Winner Gerino Gerini on a Ferrari 250 MM Pininfarina Berlinetta 1954. Copyright Nello Alfano
Review by Thomas Bromehead
Photos are all from the personal archive of Nello Alfano
La Cagliari-Sassari-Cagliari, Trofeo della Reggione Sarda 1951-1956
367 pages, 137 B&W historical photos, 39 from later revival events
Text in Italian
Serra Editore of 36 Via Santa Maria Chiaria, 09134 Cagliari-Pirri, Italy. 2010
Order from: Circolo Sardo Auto Moto d’Epoca SCQ, 8 Piazza Is Maglias, 09122 Cagliari; info@automotodepocascq.it
50 € without shipping.
As a huge fan of European auto racing, I was particularly excited when I learned that a race had been held on Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s largest Island, from 1950 to 1956. Thanks to VeloceToday contributor and author of Nardi, a fast life, Dino Brunori, I also found out there was a book on the subject and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
Indeed, the Cagliari –Sassari-Cagliari –we’ll call it Trofeo Sardo for short- is nowhere near as famous as its mainland counterparts such as the Coppa d’oro delle Dolomiti, Mille Miglia or the Sicilian Targa Florio. This is mostly due to the fact that Sardinia has a fairly low population for its size and that there were no big collectors or wealthy aristocrats who could have helped raise attention to fine automobiles yet alone import any onto the Island. I am lucky enough to travel there regularly and it was with undisguised pleasure that I bought the book directly from the SCQ automobile club of which Nello Alfano is the president.
Old Breitling advertisement, partner of the Trofeo Sardo's timekeeping officials. Copyright Nello Alfano