Published on: 06/04/2017 Updated on: 20/02/2025

MA-FRA Returns to the roads of myth with the 101st edition of the "Targa Florio"

The oldest automobile race in the world, the Targa Florio, enters its second century of history at full throttle. More than ever faithful to the philosophy of its creator, Vincenzo Florio, who on May 6, 1906 kicked off the first edition of "a Cursa" expressing a precise will: "continue my work because I created it to challenge time." And the challenge continues. Because, after a period of ups and downs, we can certainly say that the "Targa" has returned to its former glory with the fantastic centennial edition staged last year. An edition that drew a large number of fans, as well as many champions who in the past have signed the victory or otherwise have been protagonists of the rainbow "Targa" and who returned to the wheel of the cars of the time performing in the "Historic Speed," the parade of champions . But above all, it attracted a great many spectators, because just uttering the name of "a Cursa" is enough to make the hearts of all Sicilians beat faster, who both in the center of Palermo and along the route embraced the roaring caravan in a warm embrace.

Unforgettable moments for all who experienced them in person. And because MAFRA was there, with its stand right in Verdi Square where the staff of the Milanese company could touch the contagious enthusiasm of the very large audience, it did not want to miss the appointment with the edition of the new century, as main sponsor.

Certainly a prestigious pairing, but driven above all by the great passion that animates the entire MAFRA team, under the impetus of the passionate owners who personally are always looking for the evolution of their products, directly testing technical innovations on their vintage cars before launching them on the market. From this spasmodic search for excellence was born the Labocosmetica line, dedicated to detailing. Products that guarantee results of absolute excellence, both for professionals and ordinary users. Results that all enthusiasts present in Piazza Verdi will be able to personally verify thanks to the polishing and soft detailing demonstrations that will be performed by detailers thanks to the new #Labocosmetica line . And to complete the choreography, in front of the Teatro Massimo, there will of course be no shortage of glamorous MAFRA misses, strictly in 1960s dresses. The contestants, on the other hand, will be able to count on the products offered in the MAFRA welcome kit, which they have already come to appreciate: including the wax Last Touch with corresponding microfiber cloth, to easily polish their classic cars before each test. In addition, each crew will have a cleaning kit consisting of: 3-in-1 Plastics Treatment, to revive and keep the car's plastics shiny, Glass Cleaner, for cleaning windows and glass, and HP12, specific degreaser for difficult dirt.

This year MAFRA will also be involved in racing with its own car. A 1954 Porsche 356 Pre A, which, in addition to boasting participation in races on some of the most prestigious circuits (including, Le Mans, Spa, Nurburgring, Monza) is linked to the history of the Targa Florio, with a crew composed of driver-journalist Eugenio Mosca, who will tell fans of Automobilismo d'Epoca and the web about the emotions directly from the cockpit, and Simone Tacconi, grandson of that Giulio Foresti who participated in the 1920s in five editions of "a Cursa."

Emotions that will certainly not be lacking, because the 101th edition of the "Targa" presents a richer plate than ever, with as many as three competitions packed into the same weekend: "Targa Florio Rally" e "Targa Florio Historic Rally", both valid as the third round of the respective Italian Championship, and the "Targa Florio Classic" with the "Ferrari Tribute to Targa Florio," an appointment of the Italian Major Events Championship reserved for the great experts of Regularity who combine the challenge to the chronometer with the touristic aspect, thanks to a route that this year will once again take competitors to discover some of the most evocative places in Sicily. The first stage, on Thursday, April 20, after the spectacular start between two wings of the crowd from the central Piazza Verdi, will see the competitors touch the shores of the Ionian Sea, passing through two pearls such as Taormina and Giardini Naxos before returning to Palermo. The second stage is dedicated to the three versions of the "Circuito delle Madonie," on the legendary roads of the "Big," "Medium" and "Small" circuit, touching the most significant municipalities in the history of the "Targa" in Speed version. The third stage will go as far as the province of Trapani, where to admire some of the archaeological and artistic treasures of the Sicilian island, while the final stage, on Sunday, April 23, will return in front of the Teatro Massimo for the finish. In short, a four days of passion, on all levels: with the sporting challenge, the spectacle of the places and historic sites visited, all imbued with the elegance of Palermo's historic buildings and the exclusive cars that will be the stars of the event.