Three legends, one seat, zero engine noise.

At MAUTO in Turin, the Roarington Simulators turn a classic-car museum stop into something you can actually control. You get to race on historic circuits using digital, 3D recreations built to match iconic 1950s machinery. I especially like that you can get behind the wheel of three famous cars in one visit: the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1952), the Lancia D24 (1953), and the Fiat Turbina (1954).

My second big plus is the realism angle: the simulators are designed by Pininfarina and Zagato, and the whole point is to recreate historic driving experiences. One drawback to think about up front: it’s not for everyone, with limits around height, manual-transmission ability, motion sickness, and certain medical conditions.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Three iconic cars in one session: Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, Lancia D24, Fiat Turbina
• Historic circuits to race on, not random tracks
• Designed by Pininfarina and Zagato, with 3D digital twins of the classics
• Private-group experience with an instructor in English, French, and Italian
• 10% discount at the Caffetteria included with the activity

MAUTO in Turin: why a car museum simulator actually makes sense

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a museum feel less like standing and more like doing, this is a smart answer. MAUTO (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile) is where you go to see, learn, and appreciate automotive design. The Roarington simulator adds a different layer: instead of only looking at cars, you “drive” them in a controlled, teachable way.

The setting also helps. Turin has a reputation for design and engineering, and MAUTO already has the right vibe for car lovers. Pair that with a simulator platform meant for vintage performance, and you get a hands-on break from pure museum browsing. It’s value-forward, too: at $23, you’re paying for an experience that’s built around access to three legendary models, not just a single ride.

The Roarington simulator: 3D twins and historic circuits

Here’s what matters: this isn’t a generic driving game. The simulators at MAUTO are specifically tied to classic automotive design, and they’re described as digital recreations of the cars in the museum collection. You’re guided through a racing experience behind the wheel, with the simulator set up to mirror historic circuit-style driving.

You’ll also notice the “designer” credit. The platform is designed by Pininfarina and Zagato. Even if you’re not deep into Italian design history, it signals a thoughtful approach: the goal isn’t just visuals, it’s the feeling of authentic-era driving.

One more practical point: you’re not driving with a crowd. This is a private group activity, and the format is built around a single passenger per ride. That keeps it calmer and more personal, and it also means you’ll spend your time actually in the simulator setup rather than waiting around for turns.

Your three dream drives: Disco Volante (1952), D24 (1953), Turbina (1954)

The headline here is simple: you get three automotive icons, each associated with a different slice of 1950s motorsport fantasy.

1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

This is the one many people picture when they think “Italian racing design.” You’ll drive the 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante in the simulator, racing on a historic-circuit style track. If you like cars for their shapes and stance, this model is a natural crowd-pleaser.

1953 Lancia D24

The 1953 Lancia D24 is a different kind of classic allure. It’s about performance heritage and competition-era engineering. In the simulator, you’ll get a shot at taking it through a historic circuit environment, which is a nice switch from the more flamboyant look of the Disco Volante.

1954 Fiat Turbina

The 1954 Fiat Turbina brings a “future inside the past” vibe. Even through a simulator, it stands out because it’s not just another variation of a traditional racer theme. If you’re curious about how designers and engineers chased new ideas in the 1950s, this one is worth your attention.

A useful note: you can choose the car and track in the simulator experience. That flexibility helps if you’re deciding based on aesthetics (which car grabs you) or on driving style (which circuit setup you want to try).

What the session is like: instructor guidance and one-person driving

Expect a short, structured experience rather than an all-day training course. You’ll meet at MAUTO, then your instructor team (English, French, or Italian) sets you up for the simulator. The experience is built for you to actually drive, with the practical reality that it’s a single passenger per ride.

You should also plan your body and gear constraints before you arrive. The session has clear rules for safety and comfort:

• Minimum height is 1.65 m / 5 ft 4 in
• It’s not recommended if you have motion sickness
• People with heart problems, lumbar (lower back), or cervical (neck) issues may not be suitable
• Pregnant women are not allowed
• Wheelchair users and people with severe disabilities are not suitable
• You must be able to drive manual transmission
• You must not carry bags, food, drinks, or any object into the car

That last point matters more than it sounds. Plan to travel light. Leave extra items at the museum area you’re allowed to use, because you can’t bring them into the simulator car.

Price and value: is $23 for a simulator worth it?

At $23 per person for a 1-day experience, this can be a strong value if you match the vibe. You’re not just paying for screens. You’re paying for:

• Access to a guided simulator try
• A design-led platform (Pininfarina and Zagato)
• The chance to drive three famous vintage cars
• Historic-circuit racing in 3D
• A 10% discount at the Caffetteria included with the activity
• The ability to skip the ticket line for this activity
• An instructor available in English, French, and Italian
• A private-group format

Is it “worth it” if you’re not a car person? Maybe not. If you only want museums and don’t care about controls or cars, the simulator may feel like a detour. But if you like the idea of driving famous machines without the cost, logistics, and noise of a real track day, it’s a fun, fairly priced way to spend time in Turin.

Where to go in Turin: meeting point and timing basics

You’ll meet at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile. That’s your anchor point.

Timing is flexible but not instant. It’s listed as 1 day, and you’ll need to check availability to see the starting times. In other words: don’t plan this as a “drop in any hour” kind of stop.

Also, you can skip the ticket line. So once you’re at the museum, you should be able to move into the activity faster than if you had to wait for general entry lines.

Because this is a private group, I recommend arriving a few minutes early so you’re not stressed when they get you into the simulator sequence.

Who should book this MAUTO simulator ride (and who should skip)

This is the section I’d read twice if I were choosing for myself.

You’ll likely enjoy it if…

• You’re curious about classic Italian race cars and design
• You like interactive experiences more than “just looking”
• You can comfortably handle a manual-transmission setup
• You don’t get motion sickness
• You’re tall enough for the height requirement (1.65 m / 5 ft 4 in)

You should skip it if…

• You’re pregnant (not allowed)
• You use a wheelchair or have mobility limitations that affect using the simulator safely
• You have medical limitations like heart problems, lumbar, or cervical issues
• You get car sickness or motion sickness
• You can’t drive manual transmission

If you’re on the fence due to health or comfort concerns, treat that as a stop sign, not a “maybe.” These restrictions exist because the simulator ride experience can still be physically demanding for some people.

Should you book the Turin vintage car simulator at MAUTO?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-interest, hands-on car experience in Turin that mixes museum culture with real control. The big selling points for me are the three-car lineup (Disco Volante, D24, Turbina) and the fact that the simulators are built for historic-circuit-style racing rather than generic driving.

But if you’re motion-sickness prone, or if manual driving isn’t realistic for you, there are plenty of other good ways to spend time at MAUTO. In that case, I’d focus on museum exhibits instead of the simulator.

One last practical check: because it’s a non-refundable activity, make sure your dates are locked before you commit.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the simulator?

You should go to the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as 1 day, and you’ll need to check availability to see the starting times.

What vintage cars can I drive in the simulator?

You can drive the 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, 1953 Lancia D24, and 1954 Fiat Turbina.

What is included with the ticket?

The experience includes trying the simulator, plus a 10% discount at the Caffetteria.

What languages is the instructor available in?

The instructor is available in English, French, and Italian.

Who can’t use the simulator?

The simulator is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people who can’t drive manual transmission, and it is not recommended for people with motion sickness or certain medical issues (including heart and lumbar/cervical problems). There is also a minimum height requirement of 1.65 m / 5 ft 4 in.