Detour Pit Stop #65: Targa Florio Museum, Sicily, Italy
Photo Sudhir Matai
The Targa Florio is one of the oldest and greatest road races ever held, ranking up there with the likes of the Mille Miglia for the sheer bravado of its fearless racers.
First run in 1906, amazingly, the event formed part of the World Sportscar Championship between 1955 and 1973. The multi-lap marathon was contested by the likes of sportscar aces Vaccarella, Van Lennep and Attwood. These pilots competed on public roads in cars that were designed to race at Spa, Monza, Nürburgring and Le Mans.
The Museo del Motorismo Siciliano e della Targa Florio, just 40 km east of Palermo, is the labour of love of one man, the owner-founder Nuccio Salemi. The affable Sicilian grew up watching his racing heroes from his grandfather’s farm and keeps the spirit of the race alive with a small collection of cars, a treasure trove of photographs and period multimedia displays.
On show in this old slaughterhouse is a genuine, race-winning 3,0-litre Alfa Romeo 33, a handful of Porsches, a few Italian classics, more modern rally machines and an oddly liveried Ferrari 400i. Fast-talking Signor Salemi will even offer to show you the way to the original pit complex not too far from his establishment.
Salemi doesn’t charge an entrance fee so it's best to show one’s appreciation by leaving with one of the many keepsakes he has on sale. The museum advertises opening times seven days a week, but it’s still best to call ahead and pre-arrange your visit.
Words and Photography Sudhir “Banzai” Matai Twitter | Instagram