#TargaFlorio

The Targa Florio was one of the most demanding and historic endurance races in motorsport, held on public mountain roads in Sicily, near Palermo. Founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Florio—an Italian industrialist and racing enthusiast—the event aimed to place Italy at the forefront of international motorsport. Initially run on circuits up to 148 km per lap, the race challenged drivers with narrow roads, steep elevation changes, and unpredictable weather. Over time, the course was shortened; in its final decades it was run on the 72 km Piccolo Circuito delle Madonie, with 11 laps totaling nearly 800 km. Unlike races on closed circuits, the Targa Florio wound through towns, mountain passes, and rural landscapes, placing extreme demands on both cars and drivers. From 1955 to 1973, it counted toward the World Sportscar Championship, attracting top manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz. The rivalry between Porsche and Ferrari was especially intense in the 1960s and early '70s, with Porsche winning 11 times between 1956 and 1973. Cars like the Porsche 908/3, Ferrari 312PB, and Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 were designed specifically for the event’s unique terrain. By the mid-1970s, growing safety concerns and the increasing performance of prototype cars rendered the event unsuitable for international competition. After 1973, it became a national-level race and was eventually discontinued in 1977 following a series of fatal accidents. Organized throughout its history by the Automobile Club of Palermo, the Targa Florio endures today through historic rallies and commemorative events, preserving its legacy as a landmark in the history of road racing.

https://targa-florio.it/

www.targapedia.com

We'll tell the story of this race on the occasion of its anniversary or when it will reach a sufficient number of cars.

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