Rome rediscovered, for a day, the allure of a forgotten yet pivotal chapter in its motorsport history. Around the Baths of Caracalla, in one of the capital’s most evocative settings, approximately forty historic cars brought to life the “number zero” of the Caracalla Circuit re-enactment, a preview of the 2027 event, which will mark the eightieth anniversary of the 1947 Rome Grand Prix.
An anniversary with special significance: on that very track, on May 25, 1947, Ferrari scored its first official victory. Franco Cortese drove the 125 S to victory, a result destined to become part of the Prancing Horse’s legend.
A circuit between history and archaeology
The Caracalla Circuit’s course was nearly 3.5 kilometers long and ran along the famous Roman archaeological promenade, encompassing the monumental area of the Baths of Caracalla. A technical and spectacular course, featuring straights, ups and downs, and challenging curves, it was capable of testing both manpower and machinery at the time.
The re-enactment brought the historic automobile back to a unique urban context, where sporting memory intertwines with the city’s archaeological and cultural heritage. A dialogue between different eras, yet united by the same ability to excite.
Towards the 80th anniversary in 2027
The initiative was born from the passion of Francesco Congiu, president of the Roman club “La Manovella,” and Riccardo Sciullo, president of the cultural association “Scuderia dell’AutoNobile.” The goal is clear: to bring attention to a circuit that deserves a permanent place in the memory of Italian motorsport, paving the way for the grand commemoration of its eightieth anniversary.
The project has attracted interest from institutions and organizations associated with historic motorsports, confirming the initiative’s cultural value and the desire to transform the Caracalla Circuit into a key event for enthusiasts, collectors, and the public.
From pre-war to modern icons
The day brought together cars dating from 1930 to 1992, offering a diverse and fascinating overview. Among the highlights were numerous Lancias, Alfa Romeos, and Fiats, alongside brands such as Austin, Cisitalia, Ford, MG, and Packard.
Naturally, the Ferraris, symbolically linked to the history of the circuit itself, could not be missing. Among the most popular exhibits were a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta short wheelbase, capable of ideally bringing the temperament of the great racing grand tourers to the road, and a 1996 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, displayed in Ferrari Red with a manual transmission. Completing the picture was a 1990 Mondial T Cabriolet serving as the safety car.
The queens of the day
Among the most admired cars, two took on the role of true symbolic protagonists: the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider Aprile and the Cisitalia 202 Sport Mille Miglia “Spyder Nuvolari”.
The first, a unique example belonging to the Lopresto Collection, was originally an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 with a Zagato body, and was later redesigned in 1938 by Giuseppe Aprile with contributions from Mario Revelli di Beaumont. A car with an extraordinary history, it has already won awards at the most important international concours events.
The Cisitalia 202 SMM, on the other hand, directly evokes the legend of Tazio Nuvolari. Its history is linked to the 1947 Mille Miglia, when the Mantua-born driver, despite a technical problem during the race, managed to finish second overall and first in his class. From that feat, the name “Spyder Nuvolari” was born, which has become an integral part of the Cisitalia legend.
Technique, elegance and passion
There was no shortage of pieces of great technical and stylistic interest. Among them, the 1952 Siata Daina Sport, a car created for road racing and equipped with unique solutions such as the dual gearshift, designed to optimize gear use in hillclimbs.
Alongside the dynamic vehicles, the static exhibition highlighted highly elegant models, such as the 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible and the 1962 Lancia Flaminia 2500 Coupé Pininfarina, testimonies to an unrepeatable season of Italian automotive design.
Among the curiosities is the ARS U1, a one-of-a-kind car designed in the early 1960s by engineer Giulio Pasquali Coluzzi and bodied by Officine Patriarca. A rare and little-known vehicle, it was powered by a 1500 cc engine built by the Giannini Brothers, capable of developing 130 hp and reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.
A memory that looks forward
The response from the Roman public confirmed the initiative’s potential. Along the route and in the exhibition area, enthusiasts and onlookers enthusiastically followed the cars’ passage, bringing to life a place that is not only part of the city’s history, but also that of Italian motoring.