A tribute to the memory of the "Grande Nivola”

The death of Tazio Nuvolari, on 11 August 1953, touched all the World. Particularly it moved Renzo Castagneto, Aymo Maggi and Giovanni Canestrini, the men of the "Mille Miglia", who planned "the most beautiful race in the world" with Franco Mazzotti, dead during the 2nd World War. Castagneto, "deus ex machina" of the Mille Miglia and his friends, were very attached to the Mantuan pilot.

They were linked by a close bond of affection and they felt deep consideration and admiration toward this great "man-champion". They also were grateful to him because he contributed a lot to the unrestrainable growing of their "creature". To honor his memory, the traditional itinerary of the Mille Miglia was changed in order to get it pass through Mantova.

 Since then the Gran Premio Nuvolari was established in order to give a price to the fastest pilot, on the route along the impressive straight roads which cross "The Po Valley", starting from Cremona, through Mantova until the finish in Brescia.

 After the four historical editions, from 1954 to 1957, today 23 revivals of the Gran Premio Nuvolari are to be added. The formula: an international rally reserved to historical cars.

 In 2014, the beautiful Piazza Sordello in Mantova (Italy) has hosted the start of the race organized by Mantova Corse, ACI Mantova and the Tazio Nuvolari Museum and sponsored by Audi, Eberhard, Etiqueta Negra. This edition has involved 270 cars, including 70 prestigious pre-war ones. Several AUTOMOTIVE MASTERPIECES ran this important tribute to the memory of the "Grande Nivola”.

 AUTOMOTIVE MASTERPIECES will celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the birth of Tazio Giorgio Nuvolari (1892-1953) in 2022 and the 70th Anniversary of the 1st Gran Premio Nuvolari in 2024 with two special virtual exhibitions. 

 The following cars have already joined the lab and participated in the Gran Premio Nuvolari in the historical edition of 1957:

1956 Panhard Monopole X86 sn: 857976

1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce sn: 1493E*04349AR

These cars participated in the recent revivals of Gran Premio Nuvolari:

1927 B.N.C. Type 527 Monza s/n: 27082

1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Mille Miglia sn: 815035

1956 Panhard Monopole X86 sn: 857976

1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce sn: 1493E*04349AR

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Bertone sn: AR1050300002

Follow the work in progress virtual exhibitions keeping you up-to-date with behind-the-scenes census!