The alarm clock rings at 7 am in the morning. It’s Saturday, but waking up early is not a problem if you know that the day in front of you will give you classic cars, your weekly dose of driving pleasure and a group of friends with whom you can share it all.
The starting point is Milan, the arrival Turin. I share the road between these two places with my friends from SupercarSafari, a group of more than 20 supercars which, as the name suggests, reminds me of a real safari considering the number and variety of attending “wild beasts”: Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lotus, McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati and other roaring wonders.
Turin is among world capitals in terms of car manufacturing and design, a center of excellence in the automotive industry and a flagship of Made in Italy. All topics which I’m particularly sensitive to, so it’s easy to understand how much I wanted to participate in the Gran Premio Parco Valentino. It’s an elegant parade of modern and classic sports cars which, from the elegant streets in the heart of the Savoy city, brings the Gentlemen Drivers in the shade of the Venaria Reale, in the midst of the moor of Turin hills, after a car parade with a vintage flavor.
Upon arrival in Turin, we head straight to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest arcaded square in Europe, where the car gathering is expected. And what a car! The space of the square is perfectly divided according to emblems on car hoods, such as the Italians - Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Lancia - well deployed in front of the British ones - Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lotus - and so on.
Exactly at 3 pm the engines are started. After a lunch in the square and a bit of greetings between enthusiasts and friends, I wear my The Authentic Race driving gloves and get back behind the steering wheel. A symphony of cylinders, valves and pistons reminds me that I am going to take part in a 45-km-long parade of classic and sports cars with the Venaria Reale as final destination.
The route includes a panoramic stop at the charming and sadly famous Basilica di Superga, after which we move along the fantastic and green turns of the Turin hills until we reach via Mensa, which with its privileged point of view takes us to the superb beauty of the Savoy residence.
The arrival at the Reggia di Venaria leaves us breathless for the majesty and the unique beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A monument of architecture, art and history that today seems to be the protagonist of a curious journey into the past, surrounded by classic cars which complete and highlight its timeless charm.
But when you have the passion for cars in your blood, even a spectacular place like the Venaria Reale can hold you too long. Some greetings, one last look at the grass invaded by cars and the Savoy residence and I'm back on track with the SupercarSafari friends. The Gran Premio Parco Valentino is over but our tour continues toward Imperia, the next milestone of our mutual mission: driving without never forgetting about style!
Andrea Mazzuca, Founder.
Photos: Federico Bajetti for The Outlierman © 2016
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