The World’s Most Beautiful Vintage Racing Competition

The Bernina Gran Turismo race is a test of endurance, skill, and speed. This grueling event, which takes place on the winding roads of the Swiss Alps, attracts racers from all over the world who are looking for a challenge unlike any other.

The event was launched in 2014 in a professional manner by Kurt Engelhorn and Florian Seidl, with the team around Luca Moiso and Claus Müller. The aim was and is to keep the memory of the legendary Bernina Race of 1929 and 1930 alive and to secure it in the long term with new impulses. 

The Bernina Gran Turismo is not just a race, it’s a true test of a driver’s ability. The course, which spans over 100 miles, features steep climbs, tight turns, and breathtaking descents that will push even the most experienced drivers to their limits. The high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions make the race even more challenging, as racers must constantly adapt to changing conditions in order to stay on the course.

Despite the challenges, the Bernina Gran Turismo race is also a celebration of the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The stunning views of the mountains, the crisp alpine air, and the sound of high-performance engines roaring through the valleys make this event a true spectacle.

The fine mixture of historic mobility, automobile sport, competition and modern luxury provides participants with a unique and unforgettable experience. The Bernina Gran Turismo takes place on a section of the original route on the Bernina Pass that has been specially closed for the mountain race. On the 5.7 km from La Rösa to the top of the pass there are more than 50 curves – pure adrenaline! In the process, a total of around 450 meters of altitude are overcome. The possibility of having the pass road all to oneself, in the midst of the high alpine environment, offers the perfect driving fun. The Bernina Gran Turismo is designed for classic racing and sports cars from the pre- and post-war period, up to the 1990 model year – whereby the more modern, the more exotic a potential participant vehicle must be.

The Engadine region of the Swiss Alps is a breathtaking landscape that serves as the perfect backdrop for the Bernina Gran Turismo race. The winding roads that make up the race course offer a challenging and scenic route for drivers to test their skills and endurance.

Pic. Rosario Liberti

As the racers make their way through the course, they are surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, and the pristine waters of the Engadine lakes. The high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions add an extra layer of difficulty to the race, as racers must be constantly aware of the changing conditions in order to stay on course.

The Engadine region is also known for its traditional Engadine houses, which are characterized by their distinctive architecture and vibrant colors. These charming houses offer a stark contrast to the rugged landscape of the Swiss Alps and provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

UNIMATIC watches is present on the race sponsoring the amazing Porsche 901 racing driven by driver Tommaso Zeriali. The rugged and high performance watches align well with the spirit of the event and the team it sponsors making our watches the perfect companion to swirl trough the high up alpine curves. Also the sponsorship renews the brands fascination for car design and all that’s connected to the technical side of the racing performance.

Unimatic watches are known for their durability and precision, making them a suitable choice for the demanding conditions of the race. The watches feature Swiss-made movements and are tested to withstand extreme conditions, such as high altitudes and extreme temperatures, making them a perfect choice for the Bernina Gran Turismo race.

Pic. Rosario Liberti

In addition to their performance capabilities, Unimatic watches are also known for their sleek and minimalist design. The brand’s aesthetic aligns well with the high-performance and luxury cars that participate in the Bernina Gran Turismo race, making it a perfect fit for the event.

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