Rally Targa Florio in Sicily: The car race entered in the History

In May, motoring enthusiasts from all over the world meet on the splendid island of Sicily for the 105th edition of the Targa Florio. The appointment is set for 7 and 8 May 2021 in the Madonie circuit.

The race will start from the Trapezoidal Port of Termini Imerese and will end at the Belvedere Principe di Piemonte also in Termini Imerese.

For the few who still do not know the Targa Florio, in this article we will explain what it is and tell the story of the birth of what is still one of the most longest and famous historic car races in the world.

Rally Targa Florio Rally Sicilia: The car race entered in history awaits you in May

• Targa Florio: The Event
• How the _history of the Targa Florio was born
• Targa Florio Museum
• How to get to Sicily on the occasion of the Targa Florio

Targa Florio: The Event

Targa Florio is one of the oldest and most famous car races in the world, held in Italy. It was born in 1906 as a speed race and will remain so until 1977. Since 1978 it has been transformed into a rally that has the winding and timeless landscapes of the Madonie mountain range in Sicily as a backdrop.

There are numerous famous drivers who have been protagonists over the years of this historic car race, among them we remember: Tazio Nuvolari, Nino Vaccarella, Achille Varzi and many others. Unfortunately some of these are also seriously injured, such as Fulvio Tandoi who lost his life in 1971 as well as Count Giulio Masetti in the 17th edition of 1926. Count Masetti’s car competed with the number 13, it was after this accident that in the World of car competitions it was decided to no longer assign this number to any of the cars in the race.

Another serious episode was that of May 1977, when the car of the driver Gabriele Ciuti went off the road, overwhelming some spectators, three of whom were injured and three lost their lives. These events led the organizers to decide to transform the race into a rally: the “Rally Targa Florio”.

How the history of the Targa Florio was born

The idea of ​​Targa Florio is due to Vincenzo Florio born in 1883, born in Palermo, the son of a wealthy family (his father was a senator, shipowner and a wine manufacturer). Vincenzo has always cultivated a passion for motoring, taking part in some races himself. In 1906, after having talked with the director of the magazine “L’Auto”, his friend Henri Desgrange, he decided to organize an event himself in his beloved land, Sicily. Without knowing it he was giving life to one of the best known and longest-running car races in the world, Targa Florio.

“Created to challenge time” (quote from its creator, Vincenzo Florio).

The first draft of the route was sketched by Vincenzo Florio on an improvised piece of paper. This is how the Madonie circuit was born, near the city of Palermo, a difficult stretch of road almost 147 kilometers long. We thought of everything: the arrangement of the stands, the construction of an overpass to divert traffic and not hinder the racing cars, the Red Cross garrison, the press room, up to the refreshment points to cheer the spectators who came for the event. Railway tracks were even added on the Palermo – Messina section to reach the place of the race more comfortably.

Soon the event became an appointment for nobles and intellectuals who loved to watch the race and show off themselves. A real international salon with an important return of image for the entire territory; meanwhile, the Targa Florio soon became a hugely successful car race.

Targa Florio Museum

The incredible history of Targa Florio today is kept inside the Targa Florio Museum in Collesano in Sicily. Here, among old photos, pieces of newspapers and precious memorabilia, we retrace the history of one of the most famous Italian car events in the world.

During a stay in Sicily, a visit to this museum is a must for all fans of vintage cars. The next Rally Targa Florio which will be held from 7 to 8 May 2021 could be the perfect opportunity.

Visit the official website of the Targa Florio Museum in Collesano.

In addition to the Targa Florio Museum in Collesano, three other museums have been created, this time private, dedicated to the famous race and its creator: Vincenzo Florio Museum of Catanzaro Antonino in Campofelice di Roccella, one in Termini Imerese and the other in Cerda (site web of the museum), all in the Province of Palermo.

How to get to Sicily on the occasion of the Targa Florio

To arrive in Sicily and attend the Rally Gara Florio scheduled for 7 and 8 May, we recommend that you book a ticket on board one of the ferries that connect the island from the ports of: Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Cagliari, Reggio Calabria or Villa San Giovanni.

With TraghettiPer Sicilia you can compare the best rates, timetables and transport companies for the island. you have to fill in the booking form you find on this page.

You may also be interested in our article on “How to reach the island of Sicily by car“.

You must know that precise anti-Covid health measures have been adopted on board the ferries to allow passengers to travel safely.

Photo Credits:

• Free photo – Rally Targa Florio: The car race entered in history awaits you in May;
• Free photo – Rally Targa Florio: The car race entered in history awaits you in May;