I set off from Brescia in my 1956 Jaguar XK 140 FHC to embark on a long journey and take part in the magnificent “Piemonte Scintillanti Vette” rally, organized by the Historic Racing Club Fascia d’Oro of Montichiari. It is a very close-knit association, led by its president, Emanuele Prignacca, who always devotes great care and attention to the organization of these events.
His goal is to guide club members through cultural and touristic experiences that allow them to deepen their knowledge of the territories visited—their culture, traditions, culinary specialties, and breathtaking landscapes.
To him and all his staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this wonderful journey among the sparkling peaks of Piedmont.
A Journey Among the Sparkling Peaks of Piedmont — Emotional Diary
When I left Brescia, at the wheel of my 1956 Jaguar XK 140 FHC, I could already feel my heart race. It wasn’t just a departure aboard an old four-wheeled companion: it was the beginning of a journey that blended my passion for automobiles with the timeless charm of Piedmont.
Day 1 – May 1st: Industrial and Magical Turin
Arriving in Turin with my vintage Jaguar felt like crossing a bridge through time. The DoubleTree by Hilton Turin Lingotto hotel, created from the former FIAT factory, welcomed me with its industrial grandeur. Imagine the roar of my engine echoing through a place once filled with factory life—a poignant yet fascinating contrast. The building was redesigned by Renzo Piano, and that rooftop test track, made famous by the film The Italian Job, sent shivers down my spine.
After a quick coffee at the hotel, we headed to MAUTO – the National Automobile Museum. Walking among those historic cars felt like a true pilgrimage: every curve of a bodywork told a story; every silent engine whispered memories. The guided tour of the Restoration Center made me feel part of a community that loves, protects, and honors these classic vehicles. MAUTO hosts over 200 cars from 80 different brands.
In the evening, dinner at the hotel became a moment of deep connection: together with the members of the Historic Racing Club Fascia d’Oro, we toasted to our shared passion and to the beauty of the rally awaiting us. Afterwards came the “Magical Turin” tour—a nighttime walk under the city lights, among esoteric legends, mysterious symbolism, and hidden corners. During those hours, Turin revealed a side of itself I had never seen.
Day 2 – May 2nd: Monviso and the Sources of the Po River
The next morning, the air was crisp and full of promise. After a hearty breakfast, we left for the historic FIAT Archive, housed in a Liberty-style building that preserves the memory of Turin’s automotive industry. I felt pride and humility at once, gazing at old projects, documents, and sketches—and thinking of how complex the path must have been for those who created these iconic machines.
Then the road began to climb, and the landscape quickly transformed: from Turin’s city streets we ascended toward the mountains. Crossing the valleys, breathing the thin air, and seeing the imposing silhouette of Monviso in the distance stirred a pure emotion in me. When we arrived at Pian del Re, where the Po River springs from the earth, I parked the Jaguar and stepped out to contemplate that magical place. The sources lie at an altitude of 2,020 meters, in a silent plateau where water emerges shyly among the rocks.
Sitting on a stone, I let out a sigh of wonder: from there begins the river that crosses much of Italy. It was a moment of humility before nature, yet also of awe—the Po, Italy’s longest river, has its heart right there among the mountains.
Day 3 – May 3rd: Vicoforte, Saluzzo, and the Art of Piedmont
The day began by driving along panoramic roads, with the Jaguar stretching happily through curves and mountain views. Our journey took us to Vicoforte, a village that seems to come straight out of a Baroque fairy tale. Here rises the Sanctuary of Regina Montis Regalis, famous for having the largest elliptical dome in the world.
Entering the sanctuary was almost a transcendent experience: light filtered onto the frescoed walls, and those frescoes covered more than 6,000 square meters.
After the visit, we headed to Saluzzo, a medieval town with a fortress and ancient alleys. In the afternoon I was able to stroll through its streets, absorb the history of its walls, and breathe the scent of flowers in its squares. Dinner at the Alter Hotel in Barge was a perfect convivial moment: we savored local specialties, shared stories of past rallies, and were already dreaming of future adventures.
The evening concluded with an aperitif at the Luciano & C. Collection, a small gem for vintage car lovers, celebrating Piedmontese automobiles through exquisite pieces. Then came a final dinner at Il Sigillo restaurant, in a medieval village, where Piedmontese cuisine transformed into gastronomic art.
Day 4 – May 4th: Castle, Cavalry, and a Memorable Farewell
The last day arrived with a golden light, as if trying to hold on to the magic for a little longer. Our first stop was the Castle of Miradolo, a historic estate nestled in the Piedmontese hills and once owned by the Cacherano di Bricherasio family. Walking through its gardens and elegant architecture gave me a deep sense of peace and gratitude.
Then my Jaguar carried me to Pinerolo, home to the Historical Museum of the Cavalry Regiment, one of the richest of its kind in Europe. Seeing armors, uniforms, and stories of cavalry brought me back to the great military epic and the symbolism of the horse and honor. It was a stop that united two worlds: the mechanical and the traditional.
For lunch, we chose a special place in Cercenasco, where I savored an authentic Gran Fritto Misto alla Piemontese, a triumph of local flavors. Each bite felt like a slow farewell to this region that had given me so much. When I restarted my Jaguar’s engine to head home, I felt a blend of joy and melancholy.
