Luigi Villoresi was born in Milan, Italy on May 16th, 1909. Nicknamed “Gigi” he came from a prosperous family and began competing in local rallies at the age of twenty-two with a Lancia Lambda and a few years later acquired a Fiat Balilla, which was very popular with aspiring Italian racers. Villoresi and his brother Emilio competed in the Mille Miglia where they finished in the 1100cc sportscar class.
He continued to race the Fiat and came in third at the 1935 Coppa Ciano. He would go on to become the Italian champion in the 1100cc sports car class. Villoresi bought an ex-factory 4CM and continued to race in various events and by 1938 Villoresi was a full member of the Maserati team. After the war he again raced Maseratis, winning the Italian Championship in 1946 and 47 before joining his good friend Alberto Ascari at Ferrari in 1949, winning that season’s Dutch Grand Prix.
No Subscription? You’re missing out
Get immediate ad-free access to all our premium content.
Luigi Villoresi was born in Milan, Italy on May 16th, 1909. Nicknamed “Gigi” he came from a prosperous family and began competing in local rallies at the age of twenty-two with a Lancia Lambda and a few years later acquired a Fiat Balilla, which was very popular with aspiring Italian racers. Villoresi and his brother Emilio competed in the Mille Miglia where they finished in the 1100cc sportscar class. 
