Targa is a part of the motor racing legend
It was in 1906 that Vincenzo Florio, an Italian and passionate motoring patron, first held the famous Targa Florio race at the Madonie circuit in Italy.For over 70 years the biggest makes and the most famous drivers took part in this mythical race, creating the legend.
The winner was awarded the famous golden shield (Targa is an old Italian word for shield). Engraved by renowned French artist René Lalique, the shield showed a car racing against the background of the Siciilian countryside.In 1955, the race was included in the official world championship calendar, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monza Miglia races.
The same year, Juan Manuel Fangio came second in a Mercedes.
J. Claude Andruet and Gérard Larousse stood on the podium in 1973 and 1974 respectively
Loyal to the spirit of the race, Targa continues to cultivate the passion for racing
The Lyon-based company has been a forerunner in car customisation ever since it was founded in 1968, when customisation was not even heard of in France. Since then it has been selecting and manufacturing quality motoring accessories for over 35 years.One of its first resounding successes was the famous Targa "Alto" rim, used on the Dauphine, Renault 8 and other Alpines.
At the same time, the passion for racing has always existed within the company. This is particularly true of Targa's founder, J. Michel Martin, who has a remarkable racing record. Now former alpine skier Luc Alphand flies the Targa colours high on the track. He finished 7th overall and 1st of the private entries in a Corvette C6 R in the 2006 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and again finished among the leaders in the 2007 edition.
