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The Elegance of Classic Cars: BMW’s Concept Speedtop
For years, the exclusive Grand Hotel Villa d’Este on the equally exclusive Lake Como in Italy has been the setting for a sophisticated and elite classic car elegance competition. Much like the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the United States, it is increasingly common to see manufacturers showcasing their latest design proposals.
One such manufacturer is BMW . Last year, they unveiled the Concept Skytop , a stunning prototype featuring a targa roof. The car captivated audiences so much that BMW decided to produce 50 units for global distribution, all of which were quickly reserved. While the exact price remains undisclosed, it certainly fell into the six-figure range.
Introducing the Concept Speedtop
This year, history is repeating itself with the introduction of the Concept Speedtop . In a slightly more generous move, BMW will produce 70 units. Built on the foundation of the BMW Series 8 , Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design, asserts that it offers a “sporty reinterpretation of touring models.” Translated, these models often refer to family cars.
However, this definition only partially captures its essence. The Concept Speedtop aligns much better with the shooting brake tradition. Originally designed as sports cars equipped with a rear-loading area, the term has evolved to signify bold family-style variants. Its nomenclature traces back to a horse-drawn carriage used in the 19th century to transport hunters, which is why it remains associated with hunting, particularly in the UK . BMW describes the Speedtop as perfect for “weekend getaways for couples,” allowing users the freedom of interpretation.
Design Elements and Interior Luxuries
Aesthetically, beyond the distinctive rear design and the 14-spoke bicolor wheels , what stands out is the shark-nose profile and the central line that runs from front to back. Inside, the cabin is upholstered in a bicolor leather scheme of white and brown, which also extends to two travel bags crafted by the renowned Italian artisan Schedoni , known for making exclusive, custom leather goods. These bags fit snugly into the compartments that would typically accommodate two small children in the back seat of a traditional car. A larger bag for the trunk is also upholstered in leather, adding a luxurious touch.
Performance Specifications and Future Outlook
Given the nature of the clientele expected to acquire this car and the minimal use it will likely see, BMW has decided against electrification for this model. What they have confirmed is that it will feature the most powerful V8 engine from their lineup, expected to surpass 625 HP , which was the power output of the now-defunct BMW M8 Competition .
The Legacy of Shooting Brake Cars
The list of shooting brake vehicles is extensive, both those designed by independent coachbuilders, particularly Aston Martin , and those originating within the manufacturers themselves. Noteworthy mentions include the Volvo P1800 ES , Ferrari FF , and within BMW’s own offerings, the Z3 Coupé .