La Gotthard Classic 2026 has confirmed its position as one of the most popular events for vintage and modern classic car enthusiasts in Ticino. The eighth edition of the event, held on Sunday, June 21st, attracted over 80 crews, who gathered in Giubiasco for a day dedicated to historic motoring, conviviality, and the appreciation of vehicles that have defined different eras.
The event, organized by the Classic Cars Ticino Association (ACCT), continues to grow both in terms of the number of participants and the quality of the cars present, consolidating a formula that has now become a benchmark in the regional calendar.
A journey through Ticino
The departure took place in Giubiasco, with a welcome from the Winteler dealership. From the early hours of the day, the heat accompanied the crews along a route that passed through some of the canton's main towns.
The program included a stop at the Gerre Golf Club in Losone for an aperitif, before continuing downhill toward Lake Maggiore, passing through Locarno after passing near Ascona. The convoy finally reached the Gotthard Arena using the cantonal road network.
Almost a hundred years of automotive history
One of the distinguishing features of the Gottardo Classic remains the caliber of its fleet. The 2026 edition brought together models from very different eras, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the automobile spanning nearly a century.
Among the most admired examples were a 1927 Bugatti and a 2022 Mercedes-AMG One, two cars separated by 95 years of technological development. These were joined by models particularly beloved by enthusiasts, such as Rolls-Royce, Lancia Stratos, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, as well as numerous Lotuses, BMWs, Ferraris, Porsches, and Alfa Romeos.
The variety of cars represented one of the most significant aspects of the event, capable of bringing together historic models and contemporary sports cars in a single gathering.
A new formula at the Gottardo Arena
The arrival at the Gottardo Arena ushered in some organizational innovations. Lunch was set up right in the center of the arena, with 24 round tables surrounded by a buffet area curated by Gottardo Events & Gastro.
The exhibition also included a selection of exhibited cars, creating an environment entirely dedicated to automotive culture. Among the spaces present was that of Young4vintage, an initiative to which the Classic Cars Ticino Association dedicates particular attention, aiming to engage new generations of enthusiasts.
The trials and the winners
Along the way, the crews faced several challenges that contributed to the final ranking.
The overall victory went to Omar Triacca and Lefteria Ciullo, driving a 2007 Lotus Elise R. The winners received a watch donated by Cuervo y Sobrinos and presented by Mario Longhi.
The day also included a photography contest open to participants. The award went to Michele Menabelli for the best shot.
Finally, those present cast their votes for the most representative car of the gathering. The award went to the 1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Cabriolet, which received a plaque donated by Massimo Basile, editor of Celebre Magazine.
An ever-growing event
Over the course of its eight editions, the Gottardo Classic has progressively broadened its appeal, raising its organizational standards and attracting cars of ever greater historical and collector interest.
The event's growth is also supported by the support of Julius Bär bank, a partner that has supported the initiative throughout its development.
With the 2026 edition of the Gottardo Classic concluded, the Classic Cars Ticino Association is already focusing on the next event on the calendar. Its focus now shifts to the Lugano Classic, scheduled for October 17 and 18, 2026, which will represent the next meeting point for collectors, enthusiasts, and classic car enthusiasts.
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