International Concours of Elegance

Engineering and Icestyle - 2026

St. Moritz, Switzerland — On a winter’s day in the Engadin, Lake St. Moritz (southern eastern part of Switzerland) isn’t just frozen, it becomes a high-speed playground. Over fifty rare cars, worth hundreds of millions of Swiss francs, roar and drift across a thick layer of ice (40cm), their cars fitted with studded snow tyres, tracing daring lines where water should be! In summer, this lake flows calmly. In winter, it becomes a stage for automotive spectacle. Watching these machines glide and slide on solid ice is an unforgettable thrill.

The International Concours of Elegance, which returned on 30 and 31 January 2026, once again transforming the frozen lake into one of the world’s most dramatic settings for classic and collector cars. The event boasted a solid 15,000 plus attendees from all over the world. It was quite a diverse and international event.

Founded in 2019 by Marco Makaus and Ronnie Kessel, the event has swiftly established itself as a highlight of the international winter calendar, attracting collectors, manufacturers, designers and enthusiasts from across the globe. Thank you to all the organisers for making such a memorable event.

The most notable cars were the iconic racing machines, including legendary models such as the Alfa Romeo 197 B Formula 1 racer. Arturo Merzario, at 82 years old, he’s still piloting some of the world’s most iconic racing machines, including the Alfa Romeo 197B Formula 1 racer. And yes, you read that right: this F1 car was drifting effortlessly across ice, guided by an 82-year-old hand. The Kessel Classic team was on site all weekend, ensuring their cars gleamed and performed flawlessly for the spectacle.

The Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 piloted by Tom Kristensen and the McLaren F1 GTR “Lark” also stood out. Their presence brought a sense of excitement and admiration to the event and the fact that some drivers were pushing their cars was fascinating to watch.

Lancia Stratos Alitalia: Rally Legend on Ice Winner: Legendary Liveries

Among the standout rally cars on display at the ICE St. Moritz 2026 was the legendary Lancia Stratos Alitalia from 1976. Regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles in motorsport history, the Stratos immediately caught the eye with its strikingly low and aggressive bodywork, a design that has become synonymous with rally excellence.

Beneath its distinctive exterior lies a 2.4-litre V6 engine, engineered by Ferrari Dino, delivering an impressive 250 horsepower. When combined with the car’s lightweight and compact chassis, it gave the Stratos a considerable performance advantage on challenging rally stages.

The combination of the powerful six-cylinder engine and the car’s nimbleness enabled the Lancia Stratos Alitalia to dominate international rallying, securing multiple world championships and cementing its legacy as a true motorsport legend.

Open Wheels Winner: Maserati 4CLT (1949)

The Maserati 4CLT, often referred to as the 4CLT/48 or “San Remo,” stands as a dominant force in the history of Formula One and Voiturette racing. Originally introduced as the 4CL at the beginning of 1939, the 1949 iteration marked a significant evolution, featuring a newly designed tubular chassis and a powerful 1.5-liter supercharged 16-valve engine.

Driven by celebrated racers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari, and Reg Parnell, the 4CLT achieved numerous victories, most notably winning the 1949 British Grand Prix. This legacy of success underscores the Maserati 4CLT’s enduring impact and its well-deserved recognition as the Open Wheels Winner at ICE St. Moritz 2026.

Icons on Wheels Winner: Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’ (1937)

The 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’, owned by Fritz Burkard, won “Best of Show” on Saturday. It was one the most advanced and fastest cars of its days, featuring a four litre engine and was built by a French automobile manufacturer based in Suresnes.

Barchettas on the Lake: Winner Ferrari 750 Monza (1955)

The concluding drive on the frozen lake with the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza, recipient of the Barchetta on the Lake award at the International Concours d’Elegance, St. Moritz 2026. The car and its driver, both closely associated with RM Sotheby’s, were documented during this distinguished event on the renowned frozen lake.

Some of the fun cars to see driven on the ice: the Bentley 4.5 Litre which was confidently driven by Katarina Kyvalova and had more than enough room to accommodate passengers. As the laps evolved, a little race unfolded against the Lotus! A similar Bentley won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928.

The Lancia Delta Integrale and Porsche RSR, featuring the distinctive Toblerone livery, were displayed in a range of captivating colors and designs. The striking liveries drew considerable attention, emphasizing the unique character of each vehicle.

During the exhibition, both cars were driven aggressively, skillfully maneuvering to kick up impressive sprays of snow powder. This dynamic driving demonstration showcased their performance capabilities and added a dramatic visual element to the event. And when the cars slid a little too far, the organizers were right there, ready to lend a helping hand to any machine in need, because even on ice, the show must go on!

Beyond the frozen lake, St. Moritz itself becomes part of the experience. Automotive, fashion and lifestyle activations are woven into the resort’s winter rhythm, while the I.C.E. Art Show, hosted near the iconic Kulm Hotel, adds a cultural counterpoint that reflects the event’s broader creative spirit.

Celebrating ‘icestyle’, where winter enhances elegance rather than constrains it, this concours St. Moritz 2026 confirms its place as one of the most distinctive concours in the world.

Special thank you to Ronnie Kessel for the invite: Kessel CH

Photos by: YJ, Patrik Hellmüller, Davide Bianchet, Andrea Klainguti