Forza 2026

Some say that if something is for everyone, it’s for no one. But are there any exceptions to this rule? There certainly are, and the annual ForzaItalia.pl gathering is one of them. This event is dedicated to all enthusiasts of Italian vehicles, regardless of the number of wheels, age, or class.

The story from ForzaItalia.pl is always different from all the others I write throughout the year. Why? For me, this event begins several months before the venue gates officially open. Those months are filled with preparations, discussions, and hard work as we turn our ideas into reality. Being part of the organizing team comes with a wide range of emotions. It’s not always a walk in the park, and there are times when frustration and exhaustion take center stage. Thankfully, those moments of doubt are not what define my memories of the event.

What truly matters is the unique opportunity to work alongside my longtime friends to create one of the most interesting automotive events in Poland. Yes, that’s a very subjective opinion, but I have plenty of testimonials from participants to support that claim.

Each edition of the event features a number of familiar attractions. The most interesting cars, mostly classics, are displayed in front of Pałac Rozalin, which serves as the focal point of the event. Participants can take part in a scenic navigation rally along the picturesque roads of the region, test their knowledge in a variety of quizzes and, of course, enjoy delicious Italian dishes from a menu created especially for the occasion.

One of the highlights of the gathering is the Concorso d’Eleganza. During this presentation, owners of the most remarkable vehicles have an opportunity to showcase them to both the audience and the jury. Prizes are awarded in two categories: the most remarkable car and the most interesting crew. The beauty of this competition is that you do not need to own an expensive one-off to enjoy your five minutes in the spotlight. A rusty Fiat with a unique family story behind it can be just as captivating as a classic Ferrari worth many times more. This year, the Car of the Event award went to a 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC. As if this rare model were not special enough already, this particular example comes with an almost unbelievable history.

This particular car spent most of its life in communist Poland. Just imagine how otherworldly it must have looked among the drab vehicles produced behind the Iron Curtain. The car also underwent its first restoration as early as the 1980s. How its owners managed to source spare parts at the time is a fascinating story in itself. More recently, the Alfa underwent another restoration, this time using modern methods and techniques, and today it looks absolutely stunning.

The car that made an even bigger impression on me, despite receiving “only” an honorable mention in the Concorso, was a 1964 Fiat 2300 Familiare. I cannot recall ever seeing one in person before. The Crew of the Event award went to crew number 123, driving a 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The car was equipped with period-correct bicycles mounted on the roof, accompanied by matching stickers and accessories. But that was not all – the driver and passengers also wore early-1970s cycling uniforms, completing the look perfectly.

As is often the case, focusing solely on the main area of an event is a great way to miss many interesting things happening just a little further away from the spotlight. Another part of the event that should not be overlooked is the parking area reserved for the majority of participants' cars. At first glance, one might think that all those more common Alfa Romeos and Fiats have little to offer compared to the classics displayed in front of the palace. In reality, the opposite is true. This part of the venue has a character on its own and is full of life. Unfortunately, this year the weather was not particularly conducive to the spontaneous picnics that often spring up among the participants, but there was still plenty to see.

In the introduction to this story, I mentioned the equal treatment of cars from different classes and eras. However, there is no denying that classic cars attract the most attention here. They occupy the most prestigious part of the venue and draw the largest crowds of admirers. At the same time, the event keeps up with developments in the world of contemporary Italian automotive manufacturers.

Traditionally, Alfa Romeo Polska brings along some of the latest additions to its model range. Unfortunately, this year there was not much new to showcase. The same could be said for Fiat. Fortunately, the event gained a new partner – Maserati Polska – so any complaints about a lack of fresh attractions, in the world of brand new cars, would be hard to justify. Hopefully, this year was only the first step in building a long-lasting relationship. Thanks to their support, more Maserati content will be appearing on these pages soon. Stay tuned.

The ForzaItalia.pl meeting is a celebration of Italian automotive craftsmanship. It is also a place to meet new friends, gather inspiration for future road trips, and find motivation to start new projects. For me, however, it is something more. It is a weekend after which my body is begging for recovery, while my mind feels fully recharged.