WHITE TEMPTATION
COPPA DELLE ALPI 2023
As soon as the first leaves turn yellow, almost every self respecting classic car owner starts considering mothballing their cherished pride and joy and cocooning it in a climate controlled enclosure for the months to come, far from the bitter bite of the elements, not to mention that ravenous salt that calls winter roads home.
Most are able to resist the temptation to get their cars in storage by the time the first serious rains drench their favourite piece of tarmac, but few would ever dare to venture out even on a leisurely drive when snowflakes are involved. Our whole world goes into a numb hibernation, save from the few indoor car shows that whet our appetite for the months to come. In this rather bleak intermission there are a few bright spots, times when a group of people go fully against the grain of common sense and, in doing so, create some of the most captivating classic car spectacles imaginable. In my eyes, perhaps none of those exceptional events shine brighter than Coppa delle Alpi.
76 cars started this year’s edition. Among them a handful of delicate Alfas, looking even more vulnerable in their innocence conjuring beauty. There was the heart red 1955 Giulietta Sprint driven by the Calabreses, always with a smile on their faces. Joseph and Margot came over from the United States, perhaps to also celebrate their Italian connection and made no secret of loving every bit of it, despite the often challenging conditions and the long days. As Coppa delle Alpi is put together by the Mille Miglia organisation, it included many cars of the eras that are eligible to take part in the world’s most beautiful race, but, thankfully, there were some more modern ones that I really enjoyed seeing out there in these unique conditions. Cars like the sharp 1972 Montreal with its V8 rumble echoing in the valleys and those sexy pop up headlights. Also, the quintessential Alfa, the Bertone 105 series coupe was also represented, in both its Junior and GT Veloce guises.
Coppa delle Alpi is an intoxicating mix of charismatic competitors, stunningly crafted cars and AI levels of sheer backdrop beauty. It’s one of those instances when motorsport becomes an art form.
