History 1960s

1963 Rallye Sestriere (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1963 Rallye Sestriere, staged in the Italian Alps, was a winter rally that combined snowbound mountain roads with sections of fast alpine tarmac. It was a mainstay of the European rally scene, attracting a largely domestic field with several factory-supported entries. The rally served both as a proving ground for new models and a highlight of Italy’s motorsport calendar.

Event Name: 1963 Rallye Sestriere

Date: February 1963

Start/Finish Location: Sestriere, Italy

Total Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers

Participating Teams: Around 50 crews

Route

Italian Alps: Mixed-surface stages through the Susa and Chisone valleys.
Mountain Passes: Icy descents and long climbs at altitude tested both engines and brakes.
Night Driving: A portion of the rally took place after dark, requiring expert navigation and lighting.

The event looped through the Piedmont region with challenging alpine passes and sharp transitions between ice-covered gravel and exposed tarmac:

Rapid changes in surface and elevation required careful tire strategy and mechanical preparation, especially for smaller teams.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sergio Barbasio & Piero Sodano · Lancia Flavia Coupe
2nd Place
Claudio Maglioli · Fiat Abarth 1000
3rd Place
Carlo Cacciari · Alfa Romeo Giulietta TI

Barbasio’s pace in the Flavia Coupe and his ability to maintain traction on snow-covered hairpins secured a vital victory for Lancia in home conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Variable Surfaces: Alternating snow, slush, and tarmac required constant adjustment in driving approach.
  • Altitude Effects: Thin air taxed engines and braking systems in extended mountain climbs.
  • Low Visibility: Fog and snow flurries during night stages challenged even seasoned co-drivers.

The 1963 Rallye Sestriere stood as a quintessential winter rally — demanding, scenic, and a celebration of Italian engineering and driving talent.

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