Sweden’s classic car community has its own high-end event, The Aurora, now in its third year

Wallpaper* took a trip to the Swedish summer resort of Båstad to soak up the atmosphere at the third edition of The Aurora Concours

The Aurora 2026, Sweden
Arriving at The Aurora 2026 in Sweden
(Image credit: Keno Zache)

This year, The Aurora returned to Sweden’s west coast for its third edition, from 26–28 June 2026. Once again, the event transformed the picturesque Norrviken Gardens in Båstad into a celebration of automotive excellence. Welcoming more than 16,500 visitors, The Aurora further strengthened its reputation as one of Northern Europe’s most exciting car shows.

The Aurora 2026

The Aurora 2026

(Image credit: Keno Zache)

At the heart of the weekend was a unique double concours that featured both classic automobiles and modern hypercars. The carefully curated selection reflected The Aurora's distinctive ability to unite automotive heritage with contemporary design.

This year’s highlights included the world-first public appearance of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II, the unveiling of the Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster, and the showcase of the production Koenigsegg Gemera.

The Aurora 2026

Entrants at The Aurora 2026

(Image credit: Keno Zache)

Beyond the concours, visitors could enjoy an extensive programme of talks, exhibitions, and activations. The expanding Aurora Yacht Show also added another dimension to the event, showcasing an impressive collection of luxury vessels in the nearby harbour.

The Aurora 2026

The Aurora 2026

(Image credit: Keno Zache)

By combining lifestyle with high-end vehicles, The Aurora continues to establish itself as an international platform that celebrates automotive heritage, innovation, and craft.

Our highlights from The Aurora 2026

Mercedes-Benz Classic

The Mercedes-Benz Classic stand at The Aurora 2026

The Mercedes-Benz Classic stand at The Aurora 2026

(Image credit: Mercedes-Benz)

The Mercedes-Benz Classic stand at The Aurora marked 140 years of innovation by placing the brand’s past, present and future in direct conversation. At the centre of the display were two carefully paired moments in automotive history. The 1937 W 125 Silver Arrow sat alongside the 2018 Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept car, drawing a clear line between Mercedes-Benz’s racing heritage and its electric future.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept and the Mercedes-Benz W 125

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept and the Mercedes-Benz W 125

(Image credit: Mercedes-Benz)

Nearby, the iconic 1970 C 111-II was presented alongside the 2023 Vision One-Eleven, highlighting how experimental design continues to shape the brand’s approach to performance, technology and form.

A cluster of classic Mercedes (from top left): Mercedes-Benz C 111-II, Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, Mercedes-Benz W 125 and Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow

A cluster of classic Mercedes (from top left): Mercedes-Benz C 111-II, Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, Mercedes-Benz W 125 and Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow

(Image credit: Mercedes-Benz)

The display also celebrated the C 111’s distinctive gold-orange ‘Weißherbst’ finish, a colour that has become closely associated with one of Mercedes-Benz’s most recognisable experimental vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL at The Aurora 2026

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL at The Aurora 2026

(Image credit: Mercedes-Benz)

Visitors were also able to see a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, two running authentic replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, and the Roarington simulator challenge, bringing together heritage, storytelling and interactive engagement in one stand. ‘At The Aurora, we brought technological and design history to life,’ says CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, Marcus Breitschwerdt.

Mercedes-Benz.com

Brabus

The Brabus Bodo

The Brabus Bodo

(Image credit: Brabus)

Brabus made its debut at the event with a bold showcase of modern high-performance luxury. The centrepiece was the Brabus Bodo, a Gran Turismo Coupe created in tribute to the company’s founder Bodo Buschmann. Built as a statement of power, craftsmanship, and elegance, this vehicle will be limited to just 77 units worldwide – a tribute to 1977, the founding year of Brabus.

The Brabus Bodo

The Brabus Bodo

(Image credit: Brabus)

‘The Aurora was the perfect location to celebrate the official Scandinavia premiere of the new Brabus Bodo, and the response we received from everyone who stopped by our display was absolutely incredible’ says CEO and owner of Brabus, Constantin Buschmann.

Brabus 800 Cabrio

Brabus 800 Cabrio

(Image credit: Brabus)

The display also included the Brabus Rocket GTS, the Brabus 700 based on the Range Rover P 615 SV LWB, and the Braus 800 Cabrio based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63. Together, the line-up captured the brand’s ‘1 Second Wow’ philosophy, blending opulence with visual impact.

Brabus.com

Koenigsegg

Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear

Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear

(Image credit: Koenigsegg)

One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend was the public debut of the Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear. The hypercar showcased the Swedish brand’s evolving design and engineering ambition. With sharpened aerodynamics, a track-focused character, and unmistakable road presence, it is a celebration of high-end automotive design.

Koenigsegg Gemera

Koenigsegg Gemera

(Image credit: Koenigsegg)

Alongside the full-size car, a 1:1 Lego replica brought a playful element to the display. Built from 327,000 bricks without glue, the model recently set the world record for the fastest Lego car, reaching 69mph.

The world's fastest Lego car: Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear in bricks

The world's fastest Lego car: Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear in bricks

(Image credit: Koenigsegg)

The stand also featured two Koenigsegg Gemeras, the world’s first four-seat Megacar, as well as the CCGT, the company’s only GT1 race car. Visitors could also see the CC Prototype and Koenigsegg’s first production car, the CC8S.

The original Koenigsegg CC8S from 2002

The original Koenigsegg CC8S from 2002

(Image credit: Koenigsegg)

‘The Aurora has, in a very short time, established itself as a refreshing addition to the world’s leading concours events,’ says Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO and founder of Koenigsegg.

Koenigsegg.com

The Aurora Yacht Show

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

(Image credit: The Aurora)

Now in its second year, the Aurora Yacht Show brought a strong maritime dimension to the weekend, expanding The Aurora beyond automotive excellence into a broader luxury lifestyle experience. Set in Båstad Harbour, the show featured an impressive collection of premium brands, including Delta Powerboats, J-Craft, Nimbus, Axopar, Riva and Fleming Yachts.

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

(Image credit: The Aurora)

Highlights included the new Riva Dolceriva 48 and a Riva Iseo displayed in the gardens of Norrviken. Attendees also saw a fully equipped explorer yacht from the Tung Hwa Boatyard in Taiwan. New for 2026, the Yacht Hospitality Package allowed VIP guests to arrive by sea, with a Princess F60 welcoming guests throughout the event.

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

The Aurora Yacht Show in Båstad Harbour, Sweden

(Image credit: The Aurora)

The Aurora.se

40 Years of the BMW M3

Old and new: 40 Years of the BMW M3

Old and new: 40 Years of the BMW M3

(Image credit: BMW)

BMW’s third year as a partner at The Aurora brought together motorsport heritage, high-performance engineering and future-focused design. The display celebrated 40 years of the BMW M3, with the iconic 2002 Turbo and M3 GT E36 highlighting the brand’s sporting legacy. The showcase also featured the new i3, iX3, 7 Series, and the upcoming all-electric X5, showcasing performance, technology, and contemporary automotive design.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse

(Image credit: BMW)

Looking to the future, BMW presented the all-electric M Concept Neue Klasse, following its world premiere at Le Mans. Finished in Monza Red metallic, the concept car combines expressive proportions with motorsport-inspired aerodynamics, offering a glimpse of the German brand’s next generation of high-performance vehicles.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse interior

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse interior

(Image credit: BMW)

‘The Aurora is proving that Scandinavia can host an automotive event on the same level as the very best in the world’ says president and CEO BMW Group Northern Europe, Stefan Teuchert.

BMW-M.com


The next edition of The Aurora will run from 2 to 4 July 2027
TheAurora.se, @TheAuroraConcours

Shawn Adams is an architect, writer, and lecturer who currently teaches at Central St Martins, UAL and the Architectural Association. Shawn trained as an architect at The Royal College of Art, Architectural Association and University of Portsmouth. He is also the co-founder of the socially-minded design practice Power Out of Restriction. In 2023, POoR won the London Design Festival’s Emerging Design Medal. Shawn writes for numerous international magazines about global architecture and design and aims to platform the voices of those living across the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.