Thanks to Lugano Elegance 2026, from 21 23 to May Lugano's city center will once again be transformed into a major exhibition dedicated to historic automobiles. Now in its sixth year, the Concours d'Elegance organized by Scuderia Classiche GmbH consolidates its presence in the international calendar of events dedicated to classic cars.
The event, promoted under the patronage of the City of Lugano, will bring forty automobiles to the heart of the city on Lake Ceresio, selected according to rigorous criteria: authenticity, rarity, state of preservation, and historical value. The vehicles will be displayed in the squares of the historic center – Piazza Riforma, Piazza Manzoni, the Courtyard of the Civic Palace, Piazza Maraini, and Piazza San Carlo – transforming the city's living room into a free exhibition for the public for three days.
The competition will be judged by an international jury of industry experts, who will evaluate models from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.
An event that has grown over time
In the last few years Lugano Elegance has progressively strengthened its identity, focusing on a format that combines automotive exhibitions, cultural activities and entertainment.
Leading the project is Paul Pedersoli, CEO of Scuderia Classiche and main promoter of the initiative.
"Our philosophy," explains Pedersoli, "is based on an event format that engages different generations and interests in the vintage world. We believe in the power of the past and the ability to relive emotions through tangible experiences."
According to the organizer, Ticino has a long automotive tradition, remembered by figures such as Rudolf caracciola e Clay regazzoni, who have contributed to writing important pages in the history of racing. Lugano Elegance therefore also offers an opportunity to recount and celebrate this legacy.
New for 2026: A Humanoid Judge with Artificial Intelligence
Among the main innovations of the 2026 edition is a world first in the panorama of Concours d'Elegance: the presence of a humanoid robot equipped with artificial intelligence called upon to express its opinion on a special category.
The system will analyze the cars by applying codified criteria – model history, authenticity, historical design, aesthetic quality and state of conservation – combining visual analysis and historical data.
The project was born from the collaboration with ATED — Ticino Association for Digital Evolution, who developed the AI Agent responsible for evaluating the cars.
According to the president of ATED Luke Mauriello, the goal is to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation: «Even in the world of classic cars, where the past is the protagonist, technology can offer new tools to interpret and enhance the automotive heritage».
The prize awarded by artificial intelligence will be communicated virtually by the system itself, through a process that integrates visual analysis, historical information, and elegance criteria.
There's also room for the younger ones with the pedal kart race
Among the initiatives designed to broaden the audience of the event is a new activity dedicated to children: a competition pedal kart scheduled for Saturday, May 23.
The initiative was created with the aim of introducing younger generations to the world of classic motorsports through a hands-on and fun experience. Participants will compete in a symbolic race that will conclude with an official awards ceremony.
The idea, the organizers explain, is to create a bridge between the tradition of vintage cars and the future of automotive passion.
The vintage market continues to grow
After the success of the previous edition, the vintage market It will expand further. The exhibitor area will offer collectibles, books, photographs, accessories, and memorabilia related to the world of classic automobiles.
It is a space that over the years has attracted collectors and enthusiasts, transforming itself into a true journey through time among memorabilia and objects of automotive culture.
The honorary car
As per tradition, the event will also present a 2026 edition honorary car, chosen for its symbolic and historical value. The model will not participate in the official competition but will be featured in a special presentation.
The car, introduced by PKB Private Bank, It dates back to 1915 and is equipped with a six-cylinder engine 14,5 liters capable of developing 130 horses, a considerable power for the time.
Full details will be revealed to the public on Saturday, May 23, in Piazza Riforma.
The support of the city
For the mayor Michael FolettiLugano Elegance represents an event that over the years has proven to generate concrete benefits for the area.
"The event helps liven up the city center with a positive and participatory atmosphere," observes Foletti, emphasizing how the event also produces tangible effects for businesses and the tourism sector.
According to the mayor, the related industries include hotels, restaurants, shops, and services, helping to strengthen Lugano's image as a dynamic and attractive destination.
On a personal level, Foletti cites among his favorites the Ferrari 312B, With whom Clay regazzoni won the 1970 Italian Grand Prix, and the Bugatti Atlantic, considered one of the rarest and most iconic cars in automotive history.
Logistics and security
The organization of logistics and security is entrusted to Christophe Cerinotti, which coordinates the work with the Lugano City Police and municipal services.
The surveillance system will cover all six squares involved in the event. During the day, management will be ensured by the city police, while at night, surveillance of the vehicles and exhibition areas will be entrusted to Securitas.
Partners and collaborations
Lugano Elegance 2026 is being developed thanks to the collaboration with various institutional and private partners.
Among these he figures Chubb Switzerland, a company specializing in the protection of historical collections and private assets, is supporting the event by providing specific expertise in the insurance sector.
The event also sees the presence of the Franciacorta Consortium, which will bring to Lugano the winemaking tradition of the Lombardy region of the same name, and of theHotel Splendide Royal Lugano, historic structure inaugurated in 1887 on the shores of the lake.
The five-star hotel will host the official evenings of the event, from the inaugural aperitif to the awards ceremony. Best of Show scheduled for May 23.
A training experience for apprentices
even the Biasca Technical Professional Center (CPT) will participate in the event with a training project involving students from the mechanical (SPAI) and tailoring (SAMS) sectors.
The apprentices will work alongside the competition judges, assist with the cars on display, and participate in the event's organization. For the director Davide Pedretti, this is a concrete example of applied professional training.
Over the years, the experience has aroused interest among students: several participants have developed a passion for the world of historic cars, pushing the centre to introduce new training days dedicated to oldtimer.
In 2026 the award will also be given Youth Award, an award that students will give to the car they consider the most elegant according to their sensibilities.
Information Lugano Elegance 2026
21–23 May 2026
Places:
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Reform Square
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Piazza Manzoni
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Courtyard of the Civic Palace
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Maraini Square
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Piazza San Carlo
Free entry
Organizer: Scuderia Classiche GmbH
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/luganoelegance
For three days, the city center will become a stage dedicated to the history of the automobile, where collectors, enthusiasts, and the curious can observe up close some of the rarest and most valuable cars on the international scene.
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