arrow will offer up to 70 best-in-class collector cars. The selection includes everything from coachbuilt classics and modern supercars to historic racing machines, each representing a pinnacle of motoring excellence.
“Our Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction will feature some of the world’s most important cars,” says Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region. “I’m thrilled to introduce four standout entries today, each with a remarkable motorsport legacy.”
1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid
Estimate: €475,000 – €525,000
This factory-entered 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid competed in three consecutive Paris-Dakar Rallies, driven by Alain Ambrosino. Chassis C05 helped Citroën Sport clinch the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallying, with key finishes in the Paris-Tripoli-Dakar and Paris-Tangiers-Dakar events.
After retiring from competition, the car joined the Citroën Heritage collection before being restored to Pharaoh’s Rally specification by a private collector—faithfully recreating the version driven by Ari Vatanen.
This rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Paris-Dakar history includes a comprehensive history file, original competitor documentation, restoration records, and two Citroën Sport race suits from 1991. It has appeared at elite events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Salon Privé.
1936 Fiat 570 Bertone Barchetta Special
Estimate: €325,000 – €375,000
This unique 1936 Fiat 570 Bertone Barchetta Special marks the first car designed by Nuccio Bertone, built after he inherited the family coachbuilding business. Starting as a Fiat 500 A Topolino, it was transformed into a sleek racing barchetta that debuted in 1947 and competed in four consecutive Mille Miglia races, securing a class podium in 1948.
Rediscovered by Bertone himself in the 1990s, the car underwent a meticulous restoration and remained with the Bertone family until 2021. It has appeared at Villa d’Este and other prestigious concours, offering both collectors and historians a tangible link to the origins of Bertone’s design and racing legacy.
1966 Fiat Abarth OT 1300
Estimate: €400,000 – €450,000
A true Targa Florio contender, the 1966 Fiat Abarth OT 1300 combines lightweight engineering with a 147hp rear-mounted engine and the iconic “Periscopio” roof scoop.
Chassis 0047 competed in three editions of the Targa Florio, winning its class on debut and finishing each event—an impressive feat given the era’s gruelling conditions. Owned during the 1970s by Vincenzo Osella, future founder of the Osella Formula One team, the car holds significant racing provenance.
Discovered in barn-find condition after 40 years in storage, it now awaits recommissioning—offering a rare opportunity to restore a genuine survivor from motorsport’s golden age.
1965 Elva BMW Mk 8
Estimate: €175,000 – €225,000 | No Reserve
Built by Elva founder Frank Nichols, the 1965 Elva BMW Mk 8 marked the first use of a 2.0-litre BMW engine mated to a Hewland HD5 gearbox. Chassis 80/09 debuted at the Road America 500, finishing 10th overall in 1965 and 1966.
Previously owned by Dr. Julio Palma and UK-based historic racer Roger Wills, the car has competed at Goodwood Revival, the Members’ Meeting, and various events across Europe. It is set to return to the 2025 Goodwood Members’ Meeting, where it will run in the Madgwick Cup ahead of the Villa d’Este auction.
“These are not just race cars—they are artefacts of motorsport heritage, each tied to iconic events and personalities,” Twyman adds. “From Nuccio Bertone’s first car to a Citroën that conquered the Paris-Dakar, these cars offer unparalleled provenance and will elevate any serious collection.”
Further information and the entire auction catalogue are available at broadarrowauctions.com.
