Gottardo Classic 2025: a resounding success and enduring elegance on swiss roads

The seventh annual Gottardo Classic, a prestigious gathering of classic cars and youngtimers, once again graced the picturesque landscapes of Ticino on Sunday, 22nd June. This year’s event, which proudly claimed the coveted Swiss Classic Award in 2023, solidified its position as a highly anticipated and firmly established fixture on the “Ticinese automotive calendar”. Seventy crews converged in Giubiasco, graciously hosted by the Winteler dealership, marking another chapter in this celebrated tradition. The enduring appeal of the Gottardo Classic lies not only in the exquisite machinery it showcases but also in the vibrant community it fosters, bringing together enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to share a passion.

Beyond the mechanical marvels that fuel these exquisite vehicles, the very essence of the Gottardo Classic lies in a metaphorical desire to savour the multifaceted elements that constitute the event’s soul. It is a celebration of the sheer pleasure of driving, allowing participants to experience the thrill of the open road in their cherished automobiles. It also offers the joy of discovering charming new locales, as the carefully curated routes unveil some of Ticino’s most breathtaking scenery.

Furthermore, the event provides a unique opportunity for participants to put their skills to the test, navigating challenging roads and engaging in precision-based activities. Crucially, it champions the conviviality and shared moments of delight with like-minded individuals united by a common passion for automotive heritage. This holistic approach elevates this event from a mere car show to an immersive experience for all involved, fostering camaraderie and lasting memories.

The calibre of the participating vehicles this year was nothing short of exceptional, further elevating the already impressive quality of the Gottardo Classic. A remarkable array of Mercedes models, including a stunning 300 SL Gullwing and its equally captivating spider variant, intertwined with an impressive collection of Lotus, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, and various Alfa Romeo models. These iconic marques represented a cross-section of automotive history, from elegant grand tourers to high-performance sports cars, each meticulously maintained and proudly displayed.

Adding to the spectacle, an AMG One, a hybrid supercar boasting an astonishing 1063 HP derived from a Formula 1 engine, made a grand appearance at the start, unleashing its power on the aerodrome track, much to the delight of onlookers. As a delightful surprise, a legendary Ford GT40 awaited participants at the Gottardo Arena, offering a fitting culmination to the day’s motoring delights and providing a rare opportunity to admire this racing icon up close.

A welcome change in fortune saw clement weather grace this year’s event, a stark contrast to the previous two editions, which were marred by rain, particularly last year’s downpour that severely affected the Mesolcina region. This ideal weather allowed participants to fully enjoy the scenic routes and open-air driving experiences.

Upon their arrival, all participants were warmly welcomed at the Winteler in Giubiasco… the magnificent headquarter. Stefano Winteler, personally greeted each participant, and a lavish breakfast, replete with a wide array of offerings, was provided to all as part of the welcoming reception. Following this generous hospitality and prior to the teams’ departure, a comprehensive briefing of the day’s routes was conducted.

At precisely 8:45 AM, the first vehicles embarked on the long route, a challenging 153-kilometre journey destined for the Gottardo Arena. This scenic itinerary wound through Biasca, Olivone, where participants enjoyed a delightful aperitif amidst charming surroundings , before continuing over the Lucomagno Pass, through Disentis, and finally ascending the formidable Oberalp and Gotthard Passes. These mountain passes provided not only breathtaking vistas but also an exhilarating test of both car and driver. The shorter route, designed for a different kind of exploration, ventured into the charming Val Calanca, reaching Augio for an aperitif break before descending to Arbedo and then proceeding to Ambrì via picturesque secondary roads. This diverse selection of routes ensured that participants of all skill levels and preferences could fully engage with the event.

The Gottardo Arena ultimately served as the welcoming final destination for all participants, with its restaurant offering not only the delights of the Fondue Lounge but also a thoughtful selection of vegan menu options, catering to diverse dietary needs. The Arena provided a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for participants to relax and socialise after their exhilarating drives. To keep participants engaged and entertained during the interval between lunch and the awards ceremony, a captivating treasure hunt was organised within the intricate confines of the Gottardo Arena. This engaging activity added an element of playful competition and discovery to the post-drive proceedings. Furthermore, at both the commencement and conclusion of their respective routes, all crews were given the opportunity to put their powers of observation and skill to the test through two distinct challenges. These tests added a competitive edge to the event, allowing participants to showcase their precision and attention to detail.

A combination of factors meticulously determined the final standings. Points were awarded based on the accurate recognition of landscape details photographed during the initial 10 kilometres of the routes, which were common to both the long and short circuits. This tested participants’ observational skills and knowledge of the local topography. Additionally, a precision test involving pressure gauges, culminating in a thrilling 35 km/h speed trap, contributed significantly to the overall scores. This element highlighted the importance of controlled driving and accuracy. After lunch, both the public and the participating crews had the enjoyable task of voting for their favourite vehicle.

The esteemed winner was a magnificent 1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Cabriolet owned by Mr Pasquale Ciccone, which was deservingly presented with an Award by Celebre Magazine World, a confirmation of its timeless elegance and design. In a further testament to the event’s interactive spirit, participants were encouraged to showcase their photographic talents by entering a competition that exclusively permitted photos taken while seated inside their vehicles during the route. This unique challenge encouraged creativity and a different perspective on the journey.

The standard of the Gottardo Classic has undoubtedly risen once again, thanks in no small part to the invaluable support of Julius Bär Bank, clearly demonstrating consistent growth over the years. This continuous improvement underscores the dedication of the organisers and the increasing prestige of the event within the classic car community.

The dedicated working group of the Classic Cars Ticino Association is already diligently planning the Lugano Classic, scheduled to take place on October 18th and 19th, 2025. This forthcoming event will feature an opening conference on 17th October, entitled “Passion Assets,” to be held in the Municipal Council Chamber within the city’s Palazzo Civico. This forward-looking approach ensures that the passion for classic cars continues to thrive and evolve in the region.