The fifth edition of the Abruzzo Gran Tour concluded, confirming the value of an event capable of combining the allure of historic automobiles with the valorization of the region’s landscape and cultural heritage.
From 1 to 5 July 2026 , 62 crews from different countries covered approximately 700 kilometres through some of the most evocative locations in Abruzzo, transforming streets, squares and villages into a great event dedicated to vintage motoring.
An increasingly international event
Among the most significant elements of the 2026 edition is the official twinning with the Himeji Cup , an important Japanese event reserved for historic cars.
The agreement has encouraged the participation of a group of collectors from Japan, further strengthening the international character of the Abruzzo Grand Tour and creating a new bond between two entities united by a passion for automotive history.
An itinerary through villages and cities of art
The route took the crews from Avezzano to L’Aquila , passing through towns such as Navelli, Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Gagliano Aterno and Aielli, without forgetting the spectacular scenery of the Gran Sasso.
In addition to the automotive component, the program included several cultural events. These included a visit to the MuNDA – National Museum of Abruzzo , in the year L’Aquila was the Italian Capital of Culture, and the reenactment of the Pietro Cidonio Grand Prix along the Collemaggio circuit.
A travelling collection
The protagonists of the event were cars built between 1922 and 1969 , capable of recounting almost half a century of technical, stylistic and sporting evolution.
Among the most admired examples were a rare 1922 Alfa Romeo RL TF , Alfa Romeo 8C Monza and 6C, Giulietta Spider, Bugatti Type 37A, several Bentleys from the 1920s and 1930s and numerous Jaguar XKs and E-Types.
There was also no shortage of prestigious cars by Mercedes-Benz, Lancia, Talbot, Lagonda, Porsche, Devin and Osca Maserati, transforming the entire itinerary into a true open-air museum.
The Concorso d’Eleganza closes the event
The 2026 edition concluded with the Grand Gala and the “Pietro Di Lorenzo” Concours d’Elegance , hosted in the setting of Piazza Risorgimento.
The top award went to Aza and Alexander Cholis , a Greek crew driving a Jaguar XK150. The car was chosen by both the jury and the public, becoming the symbol of an edition that once again celebrated the intersection of classic cars, culture, and territory.