No, the organizers of Passione Engadina did not let the pandemic slow them down. Paolo Spalluto and his team simply organized their glamorous classic event around the rules of the new normal. Where necessary, masks were worn or social distancing was maintained. The fact that this sometimes increased the effort and required a small compromise here and there did not slow down the Passione. Even the participants' vehicles were disinfected overnight.
As always, the 9th Passione Engadina from 21 to 23 August 2020 consisted of several parts of the event, which were organized around St. Moritz. After registration on Friday, it was the turn of the Julius Baer Rally over 220 km on Saturday. This was followed on Sunday by the St. Moritz Challenge Cup, a short round trip to the Bernina and then the Concours d'Elégance at the Kulm Country Club.
Non-Italian brand as guest of honor for the first time
In 2020, it was not Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Fiat or Lamborghini that was the brand honored, but the British manufacturer Aston Martin. What may seem surprising at first glance, seemed much less strange in practice. After all, Aston chassis were repeatedly clad by Italian coachbuilders and many of the British sports cars from the David Brown era were clad according to the Touring Superleggera construction principle.
The list of participants included some of the most beautiful Aston Martins of all time, such as a DB3S, several DB2 derivatives, a DB4 GT and so on.
The audience's favorite, however, was the DB5 from the James Bond film "Goldfinger", which was not only allowed to show off its beauty, but also its Q-tricks.
Some of the most beautiful Italian classics
In addition to the dozen or so Aston Martins, there were of course mainly Italian classics from well-known brands to be seen among the 100 or so participating vehicles.
The Fiat-Stanguellini 1100 as a Bertone Berlinetta from 1952 and the Fiat 1100 S Coupé Pinin Farina from 1950 were certainly real exotics.
The rarities naturally also included the Osca MT4 Sport from 1954.
29 Ferraris (including several Dino 246 GTs) were among the favorites on the track, as were the Lancia Stratos in rally livery and the group of Lancia Aurelia B24s.
And of course the particularly rare Maserati GT 5000 Allemano should not go unmentioned.
New route for the Julius Baer Rally
In mixed weather conditions, the 100 or so teams at the sold-out event set off on a journey from St. Moritz to Chur, Landquart, Davos, Such and back again. They crossed several mountain passes and rode on some of the most beautiful roads that the canton of Graubünden has to offer.
The winner of the rally was starting number 1, a Lancia Dilambda 227 Cabrilolet from 1930, followed by the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring from 1949 and another Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider from 1963.
Miki Biasion won the sports car category in his 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1.
The Concours on Sunday
The beauty contest is a highlight every year. In the ninth edition of Passione Engadina, the beautiful Ferrari 275 GTB with aluminum bodywork from 1965 emerged as the winner.
A car could hardly be more elegant, the spectators must have thought, although of course there were also several other beautiful Ferrari, Lancia, Fiat and Lamborghini cars to choose from.
Celebrities and young talent
Among the participants and guests were some well-known former racing drivers, such as Nick Heidfeld, Ivan Capelli and Simona De Silvestro.
And some participants did not take their wives in the passenger seat, but their offspring, in keeping with the spirit of the Father&Son initiative launched by Julius Baer. This is how to get the next generation excited about the world of classic cars!
The ninth edition of Passione Engadina, which was 100 percent CO2-compensated, already raises hopes for the anniversary edition in 2021. A few surprises and innovations should then help to make it a very special event. We are excited!
