The Icons Afterglow: Villa Erba & the Broad Arrow Auction

Following the elegance of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025, Auto Icons crossed over to Villa Erba - the continuation of a weekend defined by history, heritage, and horsepower.

The celebration of classic craftsmanship continued just across the sunlit lawns and water. Here, the icons didn’t just sit still - they arrived in motion. Each engine note echoing through the stone-lined corridors of Cernobbio, Lake Como as the concours competitors paraded in from Villa d’Este that morning.

Villa Erba gave us the rare opportunity to see these icons gathered at rest - each one a piece of rolling sculpture. Some had storied pasts on the track, others had sat quietly in prized collections. But here, all were presented with the same reverence: heritage over hype, form guided by function.

For us, it was also a chance to revisit some familiar machinery.

Alongside the showcase, Broad Arrow held its anticipated auction. The mood was relaxed, but the message was clear: this was a buyer’s market. For those who know what to look for and where to listen - there were stories worth following.

Broad Arrow has quickly cemented its place as one of the premier auction houses in the collector car world - not just for the cars it curates, but for the discretion and depth of its clientele. Known for its selective lots, tailored experiences, and a team deeply embedded in the collector community, Broad Arrow brings together the right metal and the right buyers. Its presence at Villa Erba, during one of the most celebrated weekends in the classic car calendar, underscores its growing influence in shaping market sentiment - quietly, confidently, and always with an eye on what matters most: provenance, rarity, and the stories behind the machine.

We paid close attention to two cars in particular.

First, the NA2 Honda NSX-R. A car we know well and sits close to our hearts. We've handled it before, and its €825,000 result before fees was well-earned. For years, this car remained one of Japan’s best-kept secrets - built for purists, driven by precision. Its rise feels right. It was a strong result for a purist’s car that has, for years, flown under the radar of more headline-grabbing exotics. We’re pleased to see it find its place in the sun.

Then came the Carrera GT. It never quite reached the bidding floor and made it to the block as it was sold before. As an off-the-auction-room-floor deal, this was likely the result of a quiet offer that spoke louder than the gavel ever could. That’s telling. In today’s market as values edge upward again, true drivers’ cars with the right provenance are commanding quiet attention. The Carrera GT continues to prove its mettle as one of the last truly analogue supercars.

Motorsport racing Ferraris also continue to climb in value, driven by a unique blend of provenance, performance pedigree, and limited production. Whether it’s a 250 GT that’s seen at Le Mans or an F40 LM with period-correct upgrades, buyers are increasingly recognising that true motorsport lineage commands enduring demand. As the broader market stabilises, competition-spec Ferraris remain a category of their own: resilient, revered, and rarely on offer.

What did we take away? That even in a softening market, excellence commands attention. Provenance still speaks louder than hype. And for those who know what they’re looking for - who understand the rhythm of supply and demand - there is opportunity to be found.

Our approach at events like these is simple. We focus on what we know, touched, and sold - cars we’ve handled, histories we’ve tracked, clients we’ve served. Whether it’s a JDM legend or an analog hypercar, our lens remains the same: traceable quality and long-term value over fleeting trends. What we’ve stood beside in garages, paddocks, and private collections. It’s how we help clients identify value - not just price.

In a market that constantly shifts, we trust our network, our eyes, and the relationships built over time. It’s how we continue to guide collectors toward cars that aren’t just desirable - but meaningful.

Lake Como never fails to remind us why we do this. The setting is serene, but the stories under the bonnet are anything but.

We’ll return again soon. But until then… The hunt continues.