We are in post-war Italy. The end of a disastrous war is fresh, the foundations are being laid for the economic boom of the 1960s. Massive motorization of the country is starting. The television of those years tells us of a country still poor but strongly determined to push towards modernity. In every sphere, moral, social, industrial, you can breathe the effervescence of a nation in full rebirth. In those years of apparent confusion, the car was a primary element in Italians’ fantasies and dreams. Brands that have become legends battle each other looking for the affirmation of ideas, intuitions, experimental technologies. In other words, we are faced with the expression of Italic genius in one of the most lively and proactive periods of recent history. Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati represent the absolute excellence of creative and industrial ability. Apparently crazy and futuristic projects were born in that period and still today they are a milestone for technical choices shared in the world. The fascination of the car race rises to a new symbol of modernity. Affirmation and success summarize the impossible challenge: the confrontation between man, machine, speed. The maximum exaltation of risk continues in the wake opened by pre-war pilots: Varzi, Borzacchini, Campari, Nuvolari … just to mention the icons of a world that was trying to move the bar higher than possible. In this context, in 1954, a race against time was organized between Florence and Siena. The Florence-Siena Cup is won by Castellotti. First level professional driver, driving a Lancia D24. An exceptional vehicle for the time.

Route: Via Cassia Florence-Siena
Total distance : 70Km
Winner’s time : 32’08 ”1
Average speed : 130kmh