Reviews
Topic

Reviews

Targa Florio DVD Review: A Sicillian Dream

The Targa Florio has gone down in history as one of the most evocative motorsport events in history, an epic challenge through spectacular Sicilian scenery

In this DVD, documentary-makers Francesco da Mosto and Alain de Cadenet retrace the past of the Targa Florio, an event that ran from 1906 through 1977 and became revered as one of motorsport's most iconic races, the gruelling spectacle enhanced by the romantic setting.

Buy A Sicilian Dream

Part-documentary, part dramatic-retelling, the latter helps tell the story of the young, wealthy and motorsport-obsessed Vincenzo Florio, a charismatic figure who founded an event that would run for 70 years and had an everlasting effect on the island communities after its demise.

These dramatic retellings are also used to highlight some of the major moments through Targa Florio's history, redolently bringing the event back to life.

Watch as Da Mosto and De Cadenet take the reins of the latter's classic Alfa, re-tracing the route of the twisting and turning course that used the dramatic roads of the Sicilian landscape.

Meet some of the locals who regale them with tales of a bygone era - such as the story of when Baroness Maria Antonietta d'Avanzo arranged for Enzo Ferrari to be locked in a lift for 10 hours after he treacherously swapped components on their respective cars.

The Targa Florio's status grew, becoming less an exercise for enthusiasts but more a major marketing tool for manufacturers, turning it from a Sicilian affair to a worldwide spectacle, a "celebration of motorsport in the purest sense".

For both presenters, there is a personal element to the story, with Da Mosto having grown up idolising the Targa Florio, and De Cadenet having survived a ferocious accident in 1971.

An emotional De Cadenet vividly retells the story of the accident, aided by a dramatic re-telling, and the input of the son of the man who saved his life.

Featuring classic machinery, evocative stories and spectacular vistas, this documentary about one of motorsport's most theatrical but sadly defunct event is not to be missed.

A Sicilian Dream is available to buy on Duke Video's official website for £16.99.

shares
comments

The hidden tool that F1 engineers rely on

Review: How It Was DVD highlights Formula 1's iconic moments

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Kevin Turner

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

How a timely change of chassis transformed Formula 3 forever

How a timely change of chassis transformed Formula 3 forever

Plus
Plus
BF3
Marcus Simmons

How a timely change of chassis transformed Formula 3 forever How a timely change of chassis transformed Formula 3 forever

The 2022 Autosport Awards winner using Esports as a launchpad

The 2022 Autosport Awards winner using Esports as a launchpad

Plus
Plus
General
2022 Autosport Awards
Alex Kalinauckas

The 2022 Autosport Awards winner using Esports as a launchpad The 2022 Autosport Awards winner using Esports as a launchpad

The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right

The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right

Plus
Plus
General
Gary Watkins

The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right

Porsche’s hopeful Le Mans future meets its illustrious past

Porsche’s hopeful Le Mans future meets its illustrious past

Plus
Plus
Historics
Gary Watkins

Porsche’s hopeful Le Mans future meets its illustrious past Porsche’s hopeful Le Mans future meets its illustrious past

Why romanticism isn't the key factor in Lola’s racing return

Why romanticism isn't the key factor in Lola’s racing return

Plus
Plus
General
Gary Watkins

Why romanticism isn't the key factor in Lola’s racing return Why romanticism isn't the key factor in Lola’s racing return

Rating the best drivers of the century so far

Rating the best drivers of the century so far

Plus
Plus
General
Kevin Turner

Rating the best drivers of the century so far Rating the best drivers of the century so far

The best motorsport moments of 2021

The best motorsport moments of 2021

Plus
Plus
General
Autosport Staff

The best motorsport moments of 2021 The best motorsport moments of 2021

Subscribe