Roaring Over the Same Mountain Roads Seventy Years Later

Photography by Federico Bajetti for Petrolicious

The Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti (Gold Cup of the Dolomites) is an annual vintage rally that covers the route of the original Coppa delle Dolomiti. It first ran in 1947, along unpaved mountain roads. Thus began the tradition of the Coppa delle Dolomiti that only ran ten years until 1956. More amazing than the fact that race was held on unpaved, public mountain roads (and all the danger that entails) and that circuit passed through many small villages (much like the Mille Miglia) is that it features an elevation change of over 4000m (13,540ft), over thirteen times greater than the Nurburgring’s. It also attracted drivers such as Olivier Gendebien, Umberto Maglioli, and Paolo Marzotto. The event was founded by the Belluno Auto Club, who still runs it and has done so since its inception.

Today, after sixty-seven years (and forty-two years as a historic event), it’s the same route as always that forms a circuit beginning and ending in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Over fifty magnificent classic cars competed in one of the most fascinating regularity races of the bel paese. The oldest of the field was a 1927 Bugatti T37. Also included were several Alfa Romeos, including a very rare 6C 2500 Competizione, a couple of Jaguar XKs, Porsche 356s and a lot of others. It was therefore a great opportunity, to see and hear, these old warriors climb the Dolomite passes and some of the most beautiful roads in the world. Enjoy the photos, perhaps next year you can join the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti!