“Bringing Italian racing cars to the fore in 2025 proved to be a powerful concept, and the response confirmed that,” smiles an understandably proud Guglielmo Miani, founder of FuoriConcorso. “However, automotive culture is vast – for 2026 we want to explore themes that are perhaps less obvious, and in doing so broaden knowledge.”
In a relatively short time, the event has grown from a small side event during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend to being one of the must-sees for anyone taking a trip to Lake Como during that weekend. It’s garnered major manufacturers in support, in the form of new and rarely seen heritage cars, and acted as the launchpad for restomod and smaller boutique companies such as Zagato, Kimera and many others.
For 2026’s FuoriConcorso (which takes place between May 16 and 17), the focus turns to German automotive culture, following previous celebrations of British and Italian racing cars, under the title of KraftMeister. “It feels both logical and rich,” Guglielmo says. “It reflects not only engineering, but German attitudes to competition, innovation and business.”
Porsche has been a long-time supporter of the event, and returns for 2026, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi/VW will form the core pillars. “From there we can explore smaller manufacturers, tuners and sub-themes,” Guglielmo explains. “German automotive culture has enormous depth – we could easily fill ten years’ worth of exhibitions.”
FuoriConcorso is notable for attracting a much younger demographic – and one spread across the genders more evenly than other similar events (around 40 percent of visitors are women) – and the German focus feeds into that. “For people aged roughly 30 to 55, German cars were everywhere growing up, and often aspirational,” Guglielmo muses.
The other reason for FuoriConcorso’s success, he believes, is because it eschews the usual prize-giving of a conventional concours. “Psychologically I am a collector, and I’m a terrible loser,” Guglielmo laughs. “The important point to FuoriConcorso is that there are no winners or losers, everyone is winning – I find it more exciting to share experiences, culture and cars with friends rather than make a competition to see who has the coolest car.”
In an era of ‘new cars as commodities’, Guglielmo sees FuoriConcorso as a vital part of having younger generations understand context. “We present the full historical arc, from the origins of the industry to today – this automotive culture is increasingly important to manufacturers; brands must continue to stimulate creativity and differentiation.”
FuoriConcorso also acts as a launchpad for new hypercars and restomods. “Smaller manufacturers represent the future, but they must have something meaningful to say,” Guglielmo says. “This year we are relocating the hypercar and restomod area to Villa del Grumello, and there will be at least one world premiere from a German manufacturer.”
Alongside the two main days, there will be previews and dynamic activities at an as-yet-unnamed racetrack on the Thursday and Friday prior to the weekend. “Expansion must feel natural – too long and the magic dilutes; it’s like if we do a 12-hour opera, people will fall asleep after a while.” Guglielmo muses; it’s why the event will not move too far into the fashion world. “Cars remain central; watches will feature more prominently, but craftsmanship is the broader theme – it fits into the KraftMeister theme. Cars are crafted, which links naturally to art and photography.”
Looking further ahead, the FuoriConcorso team will be hosting events in Milan around the time of the Italian Grand Prix in September, and there are several rallies planned for this year. “We’re also working on a book for 2027, and developing a permanent space in Milan – effectively a home for the FuoriConcorso community all year round,” Guglielmo explains. There’s also the Automotive Gallery at Larusmiani’s premises on Via Montenapoleone in Milan, which regularly brings a very special car to the heart of the city’s fashion district.
As for confirmed cars for FuoriConcorso, Guglielmo’s keeping his cards close to his chest. “But if you see what came last year, you will understand the type of cars that will come this year,” he smiles. “More and more manufacturers are supporting us, and I think the quality of the event can only grow.”
For more information on FuoriConcorso, head here.
