Go Nuvolari

This powerful piece of sculpture features Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 8C-35, a race car he drove to victory many times.
Nuvolari a legend in his own lifetime, was known as Montavani Volante, the Flying Mantuan. He epitomised courage and daring and for 30 years he amazed the racing world with his exploits on both two and four wheels. He was born November 18, 1892, in Casteldrio near Mantua. His uncle Giuseppe was a Bianchi dealer and introduced his nephew to motor sports.

Nuvolari began racing cars in 1924 at the age of 32 and signed on with Alfa Romeo in 1929. By 1933 he had scored many victories but became estranged from the team manager Enzo Ferrari and left for Maserati. In 1935 he was induced to return to Alfa Romeo and scored one of his greatest victories at the Nurburgring. Driving an obsolete Alfa against the might of the German nation. He drove at the ragged edge and sometimes over it. His relentless pursuit caused the lead Mercedes to retire with a blown tire and he cruised to victory in front of a large gathering of Nazi party officials.

More than 50,000 people attended his funeral in 1953. Enzo Ferrari arriving in Mantua stopped at a plumber's shop to ask for directions. Seeing the Modena license plates and unaware of the identity of the driver, the workman murmured, "Thank you for coming. A man like that won't be born again."