Broad Arrow's Villa d'Este Auction Achieves €40.8M, Ferrari Daytona SP3 Leads Sales

Cernobbio, Italy – The global classic and collector car market showcased its robust health last weekend as Broad Arrow Auctions, in its capacity as the official auction partner for the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, concluded its second annual sale at Villa Erba with impressive results. The two-day event, held from May 16-17, 2026, generated a substantial €40.8 million (approximately $44.3 million USD) in total sales, boasting a strong 87 percent sell-through rate across its meticulously curated selection of 75 collector automobiles.

Ferrari Dominance Continues with Record-Setting Sales

As anticipated, Italian marques, particularly Ferrari, commanded significant attention and achieved top bids. The undisputed star of the auction was a stunning 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3, which fetched a remarkable €6.25 million. This contemporary hypercar, a tribute to Ferrari's legendary endurance racers, proved its blue-chip status in the modern collector landscape, despite selling slightly below its initial high estimate.

Further solidifying Ferrari's appeal, a rare 'non-cat, non-adjust' 1990 Ferrari F40 also drew considerable interest, achieving a sale price of €2,931,250. This iconic supercar, celebrated for its raw performance and direct connection to Enzo Ferrari, continues to be a cornerstone of high-value auctions. Another Maranello masterpiece, a beautiful 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS, ignited an intense bidding war, ultimately finding a new owner for €1,918,750, underscoring the enduring desirability of classic open-top Ferraris.

Beyond the Prancing Horse, other European automotive legends also performed exceptionally well. A magnificent 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé, a symbol of post-war German engineering and design, changed hands for €1,637,500. Additionally, a high-performance 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package achieved a strong €2,256,250, demonstrating continued collector appetite for modern hypercars from celebrated marques.

Market Nuances and International Interest

The auction at Villa Erba was characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, with registered bidders hailing from an impressive 31 different countries, reflecting the truly international nature of the collector car market. Broad Arrow Auctions reported a more than 70 percent growth in bidder registration compared to their 2025 sale, indicating escalating global engagement and confidence in the high-end segment. Thomas Forrester, the renowned British auctioneer, presided over the sale, further enhancing its international appeal.

While many lots exceeded expectations or met their estimates, the auction also presented a nuanced picture of the market, particularly for certain segments. For instance, a 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, while selling for a substantial €1,581,250, did so against a higher pre-sale estimate, suggesting selective bidding even for modern limited-production vehicles. Similarly, a collection of highly anticipated R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs, including rare V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec variants, saw mixed results, with several selling significantly below their estimates. This outcome raised questions about the current appetite for some Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) modern classics at European auctions, contrasting with their robust performance in other global markets like the US.

Overall, Broad Arrow's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este auction reinforces the strong demand for significant collector cars, particularly those with impeccable provenance and undeniable desirability. The event not only served as a critical barometer for market trends but also as a testament to the enduring passion for automotive heritage among a diverse international collector base. As the market continues to evolve, events like Villa d'Este remain essential showcases for the world's most exceptional vehicles.