The 2019 edition of Passione Engadina was completely sold out, with the organizers refusing to accept more than 100 vehicles. The classic car rally, the eighth edition of which was dedicated to the Lamborghini brand, lasted three days from August 23 to 25, 2019.
Under the sign of the bull
This is the second time that Lamborghini has been a partner of Passione. And this brand also fits in very well with the essence of this special classic car event.
Ferruccio Lamborghin founded his sports car brand back in 1963 and the first sports car, the 350 GTV, was presented in the same year. This prototype then became the basis for the front-engined series, which included the 350 GT, 400 GT, Islero, Jarama, etc., and which continued to grow.
Lamborghini caused even more of a stir with the launch of the Miura, in which the V12 engine was housed transversely in the rear. For many, the Miura is the first super sports car; the Countach, which replaced the Miura in 1974, was hardly inferior. The engine was now installed longitudinally in the rear instead of transversely, but the styling, as with the Miura, looked like something from another planet.
Today, both models are among the most sought-after classics of all and one alone can almost cause a crowd.
At the Passione, however, half a dozen of these mid-engined sports cars were represented, half Miura and half Countach models. What a sight!
There were also other Lamborghini models such as the 350 GT, Islero, Espada and Jarama. And even an LM002 found its way into the spectacular field of vehicles.
The start list also included other gems, such as several rare Ferrari models, elegant Maserati Granturismo and rare Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Osca sports cars.
And the fact that a VW Beetle smuggled itself into the field made the rally even more appealing.
Driving ...
The Passione is not a rally for people who just want to drive, although it does cover quite a few kilometers. On Saturday, for example, the Julius Baer Rally was on the program, which led over around 220 km through the beautiful mountains of the canton of Graubünden.
With two major passes, the Flüela and the Julius, the cars were given the opportunity to let their little horses run. The route (St. Moritz - Zernez - Sent - Flüela Pass - Davos - Tiefencastel - Juiler Pass - St. Moritz) ensured that the roads suited the cars - after all, you don't want to drive a Lamborghini Miura SVJ on dirt tracks. However, the Saturday traffic and a few roadworks certainly put a strain on the cooling systems and the leg muscles of the lower legs engaging the clutch.
On Sunday, the Plozza Challenge Cup and the Concours d'Elégance in Tirano were on the agenda. The public was allowed to vote for the winner of the beauty contest, and the honor went to the silver-colored Fiat 8V Rapi from 1954 (De Sanctis).
In the Julius Bär Rally, which featured several special stages, the Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato from 1960 (Valente/Pelluchi) came in last, followed by the Fiat 8V (De Sanctis/De Sanctis) and the Lancia Astura Pininfarina from 1938 (Sole/Sole).
The same teams also came out on top in the Plozza Challenge Cup.
... and enjoy
But it wasn't just driving and counting hundredths, there was also partying, dining and enjoying, as has always been the case at Passione Engadina. Paolo Spalluto once again made sure that his participants felt right at home with the Passione family
No wonder, the teams keep coming back and taking part again and again. More and more youngsters are also taking part in the Engadina, which is particularly encouraged by Julius Baer and Spalluto.
The weather was perfect in 2019 and the quality of the vehicle fleet was exceptional. There is no need to worry that the ninth edition of Passione Engadina will once again be the meeting place for Italy fans with their beautiful classic cars.
