Ferrari
is this week mourning the passing of one of the most
celebrated gentleman drivers of the 1950s, Count
Giannino Marzotto, who won the legendary Mille Miglia
twice. He died aged 84.
Son of an industrialist, Marzotto was the epitome of the
well-dressed racer becoming famous in 1950 for driving a
Ferrari 195 S to victory in the epic Mille Miglia road
race wearing a double-breasted suit, complete with a
tie.He went on
to win the Mille Miglia for a second time in 1953 in a
340 MM spider bodied by Vignale in 10 hours 37 minutes
and 19 seconds meaning he established a new record
average speed, of over 142 km/h, since the race began in
1927. In winning the Mille Miglia, twice, along the way
he beat the greatest racing drivers of the day including
Fangio, Moss, Taruffi and Biondetti. On both occasions
he was accompanied by Marco Crosara.
Marzotto also came
fifth overall in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the
wheel of a Ferrari 340 MM berlinetta.
Enzo Ferrari in his book ‘Piloti, che gente’ had this to
say of Giannino: “He was an extremely quick driver; a
youngster with the character traits of Varzi in the way
he could coldly calculate and reason, as well as for his
seriousness and grit… Giannino would have been an
excellent professional driver – perhaps even a
champion.”
In later years his
competitive spirit was undiminished and following his
racing career he was involved in sports and hobbies
including motor boats and micro light aircraft.
Marzotto, who had three daughters, was born on 13th July
1928, passed away last Saturday, 14th July.
