Is The Targa Florio Classic The Most Tasteful Rally On Earth?

Photography by Rosario Liberti

Each year during Italy’s Targa Florio, two distinct classes of vehicles are entered. One group of cars gets to go really quickly, while the other group is going slowly enough to be given cookies by Sicilian grandmothers.

The fastest and most challenging is the speeds-will-approach-180 mph Historic Speed portion of the Targa Florio, where a select group of drivers—Jacky Ickx included—had well-prepared racing machines at their disposal. It’s a glimpse at what the race was, and how it once turned the entire of Sicily into a race track. (We covered Historic Speed in detail here.)

Our founder Afshin entered the Classic group, and his account of the tour is arguably no less exciting than the faster cars. A regularity rally relies on long-distance driving, navigation, mechanical aptitude, and other relatable skills for a team and car to finish well.

We followed this class closely, and as you can see, it’s a bit more relaxed. Relaxed enough, in fact, for our “editorial support” car, the lovely 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulietta (thanks, FCA!) to tag along on the route alongside Afshin’s 1957 example.

If you’re into amazing scenery, narrow streets, and older women handing out freshly-baked goods, this is probably the event to enter. Drive tastefully, right?