Gran Premio di Bari – Historical Re-enactment
The historical re-enactment of vintage cars in the heart of Bari
About Gran Premio di Bari
A dive into the golden age of motoring
The Gran Premio di Bari is the Apulian capital's grand celebration of motoring: a historical re-enactment that, every spring, brings vintage cars back to the heart of the city and revives the atmosphere of the legendary car race held on the Bari city circuit between 1947 and 1956. In those years, the Bari track saw some of the greatest names in international motorsport speed by: driver Chico Landi triumphed there in 1948 and 1952. Today, the event, organized by the Old Cars Club and included in the ASI Circuito Tricolore calendar, restores to the city that retro charm made of polished bodywork, vintage engines, and collective memory.
Where it takes place
The nerve center of the event is the monumental area of Bari, in the heart of the Municipality of Bari (Province of Bari, Apulia). The paddock and the Gran Premio Village are set up in Piazza della Libertà, while Corso Vittorio Emanuele II becomes the stage for parades, the reconnaissance lap, and the regularity race. The Teatro Margherita, overlooking the sea, hosts exhibitions, conferences, and cultural appointments that accompany the event.
More than just a race
The re-enactment is much more than a competition: it is a widespread program that intertwines sport, culture, and entertainment. During the event, there are static exhibitions of historic cars and motorcycles, daytime and night parades, regularity trials, conferences on sustainable mobility, themed fashion shows, and activities designed for families and children. The vehicles, dozens of vintage models from all over Italy and various European countries, showcase legendary brands such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Lotus.
A sustainable event
In recent years, the Gran Premio di Bari has embraced the Net-Zero Classic philosophy promoted by ASI: an organizational framework with net-zero climate impact, thanks to the use of second-generation biofuels and certified reforestation initiatives. A way to combine the passion for historic motoring with care for the environment.
Why it's worth attending
For motor enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to admire rare vehicles up close and breathe in the atmosphere of an unrepeatable era; for locals and tourists, it is a festive weekend in the city center, amidst music, lights, and historical narratives. The Gran Premio di Bari is now a fixed appointment in the Apulian spring calendar, capable of transforming the streets of the capital into an open-air museum.
Gran Premio di Bari — edition 2026
The ninth edition of the Gran Premio di Bari Historical Re-enactment animated the city center from April 23 to 26, 2026, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Apulia Region, the Municipalities of Bari and Polignano a Mare, ANCI, and FIVA. A great protagonist was a fleet of 55 vintage cars — including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Lotus — with crews from all over Italy and various European countries. Special guest of the edition was the Brazilian champion Emerson Fittipaldi, two-time Formula 1 world champion (1972 and 1974), present in the city as a testimonial on April 25 and 26. The commitment to sustainability was confirmed with the ASI Net-Zero Classic program.
Programme Gran Premio di Bari 2026
April 16-25 — Teatro Margherita
- Exhibition "60 Years of History. A Circuit in the Heart": display of vintage cars and motorcycles by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano, free entry (Thu 16, 16:00-19:00; from Fri 17 to Fri 24, 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00; Sat 25, 10:00-13:00).
April 18 — Puglia Village, Molfetta
- 10:00-16:00 — "Mini Gran Premio": non-competitive race on pedal-powered wooden cars for children aged 4 to 10.
April 20 — Teatro Margherita
- 17:30 — "Cars are Fashion", fashion show with art director Carmen Martorana.
Thursday, April 23 — Teatro Margherita
- 11:00 — Conference on eco-sustainable urban mobility (Old Cars Club, Volvo Italia, CODACONS Puglia).
Friday, April 24
- 9:00 — Departure of the historic 1930s train from the Central Station.
- 9:00 — Positioning of cars in the paddocks at Piazza della Libertà.
- 16:00-19:00 — "Tell your Gran Premio", collection of testimonials at Teatro Margherita.
- 20:00 — ASI Net-Zero Classic conference on ecological historic motoring at the Circolo della Vela.
April 24-26 — Gran Premio Village
- Piazza della Libertà: village with Formula 1 simulator (free access, no booking required).
Saturday, April 25 — Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
- 16:00 — Car exhibition and gathering of historic vehicles from the Old Cars Club.
- 16:00-21:00 — Musical entertainment and performances.
- 18:00 — Reconnaissance lap with Porsche Club Puglia and Ferrari Club Italia.
- 21:00 — Official presentation of the 9th edition and night regularity race (TV live broadcast).
Sunday, April 26 — Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
- 9:30 — Italian National Anthem with the "Pinerolo" Mechanized Brigade Fanfare.
- 10:00-11:30 — Three race heats (starts at 10:00, 10:45, and 11:30).
- 12:15 — Lap of honor.
- 13:00 — Final awards ceremony in the paddock area.
Highlights Gran Premio di Bari 2026
Prices Gran Premio di Bari 2026
Practical information — Gran Premio di Bari
How to get there
Bari is well connected: the Bari Central Station is just a few steps from Piazza della Libertà and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the heart of the event. By car, it can be reached via the A14 motorway; Bari-Palese Airport is about 10 km from the center.
Access and tickets
Exhibitions, parades, and the race along the city streets are free to enter. During the event, traffic restrictions are expected in the area of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza della Libertà: it is advisable to reach the area on foot or by public transport.
Tips
The best days to experience the atmosphere are the weekend, with the night parade and the regularity race on the city circuit. The center of Bari offers numerous hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants where you can enjoy Apulian cuisine.
Information
Updated program and details on the official website granpremiobari.it and on the Old Cars Club channels.
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Where does it take place — Gran Premio di Bari
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II e Piazza della Libertà
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 70122 Bari