For many years, L’Imperial Classic had a dream of Sicily – to organise a rally taking in the mythical Targa Florio route which so many racing fans have yearned to drive at least once in their lifetime. L’Imperial Classic offered this dream to a privileged few, taking in this legendary road, filled with history and prestigious prizes.
The route was completely new. These passionate drivers were seduced by this refined, sporty and user friendly rally, which was full of thrills for even the most experienced drivers and co-drivers. This 10 day tour took the participants away from the beaten track, into Sicily’s most remote villages on a journey not just driven by speed but by the idea of “seize the day” and celebrating the art of life.
After leaving Naples by ferry, the teams arrived in Palermo, and then followed a breathtaking loop via Caltagirone, Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna, and Castelbuono. Amazing panoramic views, vertiginous hillsides and steep roads were accompanied everywhere by the smiles and kindness of the local people.
A unique and extraordinary route
The amazing landscapes of Sicily have not just attracted the participants in this journey. Sicily’s rich thousand year history has been marked the Greeks, Phoenicians and Arabs, whose influence can be seen everywhere. As always, L’Imperial Classic’s programme combined style (4 or 5 star suites throughout the trip) with cultural visits and local gastronomy in colourful family restaurants.
On arrival, all participants were welcomed at Monreale overlooking the Sicilian capital, with a visit to old Palermo. The next day saw our first exploration of the Targa Florio circuit.
Sunny skies made for a joyful atmosphere, with so many discoveries ahead of us: Taormina in the north east, Sicily’s best known seaside resort which overlooks the Ionian Sea; Syracuse in the south with its’ many archaeological sites; and Ragusa, left on a pinnacle after the earthquake of 1693. At every stage we had a different view of Mount Etna – and climbing the north face of Europe’s largest active volcano in a 4x4 was agreed by everyone to be a high point.
The culmination of our stay was a visit to the Museum of the Targa Florio in Collesano, followed by an elegant festive dinner at sea while on board the ferry which returned us all to Naples.
Download the full record of the rally
This is the opportunity to reflect on a very unusual journey.
L’Impérial Classic is the only French company to offer vintage car rallies worldwide, combining not only speed but also the art of living and passion for cars.
These rallies, each centred on an exceptional destination, offer splendour, sophistication and true French style and elegance. These watchwords go hand in hand with the quality and originality of the hospitality on offer.
L’Impérial Classic could be nothing other than top of the range, and is today a major player in the vintage rally world. It combines receptions and private visits, fascinating spectacles in unique sites with tailor-made organisation, providing travel through sumptuous countries to explore culture and hitherto undiscovered sights.
L’Impérial Classic retains its fundamental principles, the guarantee of its success and its trademark : unique routes, precise preparation and « haute couture » style, trips which offer each participating team the chance to live their dream.
As a new decade dawns for l’Impérial Classic two outstanding new projects have been announced (the South Africa in 2016 and the end of the world : New Zealand in 2017).