 (25 june 2012) Bentley, Jaguar, Alvis, Frazer Nash, Cooper, Aston Martin, AC, Lotus: all brands that have made car history. During the weekend of 16 June, these English thoroughbreds are parked centrally in the village of Castell'Arquato where the annual Vernasca Silver Flag is being driven. With more than 100 British cars on the start grid, the organizers have succeeded in turning the event’s theme into a success.
Yet it is a Ferrari that steals the show. The New Zealander Warren De France turns up with the 166 MM with a body by Scaglietti. This sports car had originally a body by Touring, but after an accident, the Modena based coach repairer provided it with a new body in 1953. It was Scaglietti’s first masterpiece for Ferrari and marked the beginning of years of collaboration and trust. The car just returned from the Ferrari Classiche department in Maranello and it’ll probably take years before we can admire this 166 MM once more in Europe.
Some 190 participants turn up to climb the hill from Castell'Arquato Vernasca 3 times. Every 30 seconds, a car hits the road, burning rubber on the road. Despite the beautiful weather, fewer spectators attended this year’s edition of the event. Maybe the earthquakes that were also clearly felt over here, explain this scarce concourse. But also this year, show time is assured and we curiously look forward to next year’s theme.
by Roeland Frère |