Today marks the start of the 7th historical re-enactment of the Gran Premio di Bari, which returns to the Apulian capital from April 22nd to 25th. A "four-day" event full of activities that will come alive on Monday, April 25th, with 50 vintage cars ready to compete in an exciting regularity race on a circuit that embraces the entire old town. The event – organized by Old Cars Club – re-enacts the first post-war Formula 1 race, held in Bari for nine editions from 1947 to 1956. In its original route, the competition took place on a 5.54 km city circuit around the pavilions of the Fiera del Levante.
Among the cars that will take part in this 2022 edition's race are the legendary brands Stanguellini, Apache, Cisitalia, Ferrari, Taraschi, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Lotus. We will see, among others, the 1952 Cooper Bristol MK1 (seven units produced) driven by drivers such as Alan Fraser, George Hartwell, and Andre Lowens. Or two other jewels, like the 1957 AC Ace Bristol and the 1946 Ermini 1100 Sport (winner of the 2019 edition).
Among the collateral events, "Morbidelli, the genius of two wheels," an exhibition of Benelli sports motorcycles from the ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) Morbidelli collection, is certainly worth noting. The collection of historical motorcycles is the result of the passion of Giancarlo Morbidelli – an eight-time world champion in the 125 and 250 classes – who passed away in 2020. On display, among other examples, is the "Benelli GP 4 250 Competizione" from 1942, valued at over half a million euros. Also: the Benelli GP 175 used in 1934 by driver Dorino Serafin. Then the Benelli Bialbero GP 175 and the Benelli 250 Sport SS from 1941, examples protected by the Ministry of Culture. The exhibition will remain open until April 25th, daily from 9 AM to 6 PM with free admission.
The complete program of the Gran Premio di Bari is on the Old Cars Club website, which you can find here.
