Stretching for more than 50 kilometres beneath the foothills of the Alps, Lake Garda nestles in an ever-changing landscape of mountains, rolling hills and elegant waterside towns. But for the 75 crews in this year’s Cavalcade Classiche, there was another draw to Italy’s largest lake – the roads that trace its shoreline and wind into the hills far above.

Arriving from more than 15 nations, the participants brought together an extraordinary cross-section of Ferrari history for three days of driving enjoyment – a 1948 166 MM and 2003-on Enzo providing the suitably eclectic book-ends. All were safely tucked away at a five-star resort ahead of the first day’s driving, a luxurious base that was home to the Cavalcade’s throughout.

After sunset on the opening evening, Piero Ferrari welcomed guests on the outside terrace high over Lake Garda – enthusing that such a diverse selection of Ferraris was about to be enjoyed as intended – but it was only when the first engines fired the following morning that the true scale of the Cavalcade became clear. Rarities included one of just 43 575 Superamericas equipped with a manual transmission, a beautiful 250 ‘Passo Corto’ SWB, and an alloy-bodied 250 Europa GT originally ordered by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, alongside examples of the GTO, F40 and F50 supercars.

Following Garda's western shoreline south, the first day’s route flowed towards the historic centre of San Felice del Benaco before continuing towards Sirmione, where cars gathered for a display beside the water at the historic Castello Scaligero. There was a carnival atmosphere as a traditional band played and spectators lined the streets to wave the cars off again.

From there, the route pushed south and inland towards Parco Giardino Sigurtà, with ample opportunity to enjoy roads that flowed through the countryside, and even through the medieval arches and fortified towers of Ponte Visconteo, a 14th-century dam-bridge that today still forms part of the SP55. The final leg brought the cars back towards Garda, with a parade through the historic centre of Gargnano.

Returning to their five-star resort later that evening, participants had time to relax before shuttles took them to nearby Villa Alba for the evening’s entertainment.

The Monte Baldo mountain range provided an enjoyable test for cars and drivers the next day as the route headed clockwise around Garda before descending towards Verona. There, the city's grand Piazza Bra became a temporary Ferrari display at lunchtime, with Ferraris assembled only steps from the ancient Roman Arena.

By the time participants had driven through Salò and onwards to the Vittoriale degli Italiani at Gardone Riviera, they’d enjoyed five hours of driving before being welcomed back to the shores of Garda and their luxurious accommodation.

Supporting them throughout the event was Ferrari technical assistance, who followed the Cavalcade in case should anything need attention.