About 16 years ago I loaned one of my art history professors my tape of Mountain Legend. He had gotten one of his degrees in Florence and taught there, but had spent a lot of time in Sicily. He had been over there in the mid sixties. After watching the film of the 1965 Targa Florio he thanked me a lot and said he and his wife were in happy tears seeing and hearing all the sights and sounds of a place they held so dearly in their hearts.

That's pretty much what I experienced this morning. Those people standing roadside look like my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to me. Hearing the PA announcer speaking true Sicilian was very nice indeed.
The other day it was about 72 degrees but with balmy humidity. I swear I could smell Sicily in the air. It's been three years since I visited.

Back on topic----- the race had to be stopped I suppose but what a race.


Vaccarella giving the Malocchio to disbelievers.

One of the greats of the true road race era.

That "Speed Merchants" vid is one of the best ever on the Targa. It isn't until later in the film, when Vic talks about Helmut Marko's charge, thet you get a glimpse into what an insane race that was. To my eye, there's tons of great footage preceding it, but when you see the 312PB and the 33TT/2 go flying through Campofelice you really get an idea of the speeds they were carrying straight through these old towns. Beautifully insane stuff.

The entire Speed Merchants film is just stellar, though of course for me, the Targa bits are that extra bit special. But really, it's a fine film with a lot of insightful stuff at the big classics, especially Sebring, the Targa Florio, and Le Mans. The part where Vic Elford talks about Jo Bonnier's crash is really heavy, and heartfelt. A top top movie.


Between The Speed Merchants and Mountain Legend, one has a lot of important racing history at one's disposal. Throw in "Nine Days in Summer" about Lotus 1967 season, and you've got a trilogy of the great era in racing.

Ford Galaxy(s) vs. Lotus-Ford Cortinas at the Crystal Palace.


Dig the soundtrack, daddy-o!

Not a true road race, as this is a circuit, but this is one of the all time great finishes of an Italian GP ever!!!

(I remember watching it that year and just being so utterly amazed!)


I'm so happy this is finally you the tube so I can share it with you all. It wasn't up there for a long time!

Cool interview with one of the greats.


While we're on the subject of Derek Bell...

^^ Very very awesome.