Louis Vuitton is bringing its Art of Travel to the open road with the return of its legendary Louis Vuitton Classic Run. Now underway from September 1–4, the 2026 edition takes 22 exceptional vintage cars on a 600-kilometre journey from Venice through the Dolomites before finishing at Monza’s iconic Autodromo Nazionale.
The journey began in Venice, where the participating cars were presented at Villa Pisani, the grand 18th-century estate on the Riviera del Brenta. The setting offered a fitting introduction to an event that brings together two of Louis Vuitton’s enduring obsessions: exceptional craftsmanship and the art of travelling well.
The House’s connection to automobiles goes back more than a century. In 1897, Georges Vuitton created a revolutionary flat-topped trunk designed to make travel more practical, while the Sacs Chauffeurs followed in 1905 — specially shaped to fit into a car’s spare-wheel well. The Classic Run continues that relationship, connecting Louis Vuitton’s historic travelling trunks with the romance and precision of vintage motoring.
From Venice, the rally heads into the Dolomites, travelling through dramatic mountain passes and winding roads across the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The journey will ultimately arrive in Monza, where the cars will parade around the legendary circuit during the opening of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
But no Louis Vuitton automotive event would be complete without a spectacular trophy — or a spectacular way to transport it.
For 2026, Louis Vuitton commissioned Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis to create the trophy, produced by renowned Italian art glass house Venini. The sculptural piece will travel in a bespoke Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk, handcrafted by the House’s artisans in Asnières-sur-Seine.
Covered in the iconic Monogram canvas and finished with traditional lozine detailing, golden brass corners and locks, the trunk continues Louis Vuitton’s long tradition of creating custom cases for some of the world’s most prestigious trophies. Since 1988, the House has created bespoke trunks for events and awards including the FIFA World Cup, Ballon d’Or and Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
The Classic Run itself dates back to 1993, with previous editions taking participants through destinations as varied as Malaysia, Tuscany, China and Bohemia. The 2026 edition brings that spirit back to Italy, combining classic cars, contemporary design, cultural heritage and the romance of the road.
The journey will conclude at Villa Reale di Monza, where the participating cars will be displayed for the public on September 5 and 6.
For Louis Vuitton, it is another expression of an idea the House has been perfecting since its earliest days: that the journey can be just as important as the destination.
