On June 8-9, more than 170 historic racing machines descended on Vernasca, Italy, for this year’s Silver Flag Hillclimb. Known throughout Europe as one of the best hillclimb events in Italy, this year’s running included 35 Abarth variations with everything from 500 cc Fiat-Abarths to a 3-liter Abarth 3000SP prototype. Additionally, 11 prewar Bugattis and a handful of Ferraris and Maseratis were joined by OSCAs, Erminis, Bandinis and Stanguellinis, as well as 30 ACs of every description. Robin Lodge brought his Ferrari Dino 246 Grand Prix car which took the award for best Ferrari, while Paul Grist was awarded Best Prewar car with his Alfa Romeo 2900B.
Historic hillclimbs have become very popular over the last two or three years, allowing challenging competition on public roads. The relaxed rules mean cars often overtake and the large crowds bring back the feel of period open road racing. The Silver Flag Hillclimb originally ran from 1953 to 1972 and was restarted four years ago. It is open to cars up to 1972 of the type which ran in the original event…which in fact means just about everything!
Submitted by Ed McDonough
