#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. Originally contested on circuits measuring up to 148 km per lap, the race challenged drivers with narrow, winding 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 ran through towns, mountain passes, and rural landscapes, placing extreme demands on both drivers and machines. From 1955 to 1973, it was part of the World Sportscar Championship, attracting leading manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz. The rivalry between Porsche and Ferrari was particularly intense during the 1960s and early 1970s, with Porsche claiming 11 victories between 1956 and 1973. Iconic cars like the Porsche 908/3, Ferrari 312PB, and Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 were specifically developed or adapted for the race’s unique terrain. By the mid-1970s, rising concerns over safety and the increasing speed of prototype cars rendered the event unsuitable for international competition. After 1973, it continued as a national-level race before being 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 status as a landmark in the history of road racing.
We'll tell the story of this race on the occasion of its anniversary or when it will reach a sufficient number of cars.
If you would like to share your knowledge and archive, click on the banner JOIN THE LAB - HELP US TO IMPROVE & COMPLETE THE INFORMATION.
The census of all the cars related to this topic is in progress.
CARS (9)
1924 Alfa Romeo RL Targa Florio
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzeria Riva
- Chassis n°: TF11
- Engine n°: 110RS
Private collection
1949 Aston Martin DB Mark II
- Coachbuilder: Aston Martin
- Chassis n°: LML/49/4
- Engine n°: LB6/49/29
Private collection
1955 Ferrari 750 monza
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzeria Scaglietti
- Chassis n°: 0530 M
- Engine n°: 0530 M
Private collection
1959 Ferrari 250 TR 59/60
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzeria Fantuzzi
- Chassis n°: 0772 known until 1960
- Engine n°: 0772 Removed after 1960 Targa Florio
EDITORIAL CONTENT
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzeria Scaglietti
- Chassis n°: 250 GT*4091*
- Engine n°: 4091
Private collection
1964 Ferrari Berlinetta 250/Le Mans
- Coachbuilder: Pininfarina
- Chassis n°: *6167* known until 1968
- Engine n°: 6167 Removed after 1968 Targa Florio
EDITORIAL CONTENT
1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2
- Coachbuilder: Autodelta
- Chassis n°: 75033014
- Engine n°: 0028
Private collection
1969 Porsche 911 S Sportwagen
- Coachbuilder: Karmann
- Chassis n°: 119301155
- Engine n°: 6522811
Private collection
1974 Lancia Strato's HF
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 829AR0001512
- Engine n°: 135C00-0008322
Private collection