Veloce Classic Car — Behind the Scenes of Bernina Gran Turismo

 

There is something special about the atmosphere of a classic car workshop in the days leading up to a race. The sound of engines, the smell of oil, tools scattered across workbenches and the quiet concentration of people who know these machines inside out.

Ahead of Bernina Gran Turismo 2026, I spent time with Nico Camenisch and the team at Veloce Classic Car in Pontresina, documenting their preparations for one of the most distinctive historic motorsport events in the Swiss Alps.

With five classic cars to prepare and a busy weekend ahead the workshop was full of activity. From last-minute mechanical adjustments to polishing the smallest details, every car required attention before heading into the mountains.

Rather than focusing exclusively on the cars themselves, I wanted to capture the people and moments behind the scenes — the mechanics at work, the interaction between the team members, and the beautiful contrast between these historic machines and their everyday workshop surroundings.

The story continued at Bernina Gran Turismo where the cars traded the familiar workshop setting for the spectacular alpine roads of the Bernina Pass. Against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery, the event brought together historic racing machines, passionate drivers and the unmistakable atmosphere of classic motorsport.

 

For me, the most interesting part of automotive photography often lies somewhere between the machines and the people who keep them alive. The preparations, the anticipation, the little moments that usually happen away from the spotlight.

This photographic series is a glimpse into that world. An automotive documentary about craftsmanship, passion and the people behind the cars set in the heart of the Engadin.