AT THE MORANDI MEMORIAL IN A BERLINETTA

Two days, around forty pre-1940 cars, sixty regularity tests: these are the numbers of the Morandi Memorial, an event distinguished by the rarity and prestige of the cars taking part.

The start was scheduled for the morning of 29 September in Desenzano del Garda; the day of trials around the lower Garda area ended on the lakeside promenade in Salò. The following morning featured regularity tests in the Valsabbia valley, with arrival in Padenghe in the early afternoon.

I took part in the Memorial driving my 1935 Fiat Berlinetta 508S: a two-seater whose small but nimble engine—well run-in after three appearances in the Mille Miglia—tackled the Valsabbia climbs without fear, climbs that caused some difficulty for the older cars.

After so many years and countless rallies, I am still amazed at the level of harmony we can create with our vintage cars. We know their strengths and limits, their behaviours and their “personality” nuances. Emotions that a modern vehicle can hardly offer.