Louis Vuitton Revives the Legendary Classic Run With a Spectacular Journey Through Italy

Louis Vuitton is bringing back its legendary Classic Run — a four-day journey through Italy in some of the world’s rarest automobiles, culminating during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Monza. The revival was spearheaded by Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari, WWD reports.

A total of 22 rare cars are taking part in the Louis Vuitton Dolomites Classic Run 2026, covering approximately 595 kilometers along some of Italy’s most spectacular roads. But this is no race for speed. Classic Run is staged as a regularity rally, with drivers and navigators judged on how precisely they follow the designated route and timing.

“Louis Vuitton Classic Run is a unique form of competition, with rules that go far beyond simply racing against the clock,” Beccari said. He noted that the legendary automobiles embody the passion, craftsmanship and pursuit of perfection that unite the worlds of motoring and Louis Vuitton.

From Venice to the Dolomites

The journey begins in Stra, near Venice, before winding through the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Along the route, participants will visit the museum dedicated to sculptor Antonio Canova, enjoy lunch in Cortina d’Ampezzo, stop at Lake Iseo and tour the production facilities of legendary Italian yacht maker Riva.

On Friday, the cars will take part in a parade in Monza as part of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix festivities. The route will conclude in Milan, where a gala dinner and awards ceremony will take place at Sforza Castle. The cars will then go on display at the Royal Villa of Monza throughout the race weekend.

The main Classic Run trophy was designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis and crafted by Italian glassmaker Venini. It was unveiled at the Doge’s Palace in Venice before being placed inside a specially handcrafted trunk decorated with Louis Vuitton’s signature Monogram pattern.

A Return After 14 Years

The Classic Run was first held in 1993. Beccari initiated its revival following the last edition in 2012, which also concluded in Venice.

“Classic Run is about people traveling with elegance, innovation and beautiful cars. So what country could possibly be better suited for its return than Italy?” Beccari said.

Louis Vuitton’s connection with the automotive world dates back more than a century. In 1897, Georges Vuitton, son of the maison’s founder, created its first automobile trunk. In 1905, the house introduced special Sacs Chauffeurs, designed to fit into a car’s spare-wheel compartment.

Today, that legacy continues in a new era. Since 2025, Louis Vuitton has been a Formula 1 partner as part of LVMH’s 10-year global partnership with the championship. Since 2021, the maison has also created bespoke Trophy Trunks for the Monaco Grand Prix.

“Obviously, Classic Run won’t give us the same visibility that Formula 1 does, but we still have wonderful stories to tell,” Beccari said.

Louis Vuitton and the Preservation of Italian Heritage

The Classic Run is part of a broader cultural program by Louis Vuitton in Italy. The maison, together with the Venetian Heritage Foundation, is supporting the restoration of the Sala di Bacco at Villa Pisani.

In Monza, Louis Vuitton is financing the restoration of the historic clocks and façade of the Royal Villa, while at Milan’s Sforza Castle, the house is supporting the restoration of the Sala delle Asse, home to the celebrated fresco associated with Leonardo da Vinci. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

For Louis Vuitton, the Classic Run is therefore far more than a vintage-car rally. It brings together travel, history, design, automotive culture and art — a combination that perfectly reflects the philosophy of the French maison.