BMW is winding up for one of the most glamorous - decadent, even - classic car events on the calendar: the Concorso d'Eleganza, held at the stunning Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como.
Not just BMWs
It's hard to imagine a more beautiful location, but the scenery will have to take a temporary back seat to the parade of incredible classic cars. Although the event is sponsored by BMW - and has been for many years - it's not only about BMW and its associated brands. Part of this year's Concorso will celebrate 75 years of Porsche, for example, and we're being promised some 'iconic and eccentric models' from Porsche's back catalogue.
The event starts with the Prelude Tour, in which a gaggle of classic cars drives around Italy, including a stop-off at Monza, before finishing in the town of Cernobbio, where they'll be on display around the harbourside.
Once the show itself kicks off properly on the 19th, there will be various special classes for prizes, including a look back at 100 years of the Le Mans 24hrs; a 'fast and formal' class for pre-war luxury cars; another for pre-war road racers; classics from India; post-war European GT cars, 'Made In Italy'; and a special section called 'Here Comes The Sun - Topless Done Differently!.'
New M models and a special concept
Needless to say, BMW Group models will be taking some of the spotlight. BMW M will have its new M4-based 3.0 CSL limited edition coupe on display alongside an original version of its 1970s namesake. We're also promised 'a very special BMW M car' - which might just be the new electric i5 M - and an M version of the electric i7 in a special two-tone paint job. MINI will be on hand too, with the limited edition MINI Cooper S E electric convertible, while Rolls-Royce will be showing off its stunning new electric Spectre coupe.
Want more? You get more - there will also be a special concept car, which BMW says is "an elegantly sporty, one-off homage to motoring for two."
On Saturday, the 20th of May, there will be the Amici & Automobili - Wheels & Weisswürscht event on the grounds of Villa d'Erbe, to which classic car clubs from all over Europe and the world will be invited.
On Sunday, the best-in-show prize will be handed out, the Trofeo BMW Group - part of the prize is 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., as well as the Coppa d'Oro which is voted for by the public visitors to the show. There's also the Trofeo del Presidente, which Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, will present.
Prize for best engine sound
There's also a musical prize - so to speak - as BMW Group Classic brand ambassador and star tenor Jonas Kaufmann has been handed a special task: he will present the Trofeo Il Canto del Motore for the best engine sound.
There will also be an auction by RM Sotheby's, which will include several very special BMW M cars from a private collection.
"Villa d'Este, Lake Como, and the outstanding surroundings provide the perfect frame in which the most extraordinary automobiles of their era glitter like precious gems. The aura of a unique classic event, the value of the masterpieces exhibited, and the perfection of this iconic hotel form a sublime symbiosis that, in May every year, combines tradition with the contemporary era. It is precisely this that has ensured the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este's special flair since 1929," said a BMW spokesperson.