Ready for a blast of adrenaline? Sanremo is the birthplace of the Italian rally, whose first international event dates all the way back to 1928, when just 130 of the almost 200 competitors reached the finish line in their dusty and deafening cars, including the Fiat 520 driven by Romanian major Ernest Urdareanu, the winner in 1928 and 1929.

1961 saw the appearance of the Rally dei Fiori, which quickly became an international showcase for the best of Italian motoring, with iconic models like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Lancia Flavia Berlina and Coupé and the Lancia Fulvia 2C, and drivers including De Villa, Frescobaldi, Patria, Cella, Taramazzo and Cavallari.

The most thrilling races include those between the Lancia Fulvia HFs driven by Harry Kallstrom and Amilcare Ballestrieri, and the Alpines of Jean-Luc Thérier and Ove Andersson. Not to mention the exciting special nighttime trials. Then the era of the Lancia Stratos, with Munari, Alén and Fassina; the arrival of the Fiat 131 Abarth and the Audi Quattro, with the historic victory of Fabrizia Pons and Michèle Mouton; the Peugeot 205, the Lancia Delta, and on it goes.

Global giants in rally history return to the competition for the 37th edition of the Sanremo Historic Rally, taking place from 13 to 15 October and part of the Italian and European series of classic car championships.

Following shakedowns on 13 October, the first race gets underway on the 14th from its traditional starting line outside the Casino on Corso Imperatrice, taking the classic route via Colle d’Oggia, Teglia, Langan and back. The next day tackles Vignai (twice), Bignone and Coldirodi, with the grand finale and prize giving back in Corso Imperatrice. The total is 371.2 km.

But there’s more to come for rally enthusiasts: on the same dates, the Historic Rally route also sees the return of the Coppa dei Fiori, an average regular race valid for the Italian Championship, while on 14 and 15 October Bordighera hosts the Rally delle Palme , this time for modern vehicles.

(photo ACI Sport)