Here is a truly classic photograph of the great Tazio Nuvolari near the end of his famous career. He is driving a Ferrari 125 Sport in the Coppa Luigi Arcangeli on the street circuit called the Circuito di Forli on July 6, 1947. This race for cars with a 1500 cc limit was run over 35 laps of the Forli circuit with a total distance of 59 km. Forli is located about 10 miles southwest of Ravenna which is on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
This 125 Sport was one of Ferrari’s earliest cars, possibly chassis number 02C, which appeared in various body configurations during the period 1947-49. These bodies were all made in-house at Ferrari. After all, in its early years Ferrari discarded nothing, but rather engaged in endless modifications to and updating of its initial cars. This often included changes in type designation, engine size, bodywork and even chassis number, the latter allowing a possible future sale as a “new” car. Here is another photo of Nuvolari during this race. This race at Forli was another victory for Nuvolari and one of several first year wins for the Scuderia Ferrari. For this race Nuvolari returned to his prewar associatiion with the Scuderia, replacing Franco Cortese who had driven the 125 Sport with success in its initial races of 1947. By this time Nuvolari was in declining health from a lung condition but would continue to race in a limited way for a few more years.
Photos from the Archivio Corrado Millanta ©The Klemantaski Collection – http://www.klemcoll.com
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