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from 1937 to the early seventies, using stock cars
customized for racing. the cars that won “best
of show” in this 18th edition were a 1934 Maserati
“8cm” and a Ferrari “500 Mondial”, which
competed in the Mille Miglia road race in 1955.
a porsche “935 Fabcar” (1982) took the “spirit
of Motoring” trophy, and the “ladies trophy”
went to a 1951 Ferrari “212 berlinetta le Mans”
owned by paolo Casella. special mention to the
little 1937 siata “636 grand sport”, which was reproduced
on the program as the official symbol
of this edition. the drivers included the former
prime Minister of belgium, guy Verhofstadta, behind
the wheel of a 1959 elva “sport Mark iii”.
while today’s event is a suggestive parade, with
gentlemen enthusiasts at the wheel, the original
Castell’arquato-Vernasca road race was run from
1953 to 1972. the circuit was 9.775 km long, half
flat and half uphill, with 34 turns and gradients
of up to 10%. the inaugural edition featured 40
vehicles, and the number rose to more than 100
within a few years.
yesterday there were winners and losers, but
today everyone can uncork the bubbly, thanks
to Maison Veuve Clicquot, the event’s official
Champagne, with its Veuve Clicquot Fridge, a tip
of the hat to the vintage auto world.
www.vernascasilverflag.it
aMong the Cars
illUstrated, at leFt a 1926
“fiat 501 s” and aboVe a 1960
“stanGuellini f. junior”.
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