Since 2012, the Ascona Classic Car Award (ACCA) has been bringing together exceptional historic automobiles against the unique backdrop of Lake Maggiore. In 2026, the focus will once again be on showcasing and celebrating automotive history. At the same time, the event continues to evolve in terms of its content.
In addition to the classic concours, the ACCA aims to showcase historic automobiles more fully within their cultural context. Design, technology, history, literature, music, and the people behind the vehicles will be woven together into a shared experience.
“Historic automobiles are far more than just beautiful vehicles. They are witnesses to their time and tell stories of design, technical progress, craftsmanship, society, and the people of their era. It is precisely these stories that we want to bring to life more vividly in Ascona,” explains Roberto Bernasconi, president of the jury for the Ascona Classic Car Award, who supports Stefan Fischer and Remo Brunschweiler of Open Air Tours in the technical and programmatic development of the event.
ISO Rivolta as a Special Class in 2026
A special focus of this year’s edition is dedicated to the Italian brand ISO Rivolta.
In the 1960s and 1970s, this small manufacturer from Bresso near Milan created some of the most fascinating Gran Turismo cars of their time. Italian design and engineering expertise were combined with powerful American V8 engines.
An extraordinary lineup is taking shape for Ascona: provided all announced vehicles participate, representatives of the major ISO model series—including the GT 300/340, Grifo, Fidia/S4, Lele, and A3/C—are set to be on display together along the Lungolago.
This offers visitors a rare opportunity to trace the brand’s evolution through various models all in one place.
“Villa Rivolta”: When Automotive History Becomes Literature
The story of ISO in Ascona isn’t told solely through its vehicles.
German bestselling author Daniel Speck will read from his novel “Villa Rivolta” on Saturday afternoon. The book intertwines a family history with the world of the Italian automotive industry, thereby building a unique bridge between literature, contemporary history, and automotive culture.
The ACCA is also expanding its musical offerings this year. As part of the concurrently held Classic Ascona festival, attendees will have the opportunity on Saturday evening to enjoy a concert by the cello ensemble of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana.
The two events thus highlight cultural aspects in different ways and together contribute to a special September weekend in Ascona.
Don’t just watch—experience it together
A group drive on Sunday has also been added to the program. It takes participants through the countryside around Ascona, combining the automotive experience with the region and its hospitality, before the awards ceremony takes place on the Lungolago in the afternoon.
The weekend is deliberately designed not to focus solely on the competition. The ACCA increasingly sees itself as a meeting place for owners, collectors, experts, young enthusiasts, and visitors who share a passion for historic mobility.
For this reason, the next generation will also be more closely involved. Young participants from the Young 4 Vintage / Next Heritage community will be integrated into the jury’s work as junior judges and, with their own Next Generation Award, will have the opportunity to evaluate historic automobiles from their generation’s perspective.
History, Authenticity, and Documentation
In addition to design, condition, and historic significance, a vehicle’s documented history also plays an important role at the ACCA.
Historic photographs, original documents, invoices, correspondence, and restoration records can play a decisive role in preserving a vehicle’s provenance, development, and authenticity for future generations.
Special awards therefore honor not only the visible automobile itself, but also the history it embodies.
Registration Still Open
The Ascona Classic Car Award is open to all makes. In addition to this year’s ISO-Rivolta special class, historic automobiles of all makes and eras are welcome.
Owners who would like to showcase their vehicle on the Lungolago on September 19 and 20 can still register for the event.
Ascona Classic Car Award 2026
September 19 and 20, 2026
Lungolago, Ascona
