The 2022 Targa Florio — An Italian Classic

The Targa Florio is like an opera. Dramatic, historic, and totally Italian. An event orchestrated to honor tradition and emotion, with all the characters you’d expect from an Italian classic.

Drivers first raced these roads in 1906 (Targa Florio history), back when they were little more than dirt paths winding through the hills and along the shores of Sicily.

Danger and liability caught up to the race, forcing a change. These days the Targa Florio is a largely ceremonial sojourn, attracting multi-million-dollar cars, celebrity drivers, and loyal, adoring fans…all drawn to Palmero by the magic of motorcars.

Bob Cullinan — Drivers study the rules and regulations before the start of the Targa Florio in Palermo, Sicily.

The 2022 Targa Florio began and ended in Palermo, with scrutineering and the official start at the University of Palermo Avenue of Sciences (“Università degli Studi di Palermo Viale delle Scienze”).

A 1972 Ferrari Dino on the route of the Targa Florio in Caccamo, Sicily. Bob Cullinan — A 1972 Ferrari Dino on the route of the Targa Florio in Caccamo, Sicily.

A 1964 Porsche 356 SC on the road of the Targa Florio at Cinisi, Sicily. Bob Cullinan — A 1964 Porsche 356 SC on the road of the Targa Florio
at Cinisi, Sicily.

Staged as a speed race from 1906 to 1977 (with interruptions for both World Wars), multiple deaths and injuries forced a change for 1978. The Targa Florio went from an all-out race on open roads to a rally racing competition, with points for precision instead of just flat-out speed. But the tradition of traveling through small Sicilian towns and villages endured.

A 1971 Lancia Fulvia on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1954 Porsche 356 Speedster on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1962 Lancia Flaminia on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1954 Triumph TR2 on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1933 MG L Type on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1926 Amilcar CGSS on the road at the Targa Florio.

A 1959 Porsche 356 A Convertible on the road at the Targa Florio.

The true beauty of the Targa Florio is best seen on the open roads. Autumn thunderstorms and partly cloudy skies play equal parts in the competition, along with the spectacular Sicilian scenery.

1933 MG L driver Steve Clark in his dress uniform at the start of the Targa Florio.

A driver in a leather helmet takes a cell phone photo at the Targa Florio checkpoint in Cinisi, Sicily.

the Pergusa track at the Targa Florio. Bob Cullinan — A pause for a cell phone photo on the Pergusa track at the Targa Florio.

The team of Gianni Acciai and Susanna Peruzzi pose with their 1928 Chrysler 72 Deluxe at the old Floriopoli pit lane, on the route of the Targa Florio.

The cars are the stars of the Targa Florio, but like an opera without a conductor, these machines are nothing without the men and women behind the wheel. And the camera.

Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti prepares his 1965 Lotus Elan at the Targa Florio.

A fan photo with Dario Franchitti at the Targa Florio.

Indy Car champion Dario Franchitti buckles in to his 1965 Lotus Elan at the Targa Florio.

The most famous driver in this edition of the Targa Florio was very un-diva-like in his actions and activities. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time Indy Car champion Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti greeted every fan, posed for every selfie, and snapped a few of his own photos during his first time at this Italian classic.

We end this Italian production with a photo of the star and his chorus, the team that supported Signore Franchitti at the Targa Florio. Like a great Italian opera, these auto adventurers earned the right to take a bow for a job well done.

Bravo!