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Great minds often reach similar conclusions. At the Concorso d’Eleganza, BMW revealed the eye-catching Concept Skytop, marking its 25th year as a sponsor of the event. Just a few days before, Mercedes showcased the first of its Mythos series in Monte Carlo, the F1-inspired SL-based PureSpeed spider, with a limited production run of 250 units starting in 2025.

Like the Mercedes, BMW’s new model, introduced at the prestigious Villa d’Este in Italy, is an elegant and sporty open-air two-seater. The Skytop is designed to be a bespoke collector’s item. If approved by BMW’s board, the first batch of no more than 50 (though some sources suggest up to 100) should roll out from the new coachbuilding wing at the Dingolfing factory late next year. The expected base price is around $542,000, a figure justified by the fact that the M8 cabriolet, the car’s donor model, already costs over $207,000 before additional options.

BMW’s debut at the traditional Villa d’Este event was in 2006 with the avant-garde Mille Miglia concept by Chris Bangle and his team. Other notable interim models included the 2008 M1 Hommage by Benoit Jacob, which prefigured the i8; the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage by Karim Habib, inspired by the classic 1973 lightweight coupe; and the 2016 2002 Hommage, bridging the gap between the original 2002 turbo and the M2 Competition.

None of the nine concept cars BMW has shown at Lake Como have entered production so far. However, last year’s Z4 shooting brake came close, and in 2024, all bets are on the Skytop, designed by Marcus Syring, who will also shape future Alpina models.

Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, proudly states, “The Concept Skytop offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors like the Z8 or 503.” While it shares basic proportions with the M8 cabrio, the Skytop lacks rear seats, replacing them with a robust targa top/rollover protection element doubling as a B-pillar with integrated Hofmeister kinks. The sharp creases of the finned rear side panels converge at the lipped power-operated decklid. The two roof panels must be manually removed and stored in the trunk, which is smaller than the car’s size might suggest. Apart from the windshield and doors, the bodywork is entirely new.

The side view of the Skytop is less flattering. The large filler cap diminishes the appearance of the 21-inch rear wheels, and the geometric rocker panel clashes with the softer lines sculpting the car’s sides. The polished rims also do not complement the anodized brightwork framing the windows.

However, the front end is a triumph. The winged double-kidney grille lights up at night. Subtle horizontal bars on the side and lower air intakes, along with the rear diffuser, are painted anthracite, blending well with the terracotta-over-champagne color scheme. The ultra-slim, high-intensity four-dot LED headlights and L-pattern taillights are refined takes on familiar themes.

The interior of the Skytop stands out with its monochrome design, avoiding the use of excessive chrome, wood, elaborate stitching, or gimmicky contrasting piping. Instead, it features a beautifully finished driver environment covered in sumptuous soft leather. Details like flush speaker covers, leather-wrapped sills, a brogue-style perforation pattern on the seats and door panels, numerous pinkish crystal accents, and a vertical rear window that can be lowered with a button, add to its appeal. The interior’s contrasting color scheme extends to the boattail-like rear deck with a skillfully applied two-tone paint finish.

Driving the Skytop is an experience in itself. Though limited to private gravel pathways due to the lack of registration documents and number plates, the car impresses even at low speeds. Notable features include a full-length stingray-like center spine, small upright door handles inspired by the Neue Klasse X show car, and a cozy, luxurious cabin rivaling any Rolls-Royce.

Despite its impressive features, the Skytop has some drawbacks: limited packaging space, the absence of a power-operated top like the Ferrari 550 Superamerica’s, and a lack of a power boost to the 625-hp V-8 engine to justify the high price.

Mercedes seems to have an easier time producing limited-edition Mythos cars, while BMW has struggled with its halo-car contenders. Perhaps Mercedes has more inspiring donor models for such special editions. It remains to be seen if the Skytop will launch a new streamlined Bespoke Strategy for BMW, combining color and trim upgrades with significant sheet metal revisions. Stay tuned for next year’s Concorso d’Eleganza.