Ciccio

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210bhp
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Ciccio

Post by 210bhp »

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.

Image

Some of his creations and a view of the town of Cefalu and it’s beach. What a great place to work!

Imageregions hours

Armando’s own Ciccio racing shoes
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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
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hot66
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Re: Ciccio

Post by hot66 »

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 8)
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210bhp
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Re: Ciccio

Post by 210bhp »

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.


Image

Regards
Mike
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Bootsy
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Re: Ciccio

Post by Bootsy »

Fascinating. Thanks for posting
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yoda
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Re: Ciccio

Post by yoda »

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.
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sladey
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Ciccio

Post by sladey »

Pretty sure I saw a YouTube video on him a few years ago

https://youtu.be/WwaV4d0Ic6M

And also

https://youtu.be/oJPinnX5vH4
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23e Heure
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Re: Ciccio

Post by 23e Heure »

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...
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