Classic Targa Florio, October 15-18, 2020

By Gianni Petta and Pete Vack
Photos by Gianni Petta

We’ve never covered the Classic Targa Florio, but historian and Sicilian resident Gianni Petta has photographed the event for years. Petta is known to our readers as the creator of the stunning Targa Florio dioramas, which we featured a year ago in VeloceToday (The 1970 Targa Florio).

Surprisingly, the Targa Florio was again held this year from October 15-18. But as Petta had anticipated, the event was limited and very few spectators were allowed to gather at the various departure locations and display areas. “In fact, my stay at the departure area was limited to a few minutes, and I realized that it was impossible to photograph the cars from behind the barriers.” Most of the photos in our report were taken at the old pits at Floriopoli, where fortunately there was less restriction.

So, very few spectators, as would be expected. “But the number of participants was much lower than the previous edition, 70 crews against almost 180 from the previous edition.

“Personally, I think that holding sporting events without the presence of the public makes little sense. Support of the spectators is fundamental for those who participate, moreover, as has been the case in the past, a large number of spectators contribute to increased success and fame as well as the economics of the event.”

A note on the cars: “The Lancia Aprilia sport is interesting; at first glance seemed to be an Aurelia. It was painted in a matt grey finish that made it look as old as it really is! The yellow BMW 3.0 CL photographed at the University probably did not participate, despite being on the entry. We liked the very beautiful the GTA 1300 with Palermo license plates, the Giulia della Polizia in olive green livery which saw service between the years 1960/70. The Fiat Abarth 124 spider was in blue, but usually they were painted in white or red, except for those with the colors of the sponsor. In the GT category, the Porsche Boxter was shown in Martini livery.”

Finally, there was also a Ferrari Tribute, open to all Ferraris, and a few photos are also included below.

Next week we’ll let Petta and his friend A. Oliveri show us Targa Florios from previous years. Below, cars at the 2020 event.