Ciccio
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Ciccio
Some of you will remember the Targa Florio thread from 2016 when James and I drove with two friends to Sicily with a dual quest to find information and immerse ourselves in the history of that motor race in such a wonderful place. Despite packing in lots of visits, drives through the fantastic mountain roads on the old course, visiting the pits at Cerda and the museums and meeting some terrific personalities of the race itself there was one small omission on the trip which I immediately regretted as soon as we turned to drive home. I forgot to visit the workshop of Ciccio. What made it worse was that Brendan and I walked past his workshop in Cefalu twice and still forgot to pop in for a look! It was such a regret that I vowed to go back one day and make it a priority to see this relatively unknown part of Porsche racing history. Unfortunately it is now too late as I learn of his passing this New Year. Another small piece of the TF history has sadly disappeared.
Ciccio was a local Sicilian shoemaker and before he was asked to help out Vic Elford among others I believe he had not made a racing shoe but his new improvised comfortable racing shoe was soon regarded as the best available and he eventually designed, custom fitted and supplied most of the top drivers with their racing shoes. There was a high regard for the man and his craft.
Here is Ciccio on the right next to Armando Floridia (1976 TF winner) outside his workshop in Cefalu.
Some of his creations and a view of the town of Cefalu and it’s beach. What a great place to work!
regions hours
Armando’s own Ciccio racing shoes
There are other images and information online for anyone wanting to know more about how he crafted his shoes. It’s another remarkable small piece of the story of Porsche racing history.
RIP.
Regards
Mike
Ciccio was a local Sicilian shoemaker and before he was asked to help out Vic Elford among others I believe he had not made a racing shoe but his new improvised comfortable racing shoe was soon regarded as the best available and he eventually designed, custom fitted and supplied most of the top drivers with their racing shoes. There was a high regard for the man and his craft.
Here is Ciccio on the right next to Armando Floridia (1976 TF winner) outside his workshop in Cefalu.
Some of his creations and a view of the town of Cefalu and it’s beach. What a great place to work!
regions hours
Armando’s own Ciccio racing shoes
There are other images and information online for anyone wanting to know more about how he crafted his shoes. It’s another remarkable small piece of the story of Porsche racing history.
RIP.
Regards
Mike
_____________________________
73 RS (Sold)
67 S
Mint T (Sold)
996 Turbo (Sold)
73 2.4E (home after 25 years) and Sold again
73T targa (signal yellow project)
1953 Vauxhall Velox
914/6
1963 356B
https://www.mybespokeroom.com/
73 RS (Sold)
67 S
Mint T (Sold)
996 Turbo (Sold)
73 2.4E (home after 25 years) and Sold again
73T targa (signal yellow project)
1953 Vauxhall Velox
914/6
1963 356B
https://www.mybespokeroom.com/
Re: Ciccio
I’ll be honest and say I hadn’t heard of him before. Always fascinating to read and learn about these stories and people. Thanks for posting MIke
James
1973 911 2.4S
1993 964 C2
2010 987 Spyder
1973 MGB Roadster
Its not how fast you go, but how you go fast
1973 911 2.4S
1993 964 C2
2010 987 Spyder
1973 MGB Roadster
Its not how fast you go, but how you go fast
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Re: Ciccio
Yes James, a little known but fascinating piece of Sicilian Porsche history. Every pair hand made from a template of the drivers feet to ensure a perfect fit.
Regards
Mike
Regards
Mike
_____________________________
73 RS (Sold)
67 S
Mint T (Sold)
996 Turbo (Sold)
73 2.4E (home after 25 years) and Sold again
73T targa (signal yellow project)
1953 Vauxhall Velox
914/6
1963 356B
https://www.mybespokeroom.com/
73 RS (Sold)
67 S
Mint T (Sold)
996 Turbo (Sold)
73 2.4E (home after 25 years) and Sold again
73T targa (signal yellow project)
1953 Vauxhall Velox
914/6
1963 356B
https://www.mybespokeroom.com/
- Bootsy
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Re: Ciccio
Fascinating. Thanks for posting
1972 911T | 1994 993 Carrera | 1999 986 Boxster | 1990 T25 Camper
Vintage Heuer, Omega, Zenith and other vintage watches - http://www.heuerheritage.co.uk
Vintage Heuer, Omega, Zenith and other vintage watches - http://www.heuerheritage.co.uk
Re: Ciccio
I heard about him about 10 years ago, some great stories told and probably lots more that have passed with him. Lots on line about his exploits. RIP.
The force is strong in this one ......
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- Nurse, I think I need some assistance
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Ciccio
Pretty sure I saw a YouTube video on him a few years ago
https://youtu.be/WwaV4d0Ic6M
And also
https://youtu.be/oJPinnX5vH4
https://youtu.be/WwaV4d0Ic6M
And also
https://youtu.be/oJPinnX5vH4
The simple things you see are all complicated
I look pretty young but I'm just backdated yeah
I look pretty young but I'm just backdated yeah
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Re: Ciccio
This was sad news indeed. He was certainly a legend, especially for drivers of a certain era.
On one of my first trips to Sicily almost 20 years ago, I ended up sat at the same table as him at an awards dinner.
But I didn't dare enquire how much a pair of his shoes might cost!
Wish I'd taken the opportunity to ask him more about his experiences, 'tis ever thus...
On one of my first trips to Sicily almost 20 years ago, I ended up sat at the same table as him at an awards dinner.
But I didn't dare enquire how much a pair of his shoes might cost!
Wish I'd taken the opportunity to ask him more about his experiences, 'tis ever thus...
James
'87 R4 GTL Clan
'74 914/6 3.0 Texas GT
'73 911 2.7 RS Replica LHD
'72 911 2.4 E RHD (Sold)
'87 R4 GTL Clan
'74 914/6 3.0 Texas GT
'73 911 2.7 RS Replica LHD
'72 911 2.4 E RHD (Sold)