The Italian car maker celebrated one of the most beautiful, legendary and excruciating racing events with a fleet of over 50 Ferraris.
Targa Florio – a name that resonates from the early days of motoring and motor-racing – was the oldest racing event, founded in 1906. It took place in the mountains of Sicily, near Palermo, and at the time of its inception (and many years after), it was the toughest and most important competition in Europe, becoming a proving ground for car manufacturers and drivers alike.
The track had three versions (with another 6 configurations) over its lifespan, but the original “Grande” circuit was composed of 2,000 corners and had a length of 148 km (92 miles). Even the “Piccolo” circuit (piccolo means small) had about 900 corners per lap and a 72 km (45 miles) length. To put it in perspective, the old 28.2 km (17.5 miles) Nurburgring Gesamtstrecke (the whole circuit) had “only” 187 corners. And to top it off, the Targa Florio was a street circuit.
Unfortunately, as it was held on a street course, the race was demised in 1973 for safety reason. By that time, race cars with up to 600 hp (Ferrari 512S, Porsche 908/03) were passing through villages – while spectators stood next to the road – at extremely high speeds. The lap record was set by Leo Kinnunen in 1970 in an Porsche 908/3 as he lapped the 72 km (45 mile) Circuito Piccolo delle Madonie in 33 min 36 seconds flat, with an average speed of 128.571 km/h (79.890 mph). That’s outstandingly fast, especially as one lap had multiple hairpins and 850-900 corners.
Of course, like any other major car manufacturer, Ferrari was also present at the infamous race, taking home the gold in 1948, 1949, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1965 and 1972. Pitting truly iconic cars against the fearsome competition, the car manufacturer from Maranello wrote motoring history on the roads of Sicily with the 166, Dino 246, 312 PB and even the stunning 250 TR.
Nowadays, the Targa Florio event is only a reenactment of the real thing, organized by the Automobile Club of Palermo. As all Ferraris of any age are eligible to participate, the Italian car manufacturer organized the “Ferrari Tribute”, and used its finest models to parade them on the legendary course and across the scenic roads. Amongst the fleet of 50-plus prancing horses, there were all kinds of models, spawning from the formidable F40, to the California and even the 488 GTB. Private customers and collectors also brought their favorite toys to the show.
Photos via Ferrari
PHOTO GALLERY
