Cosenza: Relive the glories of the Sila Cup: A century later, historic cars are racing again

A Memorable Event for Motoring and History Enthusiasts: From 31 May to 2 June, the Scuderia Brutia Historic Cars brought together 43 crews on board vintage cars to recall the historic race of 1924, on the evocative route of the Sila plateau

Cosenza and its province have relived, exactly a century after the first edition, the glories of the Coppa Sila, the motoring event created by the doctor Giuseppe Catalani which took place on 15 June 1924 and saw the participation of ten cars in the race. The event was made possible by the Scuderia Brutia Historic Cars, an association of vintage car enthusiasts who, from 31 May to 2 June, brought together 43 crews on board cars from the most prestigious car manufacturers produced since the 1930s to the 80s. The ‘three days’ was organized by the president of the Scuderia Salvatore Chiappetta and the manager Alessandro Vicari with the involvement of the leaders of Asi (Italian historic Automotoclub) and local institutions. For the occasion, the old route of the Sila plateau used before the interruption imposed by the Second World War was reactivated. A choice that proved to be a winning one from both a historical and naturalistic point of view, allowing participants to enjoy the exclusive uncontaminated views of the Sila National Park, to appreciate the landscapes but also local crafts and gastronomy products. The logistical organization was able to count on the collaboration of the Municipalities involved and the constant presence of the police, to guarantee compliance with all safety standards. The national technical commissioner of ASI Natale Romeo followed the event as an official observer, included in the national calendar among those with free time trial skill tests. Among the rare and meticulously detailed vintage models present at the gathering were a Jaguar On the occasion, a commemorative film edited by Francesco Magnocavallo was screened and a video link was held with the president of the national ASI Alberto Scuro. It was then the turn of the 19th historical reenactment of the race. The route touched Montescuro, Rovale for a picnic in the Nature Park, Bocca di Piazza, Parenti, Rogliano, Paterno, Dipignano, Cosenza along a journey of a total of 130 kilometers during which the crews tested their skills with the stopwatch and navigation with stamp controls. The arrival was set in Piazza Carratelli. The winner of the 19th historical re-enactment of the Sila Cup was Pietro De Marco with a 1990 Ferrari 348 TS, followed by Antonio Mallano with a 1969 Alfa Romeo GT Veloce 1750 and Vittorio Leonetti with a 1955 Austin Healey 100 BN/4.