The Südtirol Classic enters its 29th round in 2014. It is organized by the Südtirol Classic Club, which is based in Scena/Schenna. Scena/Schenna is also the start and finish of this popular classic car event. It starts on July 6 - and until July 13, the vacation resort above Merano will resemble a museum on wheels.
Once again in 2014, over 120 four-wheeled rarities from almost all eras of automotive history will be at the start of the Südtirol Classic - only modern vehicles built after 1975 are only allowed to compete in the guest class but not for overall victory.
Adventurous and romantic
For the 29th edition of the Südtirol Classic, the organizers have once again found great routes along adventurous and romantic roads. Routes that naturally include inns with good food, capacity for around 250 guests and parking spaces for over 100 classic cars.
Those who manage to get one of the coveted starting places - the starting field is not yet complete - can look forward to a week of culinary, cultural and scenic variety at the highest level.
This year, the preliminary program of the Südtirol Classic will lead to the southernmost municipality in South Tyrol, Salurn, along historic paths through the Passeier Valley to the "Bunker Mooseum" and on the third day to the Safety Park, where the Südtirol Classic Challenge will take place.
Competition for hundredths of a second
Things get really serious at the "Rally of Sympathy" from Thursday, July 10. This is when the "competition part" of the Südtirol Classic starts with the traditional Meranerland prologue. From now on, the co-drivers in the classic cars will not only hold the road book in one hand but also the stopwatch in the other; after all, the aim is to complete the time trials in the specified time (to the nearest hundredth of a second). Nevertheless, there is no shortage of fun. The rally leads through one of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent.
Over six Dolomite passes
The Dolomite drive, which is traditionally on the program of the Südtirol Classic on Friday, is a highlight every year. In 2014, six Dolomite passes - Niger Pass, Karer Pass, Pordoi Pass, Campolongo Pass, Gardena Pass, Panidersattel - are on the program. Another highlight awaits on Friday at the lunch stop: lunch is served in the mountain hut "Ütia Pradat" at 2040 meters above sea level.
The South Tyrol panoramic drive on Saturday is the sporty conclusion to this year's Südtirol Classic. It leads from Schenna through the Ultental Valley and over the Hofmahdjoch and the Mendel Pass to Lake Kaltern and back to Schenna along the Wine Road after the lunch stop. The social highlight of the event awaits on Saturday evening in the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, where the grand South Tyrol Classic Gala 2014 will take place.
Enjoyment without a stopwatch as an alternative
If you just want to cruise and enjoy the region's scenery, cuisine and wine cellars but don't want to use a stopwatch, it's best to make a note of the date of the Südtirol Classic Golden Edition: October 8 to 12, 2014. This smaller autumn rally offers leisurely classic car rides with like-minded people, including some locals. They are just as keen as the organizers to show their guests the "typical South Tyrol" - which includes a dreamlike landscape that presents itself in the brightest colors in autumn.
Further information can be found on the event website.
