Bernina Gran Turismo 2020

Text and Photography by Mart Engelen

Being a classic car lover for many years, it was a great pleasure and privilege for me to be invited to highlight the 2020 edition of the Bernina Gran Turismo. It was wonderful to be among all the petrol-heads and their cars at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski in St. Moritz, which hosted many of the participants and was also where all the cars were presented before proceeding to the Bernina Pass for the hillclimb. The Bernina Gran Turismo has enjoyed the highest international reputation for years and is considered one of the best events worldwide. The hillclimb celebrates the legendary Bernina Races which took place during the International St. Moritz Automobile Weeks in 1929 and 1930; the first was won by Hans Stuck and the second by Louis Chiron. The 2020 Edition of the Bernina Gran Turismo took place despite the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 and, with 80 vehicles, the starter field was fully booked. Sadly, it had to be a visitor-free event and, due to travel restrictions, there were no participants from overseas and only a few journalists were permitted to attend. Nevertheless, the drivers were able to enjoy the race. It was truly wonderful to see this hillclimb race on 5.6 kilometres of a closed road along the Bernina Pass, from La Rösa up to the Bernina Hospiz. Pure adrenaline in an inimitable Alpine setting with so many exceptional, rare and high-quality vehicles including a 1929 Bentley 41/2 Litre, Porsche 550 Spyder, 1957 Lotus Eleven, and a 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB.