Classic beauties to run the Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano tour

2 June, 2015

The 21st edition of Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano is sure set to be one of the globe’s finest classic motoring events of the year. Held over June 19–21, Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano is a tour open to sports and competition cars built before 1959, covering ground over the spectacular Northern Italy.

The rally commences on June 19, near Bassano del Grappa, winding its way north through the Passo Manghen and Passo Lavazé, finishing the day at Bolzano.

The second day, June 20, faces an even more legendary challenge — including the Passo Mendola, Passo delle Palade, and the Passo dello Stelvio (yes, the mythical Stelvio Pass), before closing the day in Trento.

The grand finale, on June 21, climbs Passo Vezzena, due for Asiago, before heading due south for Bassano, to finish at Marostica.

The spectacular backdrop will be one thing, but such an event is as much about the cars, too. Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano will not disappoint in this respect — almost 90 entrants from across the globe, covering as many as 24 vehicle marques, have been confirmed for entry.

Bentley is one of the better represented marques here, with the line-up including the incredible 1931 Bentley 8 Litre, and the legendary Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower.

The British firepower is to be backed up by eight Jaguars, including this incredible 1955 Jaguar D Type, owned by Ben Cussons, President of the Royal Automobile Club.

Of course, such an event could never be devoid of Italian-racing pedigree, and one of this year’s stars is suitably fitting. The beautiful 1924 Alfa Romeo RL Targa Florio is one of only four built, and placed second at the 1924 Targa Florio. Nine decades later, it will be driven by Giulio Masetti.

For a cinematic overview of the unparallelled automotive, and Northern Italian, beauty, watch this short teaser video — it is truly worth it.

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.