Stunning landscapes and cultural treasures: International Bugatti Meeting 2024 in Sicily
Molsheim
The largest island in the Mediterranean has always had a special significance for Bugatti: between 1925 and 1929, victory in the 540-kilometer Targa Florio held in Sicily belonged exclusively to the Bugatti Type 35. The record of five consecutive victories still stood when the last race took place on the closed public roads of Sicily in 1977. But even today, in the centenary year of the Type 35, Sicily is still revered by the Bugatti community – this year, the International Bugatti Meeting took place on the important and historic Italian island from May 19 to 25.
An Island of Beauty of Culture
Covering well over 1,000km in the course of just a few days, the line-up of 66 cars – from Type 13s to Type 57s – followed the tire tracks of their predecessors along meticulously planned routes, punctuated by drives through historical towns such as Noto and Marzamemi, with Ettore Bugatti’s masterpieces exploring the island’s baroque architecture and ancient fishing villages.
Drive on Mount Etna
One of the many highlights of the tour was the trip around Mount Etna, during which the participants took in the vastness of the fascinating Sicilian landscape around the imposing volcano. Navigating the winding roads to Etna, passing through chestnut forests, vineyards, and lava flows, the cavalcade of Grand Prix racers and vintage Bugatti sports cars, paused for a coffee break at a traditional restaurant nestled on Etna’s slopes, where local delicacies are savored against the backdrop of breathtaking views.
Sicilian Heritage
The Val di Noto, located in the heart of Sicily, is a symphony of Baroque architecture, a fusion of stones that tell the past, enveloping the attendees in a timeless atmosphere. The imposing churches, sumptuous palaces, and charming squares are a celebration of human creativity, a tribute to timeless beauty – and recognized and celebrated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
After continuing on to Marzamemi and an excellent lunch by the sea, the route took the convoy back to the hotel, where a special evening program awaited the guests: an open theater night in Syracuse, where participants witnessed a classic Greek tragedy in the ancient Greek Theatre, showcasing Sicily’s Hellenic roots, and its cultural importance stretching back over 2,000 years.
Wine Tradition
However, Sicily is not only known for its history, but also for its outstanding wines. On day 4, the trip therefore took the participants of the International Bugatti Meeting through picturesque vineyards before stopping for lunch at a local winery.
Legendary Craftsmanship
The last day of the trip took the group, which attracted attention everywhere, once again through the picturesque Sicilian hinterland, where the participants were inspired by the masterful local craftsmanship during stopovers. For a group of Bugatti enthusiasts – who revere the attention-to-detail and handwork that is a hallmark of the brand – it was a reminder of the timelessness of skilled craftsmanship.
Throughout their 1,000km journey, International Bugatti Meeting guests experienced the blend of beauty, culture and history that first set Sicily, and the legendary Targa Florio race, apart from other road rallies. With a number of historically significant Type 35s and other important Bugatti models back on Sicilian soil, the International Bugatti Meeting offered an unforgettable flashback to the 1920s, and that magical and unrepeatable Type 35 Targa Florio supremacy.
