XV Settecolli Trophy: Scent of a Woman

The 15th Settecolli Trophy took place between October 10th and 13th. The event was organized in the province of Viterbo by Lazio Regional Director Guidetta Fabbri, the first woman—a historic event for MG Car Club d'Italia—to hold the position of DR.

Event already concluded

The XV Settecolli Trophy, the last national rally of 2014 registered in the MG Car Club d'Italia Calendar and the ASI National Calendar as a brand rally, saw the participation of crews from various Italian regions, even travelling from Sicily to ensure they didn't miss the tour. For Guidetta, the first female DR in the MGCCI (and also the first woman to hold a position within the Club), it was her debut in organizing a national rally. The idea was to create a route through lesser-known locations off the beaten track, yet linked by a common theme, the title "Between Art and Fantasy," which gave the event its personality. The rally took place in the Tuscia Viterbese region, ancient Etruria, along the picturesque roads of the Cimini Mountains. Crews drove prestigious pre-war vehicles, such as MGTCs and even a 1934 PA, to discover unusual gardens and rare artistic treasures, giving participants the opportunity to unleash their imaginations on a particularly evocative route in their own cars. But let's take it one step at a time... The event began on Friday, October 10th with a visit to the "Sacred Woods," perhaps better known as the "Monster Park" or the "Gardens of Bomarzo," one of the most important and distinctive sites for Italian architecture and landscape history. In the afternoon, the "Silver Cup" regularity race took place, pitting participants against each other in a battle for second place. The evening continued in the Borgo Ellittico of San Martino al Cimino at an excellent traditional restaurant. On Saturday, October 11th, the MGs reached Tuscania where, accompanied by the excellent local guide, they began their tour of the city and the magnificent Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro. After lunch in Canino, known for its excellent olive oil production, the brave MGists set off again for the Maremma, crossing the border into Tuscany to reach the "Tarot Garden," a magical garden of dreams and paths that glide through the artist's fantasies and imagination. On Saturday evening, during dinner, the Silver Cup awards ceremony took place, along with the miraculous catch of fish and the celebrations for two wedding anniversaries—in short, a great party! On Sunday, October 12th, the participants enjoyed the splendid landscape of the Lago di Vico nature reserve. Arriving early, they admired its beauty and tranquility, with the lake shrouded in mist, offering particularly evocative views. The experience continued with the final cultural stop, Caprarola, where they visited the imposing and sumptuous Palazzo Farnese. The gathering concluded at the Canepina Chestnut Festival, where, amid stalls, wooden tables, wine, chestnuts, and laughter, the crews bid each other farewell, satisfied and happy with their mini-vacation spent relaxing, in "a light-hearted atmosphere that smelled of women!"

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