More than 200 classic cars from around Europe took over the streets of Vernasca in Piacenza, Italy, for a weekend of classic motoring in celebration of Lancia at the 19th Silver Flag hill climb. The June 20-22 event was organized by the Club Piacentino Auto d’Epoca (C.P.A.E.), with Lancia as the main theme, honoring one of the world’s most famous Italian brands.
Organizer Claudio Casali said: “After extensively researching and looking for cars from across Europe, we were able to source 60 Lancias to be in the paddock of Castel’Arquato for the 19th running of Vernasca Silver Flag. Most of the racing models built by the Chivasso House were present, including the Lambda, Delta and Delta S4 Evolution, as well as some other very special cars such as the Flavia Zagato prototype, the Fulvia HF Barchetta F&M, the never-used ECV and the rare Lancia 037 hybrid. It was a fantastic event!”
The Official Lancia Collection brought four iconic cars, including the D50, D25, Stratos Alitalia and the former Monte Carlo-winning Fulvia HF. The Lancia D50 Formula One car was featured at the start of the morning on the Saturday, when the crowd of motoring enthusiasts were presented with the powerful and amazing roar of the engine designed by Vittorio Jano, which sounded exactly “as it did in the good old days.”
Some important figures in the history of Lancia were present to honor the Italian brand, including one of the greatest rally drivers in the marque’s history, Sandro Munari, the “Dragon,” who drove a Lancia Stratos GR 4. Also present was engineer Tonti, who played a key role in the creation of the legendary “Reparto Corse.” He was accompanied by fellow engineer Limone, the designer and developer of the 037, the last “normal” car to win a World Rally Championship.
At the end of the last climb, participants and enthusiasts gathered in Vernasca for the prize-giving ceremony, the awards for the winners of the “Concours of Restoration and Conservation” were given by the Organizing Committee.
Three more prizes came from major sponsors. International auctioneers Coys awarded the “Spirit of Motoring” trophy to the Lancia Stratos Gr 4 of Alberto Pisciotta from Palermo. Federico Buratti’s Lancia F&M won the TAG Heuer “Best Car in History of Hill Climb Races” award. The Motul “Best in Show” for postwar cars was awarded to the Matra MS 11 12-cylinder of Henri Pescarolo.
