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33rd Historic Winton - Pierro Taruffi Print E-mail
Monday, 04 May 2009
 


The Great Pierro Taruffi

The age-old debate about who was the greatest Grand Prix driver of all time will rage on forever over famous names such as Nuvolari, Fangio, Moss, Ascari, Caracciola, Varzi, Clark, Stewart.

However, when it comes down to the finest all-rounder on both two wheels and four, there is more than a possibility that it would be Piero Taruffi who was born in Rome in 1906 and was acquainted with the late Lou Molina. 

His sheer versatility, dedication and determination were enough to keep him at the top from 1923 until 1957, when he retired just prior to his 51st birthday.  During that time, he competed in a total of 206 first class events on motor bikes and in the most desirable racing cars, finishing with 66 wins plus 44 minor placings; a remarkable achievement.

Taruffi raced Fiat, Itala, Maserati, Alfa, Bugatti, Cisitalia, Delage, ERA, Lancia, Ferrari, Cooper-Norton, Vanwall, Mercedes, Oldsmobile, Thinwall Special and Chevrolet cars as well as AJS, Guzzi, P & M Norton, Opra, Rondine and Gilera bikes.

In 1937, he became the world's fastest man on two wheels and claimed 53 international bike records during his long career.  He will also be remembered as the only driver who won a World Championship Grand Prix as well as the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia, which were long distance events.

Enzo Ferrari described Taruffi as 'the complete racing driver' and during his illustrious career, he raced against all of the legendary heroes, beating most of them at least once.  Taruffi died in 1988.

Who was the greatest?  The debate goes on and on as it is difficult to compare drivers from so many different eras, but Piero Taruffi stands tall amongst the long list of contenders.

   
 
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