Italian automotive design, engineering, and culture were on full display as the 13th annual Italy on Wheels returned to the Historic Murer House and Gardens in Folsom, California on May 16, 2026. The popular event brought together enthusiasts from across the state to celebrate a diverse collection of Italian automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles in a relaxed setting that blended automotive passion with Italian heritage. 

Hosted by the Murer House Foundation, Italy on Wheels has become a signature event for the organization, drawing hundreds of attendees each year. Visitors enjoyed tours of the historic Murer House, explored the beautifully maintained gardens, and spent the day admiring an impressive assortment of Italian machinery while enjoying food, refreshments, and fellowship among fellow enthusiasts. 

This year's event held special significance for Classic Showcase as a longtime client and collector earned Best of Show honors with his beautifully restored 1969 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. A dedicated enthusiast with an eclectic collection of automobiles, he entrusted Classic Showcase with extensive body and paint work on the Fiat, which arrived at our facility requiring significant restoration attention. Our team carefully restored the body and refinished the car in its correct period color, helping return the Fiat to the elegant appearance that made these Italian sporting coupes so popular when new. 

Produced between 1967 and 1975, the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe remains one of Italy's most recognizable grand touring cars, admired for its balanced proportions, spirited performance, and distinctive styling. Classic Showcase has been involved with this Fiat for many years, having previously completed extensive restoration work that included stripping the body to bare metal, performing substantial body and refinishing work, and repainting the car in its correct period color. In the years since, we have continued to provide service and support for the vehicle, helping ensure it remains both a rewarding car to drive and a strong contender on the show field. The Fiat attracted considerable attention throughout the event and was ultimately selected as Best of Show among a diverse field of outstanding Italian vehicles. 

While the award itself was certainly rewarding, perhaps the most satisfying part of the story was how the Fiat arrived at the event. Rather than transporting the car by trailer, the owner drove it from the San Diego area to Northern California, participated in the event, and then drove it home again without issue. For any restored automobile, there is no better testament to the quality of the work and the enjoyment of ownership than a successful road trip covering hundreds of miles. The entire Classic Showcase team congratulates the owner on his well-deserved Best of Show award and thanks him for allowing us to play a role in bringing this special Fiat back to its former glory. We look forward to seeing many more miles, memories, and future accolades ahead!