Some events bring everyone together. Motorsport enthusiasts, of course, but also travellers who enjoy discovering new places and experiencing something different.
The Trofeo Val d’Intelvi is one of them.
On September 12 and 13, 2026, the Intelvi Valley welcomed some of the most fascinating classic cars ever built.
Throughout the weekend, these historic vehicles took centre stage. However, the event also celebrated the charming villages, scenic roads and beautiful landscapes surrounding Lake Como.
It was a celebration of motorsport, but also of history, culture and local heritage.
A Motorsport Tradition Dating Back to 1938
To understand why this event means so much to the local community, we need to travel back almost ninety years.
The first Trofeo Val d’Intelvi took place in 1938, when motorsport competitions still used public roads.
Back then, large racing circuits were far less common. Instead, mountain roads, villages and winding bends became challenging racecourses.
The original route stretched from Argegno to Lanzo, passing through Dizzasco, Castiglione, San Fedele Intelvi, Pellio and Scaria.
Every year, thousands of spectators gathered to watch the cars race through the valley.
Guesthouses filled with visitors, hotels welcomed motorsport fans and the roads came alive with excitement.
As a result, the Trofeo Val d’Intelvi became one of the most anticipated events on the Italian motorsport calendar.
When Legendary Sports Cars Raced Through the Valley
Looking at photographs from those early editions, one detail immediately stands out.
Alongside the beautiful racing cars, enormous crowds gathered to watch the competition.
Entire families waited for hours beside the roads, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite drivers.
The winding mountain route welcomed some of the most famous names in automotive history.
Among them were Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Lotus, Aston Martin, Abarth and OSCA.
During those years, speed represented innovation, engineering and progress.
Moreover, motorsport competitions allowed manufacturers to demonstrate the performance and reliability of their vehicles.
The challenging roads of the Intelvi Valley provided an ideal testing ground.
However, as safety regulations evolved, traditional road racing gradually disappeared.
The final edition of the original Trofeo took place in 1965.
For many, it seemed like the end of an era.
Bringing a Motorsport Legend Back to Life
Fortunately, the story of the Trofeo Val d’Intelvi was never completely forgotten.
Over the years, historic photographs, newspaper articles and local memories kept the legend alive.
This heritage inspired the creation of Intelvi Corse Storiche, an association dedicated to preserving the event’s history.
Its members began extensive research, exploring archives and recovering original documents.
They also collected testimonies from people who remembered the historic races.
Through this work, the association reconstructed almost the entire original route.
Today, this dedication allows visitors to experience an event that preserves the spirit of the legendary competition.
At the same time, the modern celebration welcomes a much wider audience.
It is far more than a classic car exhibition.
Above all, it tells the story of the Intelvi Valley through its historic roads.
Trofeo Val d’Intelvi 2026: A Special Edition
The 2026 edition introduced several exciting activities, making the weekend even more memorable.
The programme began on Saturday, September 12, in Piazza Risorgimento, Cernobbio.
Here, the Concorso di Stile, a classic car elegance competition, celebrated beautifully preserved historic vehicles.
However, the judges did not simply choose the most attractive car.
Instead, they evaluated authenticity, preservation and historical significance.
The competition also recognised the dedication of collectors who carefully restore and maintain these remarkable vehicles.
One particular Italian automotive icon took centre stage during the 2026 celebrations.
Celebrating 60 Years of the Alfa Romeo Duetto
The year 2026 marked the 60th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Duetto, one of the most iconic cars produced by the Milanese manufacturer.
To celebrate this milestone, Intelvi Corse Storiche organised Duetto Day in collaboration with the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo.
The event brought together numerous examples of this legendary Italian convertible.
For generations, the Duetto has captured the imagination of motoring enthusiasts.
Even today, its elegant lines and distinctive character make it a symbol of Italian automotive design.
In addition, the celebration welcomed special guests, including Elvira Ruocco, alongside other notable figures from the classic car world.
Sunday: Returning to the Legendary Mountain Roads
Sunday brought one of the weekend’s most anticipated moments.
At 9:30 AM, the Regolarità Classica, a classic car regularity event, started from Piazza Roma in Argegno.
Historic vehicles followed the original Trofeo route through the beautiful Intelvi Valley.
Unlike traditional motorsport races, this was not a competition based on maximum speed.
Instead, participants aimed to recreate the atmosphere of historic racing while respecting the surrounding environment.
The event also celebrated Italy’s remarkable automotive heritage.
For spectators watching along the route, the experience was truly special.
The sound of classic engines echoed through the valley as vintage cars passed through picturesque villages and mountain landscapes.
Together, these elements created an unforgettable celebration of motoring history.
A Classic Car Event Worth Travelling For
Even visitors with little knowledge of motorsport often find themselves fascinated by these extraordinary vehicles.
Some are almost ninety years old. Nevertheless, they continue to tell stories of creativity, engineering and passion.
The Trofeo Val d’Intelvi brings together automotive history, breathtaking scenery and local culture.
More importantly, it maintains a strong connection with the territory that made the original competition famous.
For anyone exploring Lake Como in September, the Intelvi Valley offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a different side of the region.
A visit combines beautiful landscapes with a journey through Italy’s motoring heritage.
You may return home with a few extra photographs.
Above all, you will have experienced a piece of Italian history that continues to inspire new generations.
For further details about the Trofeo Val d’Intelvi, visit the official website www.intelvicorsestoriche.it
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