Bathed in golden October sunlight, the ninth edition of Lugano Classic unfolded from the 17th to the 19th of October 2025, transforming the city into a living tribute to the beauty of historic motoring. The event, now a cherished annual tradition, once again managed to enchant its participants and visitors alike with its refined mix of passion, culture, and community spirit.
Lugano Classic is far more than an exhibition of vintage cars; it is a meeting point for kindred spirits, and a reflection of Ticino’s charm. Over the years, this gathering has grown into an increasingly rich and multifaceted experience, blending the love for timeless automobiles with conviviality, gastronomy, and discovery. This year’s edition, blessed with favourable weather, once again offered an irresistible blend of beauty and excitement in the heart of the city and its picturesque surroundings.
A hundred crews from Switzerland, Italy, and beyond (some even from as far as Spain) brought their splendid cars to Lugano, creating an open-air museum of gleaming chrome and polished curves. Yet, the event’s allure extended well beyond its participants: locals, tourists, and curious onlookers mingled effortlessly, drawn by the vibrant programme of activities that catered to every taste.
The organisers, the Associazione Classic Cars Ticino (ACCT), have increasingly focused on the younger generation, ensuring that the passion for classic vehicles continues to thrive. Under the banner Discover Historic Motoring with Us, pre-war cars were displayed in the city centre, where enthusiasts and novices alike were introduced to the history and evolution of automotive engineering, a gesture that captured both hearts and imagination.
The weekend’s programme offered a symphony of highlights, beginning with the Friday evening prologue held in the Council Chamber of Lugano’s Town Hall. The conference Passion Assets & Motorcycle Auction Yearbook opened proceedings in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm. Saturday, the central day of the event, was marked by an extraordinary open-air exhibition of rare and beautiful cars, where owners, stepping gracefully into the role of guides, shared stories, anecdotes, and technical details about their treasured machines with a captivated public.
At noon, Parco Ciani provided an enchanting setting for the convivial Pit Stop aperitif. From there, participants continued to Portobello, where a buffet lunch featuring risotto and local delicacies awaited them. Elsewhere in the city, the day brimmed with engaging diversions: a thrilling race on professional driving simulators in the courtyard of the Town Hall, a guided city tour filled with little-known curiosities, and even a breathtaking opportunity to view Lugano from 53 metres above ground, thanks to an elevating platform provided by Camillo Vismara SA. Later, at 6 p.m., another fascinating conference took place in the Council Chamber: Silvio Moser and Other Stories of Ticino’s F1 Heritage, offering a captivating journey into the region’s motorsport past.
The evening continued beneath the marquee in the Town Hall courtyard, where Councillor Filippo Lombardi warmly welcomed guests before presiding over the award ceremony. Prizes were presented for the public’s favourite car, the best photograph, and the simulator competition. Guests then enjoyed a delightful aperitif paired with wines from Tenuta Castello di Morcote, the official supplier of the entire event. The day concluded with a convivial dinner that united crews, partners, and organisers in an atmosphere of elegant informality, a fitting close to a day that harmonised passion, friendship, and fine dining.
Main Sponsor
Sunday dawned with a sense of adventure. Forty-eight crews departed early from the lakeside, road books in hand, embarking on a scenic tour that wove through the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, participants faced a series of skill and precision challenges before arriving at the magnificent Tenuta del Castello di Morcote, where an aperitif was served amidst vineyards and panoramic views.
Sponsors
The rally then returned to Lugano, culminating in a refined lunch at the Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC)’s panoramic top-floor restaurant. It was here that the final awards were presented, with the overall winner receiving a prestigious Cuervo y Sobrinos watch, a fitting tribute to elegance and craftsmanship. As the event drew to a close, the spirit of Lugano Classic lingered in the autumn air. Participants and visitors alike departed with hearts full and minds enriched in experiences, emotions, and friendships forged along the way.
Media Partners
With each passing year, Lugano Classic reaffirms its place as a jewel in the Swiss cultural calendar: a meeting of tradition and innovation, of past glories and present passions, where the shared love for beauty and motion continues to unite generations.
Another triumph, masterfully managed by the Comitato dell’ACCT, this edition once again proved that the elegance of the automobile lives on in the stories, smiles, and memories it inspires.
Discover more @ www.luganoclassic.com
Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editor & Founder