The Infamous Targa Florio | The World's Oldest Race, Cancelled in 1977
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 10. 2022
- The Targa Florio, Sicily, Italy
This is the story of the oldest, most beautiful car race that has ever existed, on one of the world’s most dangerous courses. So much so, that 45 years ago in 1977, it had to be stopped.
The infamous Targa Florio, nestled in the hills outside of Palermo, Sicily, snakes its way around 72km of beautiful Italian countryside.
The likes of Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Graham Hill and even Enzo Ferrari raced here. Ferrari, Bugatti, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Porsche among others competed on this famous course. It was the world's greatest race event in its day and even now, decades on from the last official race, you can still follow in the tracks of these great racers and ride or drive the entire course.
__________________
Partners:
QUADLOCK:
www.quadlockcase.net
My Usual Bonneville Quad Lock setup: Wireless Charger, Vibration Dampener, Handlebar Mount Pro, iPhone Case, USB Charger
SIZZAPP:
sizzapp.com
Motorcycle tracker and rider's mate
XLMOTO:
bit.ly/3q34JDM
Your one stop motorcycle shop- from biking gear to tools and everything else.
HOOD JEANS
www.hoodjeans.co.uk
The highest safety rated motorcycle jeans
__________________
Locations:
Targa Florio, Sicily
Museum: Museo del Motorismo Siciliano e della Targa Florio di Termini imerese
museo-del-motorismo-siciliano...
Address: Contrada dei, Via dei Mulinelli, 90018 Termini Imerese PA
Coffee spot and start of the race: Cerda, Sicily
__________________
Gear for the Day:
- Exklusiv Helmets Rage Shiney Black
- Merla Moto Black Hawk Jacket
- Tobacco Motorwear Selvedge Jeans
- Styl Martin Yu’Rok Boots
- Throttlesnake Glove Trotter Gloves
__________________
My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
__________________
Buy us a coffee:
www.buymeacoffee.com/fdobbs
__________________
Find me on:
INSTAGRAM: / dob.bs
GEAR AND MORE: www.freddiedobbs.com
PODCAST: Freedom Machines With Freddie Dobbs
FACEBOOK: / freddiecmdobbs
__________________
Photography, filming and editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
__________________
Music:
Matt Large - Conant Gardens
OTE - Wasteland Rock - Wasteland Rock
Wendy Marcini - Straight Up Boogie
Van Psyke - Drop Dead
Sixteen Wheelers - The Wedge
Martin Landstorm - Un Piccolo Party
__________________
References:
www.sicilyalacarte.com/targa-...
www.insidehook.com/article/ve...
www.nytimes.com/1973/05/14/ar...
__________________
Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases - Auta a dopravní prostředky
F me, Freddie, anyone "alive" to have witnessed Targa Florio?
My dad took me a couple of times as a kid. I particularly remember the 1972 edition, Arturo Merzario driving the only Ferrari managed to win the race despite being hounded by the Alfas 33. It was epic because Ferrari had a large advantage which got smaller and smaller - another half a lap and the Alfa would have won. We were frantically listening to the radio to find out who had won in the end. Arrival was ,as you pointed out, in Cerda (pronounce the C as in "ciao", not as k ). Porsches were behind. There were also Lolas, check them out.. We weren't on the roadside as you showed in your video, my dad chose a place on a hill where you could see a bigger section of the track withe several straights and bends near a place called Caltavuturo. It was a family event, you see, people were there for the whole day getting to the best spots as early as they could, bringing a lot of homemade food and enjoying the day out. The noise of the engines was something else... I will always remember it ,so long as I'm alive...
A bit different from the Oxfordshire countryside where I live now...
Enjoy the rest of your time there with Monica. Great videos, BTW!!!
What a fantastic insight, Mauritzio! Thank you so much for sharing this🙂
@@FreddieDobbsnice video - but a few glaring errors. The ‘grandstand’ you pointed out is the pit building. And that is the start line ..hence the buildings being there. It’s literally written on the road.
It’s not in Cerda.
The martini 1973 ‘winning’ Porsche - isn’t. It’s a copy / representation of it.
Le Mans started in 1923. Not ‘32
The proper race ended in 1973, not 77.
Etc etc…
I didn’t think it was possible, but you have raised the bar even higher with this episode! Monika’s camera work is just stunning. I think it shows the enormous benefit of having someone film you rather than doing it yourself. I am still laughing at the previous episode………….’one of those and you’re on the dance floor.’
Once again I have learned so much about the history of moto racing in a European country. The U.S. has nothing comparable in racing. Freddie's enthusiasm and Monica's filming and editing are epic. Thank you both and enjoy what you are doing. Never let it become just a job. 👍👍
Targa is still running in Australia 🇦🇺 Famously or infamously very dangerous. One of our very famous road race drivers, Peter Brock, died in the Targa West rally in 2006. And the actor Eric Bana drove in Targa Tasmania in 2007, which he made a doco about. Thanks so much for sharing the history about Targa Florio. Great vid, Freddie ❤
I used to have an old VHS of Bathurst over the course of 10 years back in what I believe may have been the 90s. Peter Brock was a big name in those days.
Yes, I attended the Targa Florio in May 1967 when I went to Cerda with some high school mates, taking the train from Palermo Central Station. I still remember a Ford Chaparral that made a hell of a rumble and was impressive with that rear wing thing, I was 18 yo
I’m from Cerda 😊, nice video! Thank you to valorise our territory and our story. You can return here when you want, and you’ll always be welcome!
What a wonderful documentary piece. The Targa Florio lives on in the virtual world, a lovingly recreated version of the circuit exists as a 3rd party addition to many popular sim racing games, and it is enjoyed by all lovers of historic Motorsport. As long as there are lovers of speed, the Targa Florio will never die 😌
Hi Freddie, I've just found your video - love it!
I had the good fortune to actually attend the Targa Florio race in 1973 - the last true international race to be held. We did two or three laps of the circuit in our hired Fiat 124 estate car -a wonderful experience! Your comments about the Practice on open roads brought it all back. Driving along reasonably sedately (I had two very young children in the back of the Fiat) and meeting animals, donkey and bullock carts, other road users, pedestrians and at the same time being overtaken by race cars was a completely new experience, as you can imagine. Probably the most bizarre was the run along the coast road. We were in a stream of traffic, doing about 50 mph with the competitors overtaking us in the race cars going 100 mph faster than the traffic stream!
We stopped for a coffee in a little coffee bar in Collesano during one lap, I left the lady wife with the children in the bar and stood in the doorway and watched several competitors screaming down the hill and braking for the hairpin - in amongst ordinary traffic and pedestrians - another bizarre experience.
The race was something else - just wonderful. We watched somewhere up in the hills, I can't remember where, as I got us lost on the back roads on the way there and just came upon the circuit eventually and stopped there to watch. The drive back to the hotel was as exciting as the race - everyone doing their best to set a new lap record and having no regard for other drivers - it was one of the few times I have actually been a little scared while driving - great fun though, as you daren't slow down!!!
Thanks for the memories you have brought back.
Incidentally, you were not exaggerating about the spectators death defying antics! One I remember was sitting on the wall alongside the road, dangling his legs over on the road (track) side and with small toddler (if that old) on his lap! He wouldn't move for the marshals and it took an armed policeman prodding him with his assault rifle before he, with bad grace, moved to a slightly safer spot!
Lovely story
Great story Freddie. We were visiting the Florio winery at Masala about 4 years ago and there was a stage of the Classic Targa Floria passing through. It was early October .
This must rate as one of your most beautiful and fascinating videos Freddie. (With full credit to Monica for the filming) I can’t believe it only has 35k views! This needs to be seen by more people!!
This channel is getting better and better! I like the content you introduced recently. Much success my riding brothers!
That means a lot, really appreciated Pedro🤜🏼🤛🏼
It was very good right from the beginning.
Superb. Sicily is just a special place! Love the Italians there.
Very entertaining Freddie & Monica. I was impressed to see the Leica on the table! 👌🏼
Blimey Freddie your vids are just becoming brilliant.
I loved every second of that.
Your enthusiasm is so infectious and Monica’s camera work is so good it feels like I’ve just watched a documentary made by a full production crew. But better.
Well, Freddie and Monica, please allow me to congratulate you both on doing such great videos, Ive followed your channel from the start and its certainly now very professional with Monica's filming skills and Im must say your a natural presenter in front of a camera, the content of each video is always interesting, entertaining and informative, it makes the viewer want to be there or trace your steps, Im sure theres so much more to come from you, I eagerly await every new episode...well done keep it up.
I just visited Sicily and the Targa Florio last month in October. When I arrived at the museum in Termini it was closed and the entry padlocked. A woman drove up and told us the owner Nuccio, had recently passed away and the museum would be closed indefinitely. Definitely sad, as I was looking so forward to meeting this man and being able to share my passion for the Targa. I drove the entire course minus the section with the land slide blocking the road on the approach towards Scillato. There’s a left with a 24% grade downhill about a half mile West that will take you over to narrow roads through town. The pit area was just repaved but the dirt road in your beginning shot behind the pits is now blocked and a lot more trash unfortunately just off the roadway. This place IMO is a Motorsports shrine like no other and deserves to be treated as such.
Great video. I’ve been a huge fan of the targa florio so this video was of particular interest to me. The fact that the museum owner brought you in made it that much more amazing. Thanks for posting
Ok Freddie I always love your videos but this one just blew me away. Only you can just be doing a video and a guy with an amazing museum just happens to invite you to see it. I’ve heard of that race when I was a kid, but I never knew how amazing the trace was or the scenery. This is really a good trip your on, cant wait to see what you guys stumble into next
It may not be the real thing, but on the 19th November a group of 40 enthusiastic Sim Racers will be holding a 2 hour race on a recreation of the 46 mile version of the Targa circuit in 1954 sports cars: Ferraris, Jaguars, Maseratis and Mercedes. It's the 5th of a 6 HRRC race historic series. More details are on GP Laps channel. So it was great timing to see your video of how the circuit is looking today. Very interesting thanks. 😀
Oh, how I wish I could have witnessed the chaotic, dangerous, passionate, feverish and crazy Targa Florio. The atmosphere before the start must have been heavy with expectation twixt the Alfisti and Tefosi…contrasted with the fear and hatred of the Porsche opposition. I have a few books about the great race - but to have been there…Nearest thing these days is the still fabulous TT races in the Isle of Man.
Your uploads are getting better and better. Fabulous filming and narration, keep up the good work. A big fan !
Great bit of history today, loved it and what a stunning place. That museum owner clearly loves what he does to stop and talk to you. Keep those videos coming and ride safe you too 👍
He dedicated a good 90 minutes to tell us about the history of the race and show us around. Incredibly kind if him and so much passion!🙂
@@FreddieDobbs well you've definitely put him on the map too, a collection like that needs a bit of Freddie promotion, I bet you made his day.
Italian gentleman ..we appreciate what he is doing...that's so kind of him 🥇👍🏻
Fiat 850 sport my second car
Freddie. How fortuitous was that. Shows what can happen when you and Monica go exploring 😊Thanks for sharing. Really amazing., bet you cant believe your luck.
This dude deserves a million subs!
Thank you for this charming and lovely episode.
Oh the music choice is always perfect for the beautiful sceneries. Channels like this are such a rare sight these days on CZcams. Keep doing what you're doing! ♥️
Just found your channel. Your content is fantastic. Great work! I was also in Sicily in October visiting friends and hiking the Nebrodi and Etna national parks. The weather was perfect. My 5th visit to Sicily and 10th to Italy. The longer I stay the less I want to leave. Such a splendid place and people. And the food! Mamma mia! I will return to retire there soon! 🇮🇹🇺🇸👍Thank you for a chance to relive a little of my last trip! Loved your video on your 200K Fiat 500, too!
Freddie, Monica, this video was amazing,thoroughly enjoyed it all,the music was brilliantly period .As previously stated the content just keeps getting better and better.Sorry for the late comments,
Fantastic information Fast Freddie! You guys are sensational! Gotta love the Nonni roaming around without their wives🇮🇹 Chivalry at Italian finest. So missing those golden sunsets👌
Wonderful…. Evocative and respectful… thanks guys 🤗
Really liked this video Freddie, very interesting and good soundtrack!
Just another cracking video! Thanks Freddie and Monica. Loved hearing the history of this road race I never heard of before.
Amazing, we really enjoyed that. Well done both of you. Thanks
Excellent Freddie,thoroughly enjoyed!
One of best yet so informative thanks😊
Another cracking video, cheers Freddie and Monica
Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s Freddie and Monika
Fascinating - what a place & route to visit sometime - breathtaking scenery. Great video as always.
Excellent video Freddie
Just love your enthusiasm Freddie..
Keep on keeping on!
Great video...and the music was excellent Monica
Another great video. What an amazing place.
Bravo, some of your best work this documentary! Nice job!
Thank you for this entertaining and educational video from my era of auto racing! Very well researched and presented!
Freddie and Monica that was so interesting .Ilove your channel more and more. best wishes and keep up what you both do its fantastic.
Thanks Monika and Freddie for an informatively gorgeous history lesson back in time 😉
Well done Freddie and Monika, great video, great shots of the town too, beautiful light too. Enjoy…
What an interesting and beautiful video
Great video, the best of CZcams.
what a treat! lov watchng you dobbs while working haha. big fan here in philippines
Brilliant video thanks for all the effort in making it!.
Thank you for watching it- it’s hugely appreciated, Peter🙂
Super Freddie ! Thank you for the inspiration.
The subjects and presentation by Monica and yourself are first class.
Off to do my first visit IOM in 23, can't wait see where the legends have ridden, thanks as ever Freddie and Monica
Another fantastic video Freddy, you have mastered this niech of motor vlogging ,stunning views and loads of cool facts from the past...Monika yet again the video is breathtaking ,your videography is spectacular and your eye for the best shot is amazing ...fantastic job
Amazing story
I had no idea of the history of this race.
The grandstand of the old Reims Guerre Road circuit is still there to be seen, and well maintained, too. Frequently stop there returning from European tours. Just north west of Reims
A great watch, and amazing museum.
Thanks for sharing
Happy, safe travels 👍
Great video! I've been watching a lot of content about Targa Florio since I've started to race on it in Assetto Corsa, it's weird to recognize every corner seen in the video despite never having been there IRL!
Shame it is in such a terrible state, I bet you could run a business doing laps and guided tours around the track on historic cars!
Same here. I’ve done full period races with 50 car fields in GTR2.
Great video. Your passion for all things motor related reminds me of how I feel as well. Watching this has inspired me to keep my italian bikes and cars. I did not know much about this race, definitely going to do more research. Thankyou for the vids, keep up the great work.
Freddie, Leyland Australia built and sold a replica of their race winning P76 , a V8 4 dr sedan! What a history. I’ve always been interested but this is the first time I’ve seen anything of the race and it’s history. Thank you.
Excellent video guys...great to get to the museum and soak up the history. And lovely filming of streets and buildings...really captured the atmosphere of the place 👌 Cheers, Steve
Brilliant those roads are great what's left off them that is, thanks for taking us with you, have a great time.
I have recently discovered your channel and have been watching and enjoying many of your videos. They are great! In this video you mention how the Porsche Targa was named and I realized that must also be how my childhood 1972 CCM branded Targa bicycle was named.
Probably one of if not the best video you guys have done! Brilliant presentation & scenery full of little known facts, love it all!
Well done guys👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great video, lovely scenery. Mrs SteveW really wants to go to Italy and the more I watch of you two enjoying yourselves the more I'd like to go too! I need a trailer so we can take the Interceptor with us I think, looks too lovely to just drive everywhere!
Beautiful island but as a motorcyclist nothing comes close to the IOM TT races. Still going strong since 1907. Full of motorcycle racing history and great to ride a few 37 mile laps on your own bike.
I cannot argue with this, and also didn’t know it started in 1907!🤯 I MUST make it over there in 2023
What some awesome roads to ride gotta say guys your nocking it out of the park as they say somewhere 😉form the tunes you play to the places you visit and especially the food you find just luvin it well done look forward to the next installment 👌👍
A great video Freddie. I loved the museum, that Porker was awesome.
Wasn’t it- I love those Martini colours😍
Cracking video. Planing a trip with the car and the triumph thunderbird LT to Italy for three weeks in 2024..
Love the videos buddy
Hi guys nice film loved it thanks for this history of motorsports look forward to the next one....
Well Freddie sir another fantastic informative video I don't know how these hidden jems fall into your lap but long may it continue sir once again thank you both enjoy and safe riding
Absolutely love your video’s, this one is a beauty… again. You deserve a much bigger audience. Ps, great to see the Leica reporter in good hands :)
What a wonderful historic video 👍👍👍 Italy is on my bucket list of places to visit. It looks like such a charming relaxing place ❤
Thanks for this story 😀 One more reason to make a trip to Sicily coming year.
Hi , Cue a flock of starling and a full on video from Freddie and Monika .Thanks so much , your passion shines through , enjoy your selves and take care .😉👍
Fascinating video, love this Sicily trip Freddie & Monica. 👏🏼
Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks Irv🙌🏻
Great vid and content as always guys...just loved everything..content (brilliant!!!), music (awesome!!!), Monika's truly brilliant eye for composition (genius!!!)...and in the back of my mind throughout I was thinking Sicilian mafia...I know...but I was...and then I saw that street with no women...thankfully you mentioned it Freddie...because it was odd. Really.
The ‘73 winning Porsche got lucky. Alfa had the race in the bag (they thought) but, at the end of lap 3, a local driver in a Lancia Fulvia failed to see the rapidly approaching de Adamich and forced the Alfa T33 off the road. That local driver must have slept out in the hills for a week after that!
As always, quality content from my fave vlogger 🫶 cheers from the Philippines, Freddie!
Thanks Sam, sending all my best!👋🇵🇭
Brilliant vlog once again by you both, having visited Sicily twice but never left the port of Messina I promise to myself I'll venture further inland or further up the coast after watching these vlogs when visiting again.
Thanks Lee! I didn’t appreciate how huge Sicily is- four hours from one side to the other, so we didn’t explore as much of the east coast as we hoped to. What an island though!🙂
Great video! You were actually right at the starting line in the beginning at the pits/ grandstands…at least for what was the modern little madonie period. I just know every bend of it from sim racing I’ve done.
I stumbled on you channel a Few days ago and I can say what an amazing content I love your passion and your energy I love your videos you have inspired me to get out more on my zx9r and explore thank you my friend
I’m so happy you found the channel, Chris! Thank you so much, hugely appreciated🙂 The ZX9R- serious beast💪🏼💪🏼
Fascinating video and history, Freddie. Would love to ride the course as you did ,in the footsteps of some of the most famous race drivers in history. Cheers and ride safe. Dan. 🏍✌️🇨🇦
Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks Dan🙂
What an incredible find. Amazing 👏
Perfect for the Street Triple (on the paved bits anyway!😆)🤘🏼🤘🏼
Freddie Dobbs, a man out of time. My wife in the other room knows when I’m watching one of your videos just by the soundtrack that’s not out of place in an Austin Powers movie.
Freddie, a guy in his heyday today, but whose taste in bikes and music appear to be from the 50’s and 60’s. Keep up the content, it’s enjoyable to watch.
Targa Florio.... what a Legend Episode Represents the Race 🏁 History... this is Priceless...
Never know What Targa Porsche Names com from...until now...
I wish if that History come alive again...that's could happen 🙏🏻 hope so....
Thank you Freddie thank you Monica for Sharing this absolutely Stunning scenery and History..👍🏻🥇
Very awesome indeed...🏁
Really glad you enjoyed it, Abdulaziz🙂
I would LOVE to go back in time and experience it. I heard there were wild parties after the race!😀🕺
Really glad you enjoyed it, Abdulaziz🙂
I would LOVE to go back in time and experience it. I heard there were wild parties after the race!😀🕺
I like your Video and also your Q2. It reminds me my last motorbike trip to Italy in September this year
The Q2 really is magic! That sounds like a perfect time for an Italian trip- way less crowds but still glorious weather👌🏻
@@FreddieDobbs you have chosen the best time for it and with the bike on the trailer it’s relaxing. I will come back in April with my M10 R
Fantastic video Freddie, I'm Italian and half sicilian and I didn't know about the Targa Florio and all the history behind it, glad to know more about it. Keep it up the good work, if you ever pass through the Netherlands let's grab a beer (I'm in the process to buy the first motorcycle here after the moving and start to explore the europe with it!)
Delighted you found it interesting! I love the sound of this, thank you🙂🇳🇱 And happy moto shopping!
I was quite aware of most of this .. but well done you old chap bravo.i shall be in sicila in2 weeks time for a 3 week stay..time spent in sicila is never wasted bouna fortuna grazie grazie Mille ciao ciao
So entertaining so educational, and on a Bonnie 👍
Hello,
The Targa in not quite dead...
There is as far as I know three events still running:
1. A regularity "race" för vintage cars
2. A similari evento for vintage motorcycles.
3. A rally för modern rally cars.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Anders
Catania, Sicilly.
Dear Freddie, thanks for this video and the numerous impressions. There is one absolutely stunning book covering the Targa Florio: Ten days in Sicily by Tony Adriaensens (Corsa Research). One of the most beautiful car books I've ever read and I'm more than happy to own one.
Ten days in Sicily is based on a story of four Britisch young men who went to Sicily in May 1966 to watch the last real road race, the Targa Florio. Arriving in time for the Syracuse Grand Prix, they drove their Fiat 124 saloon press car to Syracuse to watch this first GP race in Europe for the new three-litre formula. The next weekend - May 8 - all four were present for the start of the Targa Florio. They experienced the excitement of the pre-race practice runs, combined with a commemorative run to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Targa - the Trofeo Marathon, for veteran and vintage cars with special guest Elisabeth Junek. @Corsa Research
Yet the TT races are more popular than ever....crazy
One of your best videos I think
Great video!!!! If I'm not mistaken, the start of the race took place right at the spot you were commenting on the Fiat Panda going by. You were walking in what used to be the pitlane, with the elevated concrete section. The cars were sent off, one at a time across the road, where the grandstands are. Good to see they're fixing the washed out sections of the course. Cheers!!!
brilliant !!
Great video as always. Interesting to hear that the first race included a horse. Lots of modern racing owes its origin to horse racing. We still call the centre of the circuit, the paddock, we have race stewards and so many other nods to its origin.
Yes,a remarkable relating of trivia . Love the video. Gilera was popular in the 60s Libya due to the Italian community. I lived and schooled there Wheelus AFB 65-70. The Porsche Targa name was a new fact for me.
Oh, Freddie, I miss El Medano but this is very interesting. I’ve not been to Sicily. It’s quite different. Thank you. Montelbano was one of my favourites so I’ll not be disappointed .❤️💕
If all goes to plan, I may be back in a couple of months😉
@@FreddieDobbs yeah….
😉 good sound track's 👌
Enzo Ferrari raced in the targa Florio as a young man. There's a great photo of him driving it . I forget the brand of car he drove but he claimed to have to robbed of a win because of a local procession that apparently never took place that day. Great film keep up the good work 👍🏻
I love little stories like this- I’ll read up on it. Thanks KD🙂
In the spirit of the Isle of Man TT. They should bring that race back. Bring in much needed money to help the local economy. It would be over subscribed with competitors
I really like this idea. I was also thinking about the IOM and how I hope it doesn’t go the same way the Targa Florio went. Absolutely true too- the Sicilian economy would benefit gigantically from this