Lovers of classic cars are in thrall to their timeless charm and style; sports car enthusiasts love the horsepower concealed under the shiny bonnet; while convertible drivers appreciate the feeling of freedom on four wheels to be enjoyed on one of South Tyrol’s 300 sunny days a year. All delight in the panoramic roads, the vast diversity of the views and the exquisite cuisine. The Hanswirt in Rabland is the ideal starting point for all these glories.
What distinguishes a sports car? More horsepower? More revolutions per minute? For sure. “It is the acceleration from 0 to 100. Then how it takes the curves. The power under the accelerator pedal that makes my heart beat faster”, says Matthias Laimer. He is an avid sports car driver and a fan of the Porsche – a weekend rally winner yet a reliable everyday vehicle, as Porsche enthusiasts will tell you.
South Tyroleans love classic cars, those timelessly beautiful and stylish vehicles: some even have a small collection in their garage – like your hosts the Laimer family, who still regularly drive their vintage machines. They do the shopping in their Fiat 850 Coriasco, while the 1975 Fiat Compagnola is used to visit the family's orchards and the red-and-white VW bus from 1964 can be taken for a spin to Lake Kaltern.
International rallies, numerous events and clubs attest to the local enthusiasm for classic cars.
The “South Tyrol Classic Rally” is the best known, with numerous fine machines represented.
South Tyrol boasts a record-breaking number of sunny days. Here, south of the Alps, it is warmer than in other Alpine regions and palms and cypress trees thrive in the gardens, mingling with orchards and vineyards. From February until late autumn you can enjoy fabulous tours with the top down, savouring the sun, wind and beautiful landscapes of South Tyrol, ranging from its lakes up to the Eternal Ice – something to delight every convertible fan.