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Achille Varzi

Robert Newman
Achille Varzi, at the wheel of his Alfa Romeo ÒAlfetta,Ó finished 1st in Heat 1 and 2nd in the final of the 1947 Swiss Grand Prix. Photo: McDonough Collection

Achille Varzi was the opposite of his capricious nemesis Tazio Nuvolari, who was steeped in instinctive talent. Varzi was a controlled, calculating driver, a ruthless opponent, ferocious in exploiting his adversaries’ weaknesses and was, of course, immensely fast. As a man, he could be charming, had a sardonic sense of humor and loved the finer things of life.

Varzi’s surgical driving style earned him victory in 16 Grands Prix, two Targa Florios, the Mille Miglia and three Italian motor racing championships driving for teams that included Scuderia Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Auto Union.

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