The historic hill climb for vintage cars in the hills of the Sienese Chianti
The Coppa del Chianti Classico is a hill climb event for historic cars, ranking among the most prestigious and long-standing races on the national and European calendar. Held in the municipality of Castellina in Chianti, in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, the race attracts drivers and enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad every year, drawn as much by the competitive challenge as by the beauty of the Chianti territory.
The course winds along the eight kilometres of the SR 222 Chiantigiana, the scenic road that climbs from Molino di Quercegrossa to the village of Castellina in Chianti. It is a technical and demanding route, featuring curves, hairpin bends, and elevation changes that traverse one of Italy's most famous landscapes, surrounded by Chianti Classico vineyards, olive rows, and ancient farmhouses. Sporting and technical checks traditionally take place in the squares and premises of the former Molino Niccolai in the town centre.
The origins of the race date back to 1961, and since then, the Coppa del Chianti Classico has spanned decades of Italian motoring history, becoming a highly anticipated event for collectors and vintage car clubs. The event is organised by the CST Sport ASD association and has successfully evolved over time while maintaining its deep bond with the tradition of historic vehicles.
The race is part of major competitive circuits: it is valid for the FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship and the FIA HHC Nations Cup, as well as the Italian Historic Car Hill Climb Championship (CIVSA) and the Tuscan Mountain Trophy. This gives it a truly European scope: drivers selected by various national federations compete representing their countries, treating the public to a line-up of cars of great historical and sporting value.
Beyond the timed trials, the Coppa del Chianti Classico is a widespread celebration for the village: during the event, the streets and squares of Castellina in Chianti host a vintage car exhibition, a precious opportunity to admire models that have shaped motoring history up close. The event is part of the rich "Summer in Castellina" calendar, enlivening the town with a weekend dedicated to the passion for engines and the discovery of the Chianti region.
The 43rd Coppa del Chianti Classico will take place from 18 to 20 September 2026 in Castellina in Chianti (SI). The event, part of the "Summer in Castellina" calendar, confirms the established three-day format, featuring sporting and technical checks, timed practice sessions, and the final race along the SR 222 Chiantigiana.
The event is valid for the FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship, the FIA HHC Nations Cup, and the Italian Historic Car Hill Climb Championship (CIVSA). A vintage car exhibition will also be set up in the village squares, open to the public. The entry list and official times will be announced by the organisers (CST Sport ASD) closer to the event.
Castellina in Chianti can be reached by car from the Siena-Florence junction (exit towards the SR 222 Chiantigiana). The nearest airports are Florence Peretola and Pisa. By train, the reference station is Siena, which is then connected by bus lines and taxis.
During the practice sessions and the race, the SR 222 in the affected section is closed to traffic: it is advisable to check the times in advance and reach the village before the closures. Access to the car exhibition in the centre is free.
For the detailed programme, the times of checks, practice sessions, and the race, please consult the official website coppadelchianti.it and the channels of the Municipality of Castellina in Chianti.
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SR 222 Chiantigiana (Molino di Quercegrossa - Castellina in Chianti)