Among the cars taking part is the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 that Nanni Galli drove in the 1968 Targa Florio, alongside Italian driver Ignazio Giunti (chassis number 017, race number 186), to come second at the end of an intense race which the pairing had led for much of the time. When they crossed the finish line, they were convinced they had won: only Vic Elford, at the end of an incredibly fast lap, was able to deny the Italian team a victory that would have been as brilliant as it was unexpected. That same year, Ignazio Giunti finished fourth in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and fifth in the Nürburgring 1000km, aboard the same 2-litre Alfa Romeo.

Other entries include an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS and Healey Silverstone from 1950, an Arnolt Bristol Bolide and 1954 Porsche 356 Speedster, plus a 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS and 1955 Ferrari 250 GT.

Plenty of pre-War cars are also taking part – a 1926 Amilcar CGSS, 1927 Bugatti Type 37 and 1927 MG C-Type Midget, to name but three. Entries are open until midnight on 27 April.

Registration is also open for the Targa Florio’s Ferrari Tribute, a regularity challenge for Ferraris of any age, taking place before the main ‘classic’ run.

And, in these days of environmental concerns, let’s not forget the Eco Trophy – a competition purely for electric and hybrid cars that runs alongside the main Eco Targa Florio.

Photos: Rene PhotocollectionItaly / Fondazione Targa Florio