Circuito di Milano poster – Gran Premio d’Italia – 1930 Italian Grand Prix – Romano Di Massa
The Circuito di Milano poster… a Holy Grail of early Motorsport
Among the most coveted pieces of motorsport memorabilia, the Circuito di Milano poster stands as a testament to the artistry and passion of the 1930s. Its vibrant imagery and bold typography transport viewers back to the Parco Reale di Monza, where the drama of the race unfolded. With only five original copies known to exist, this poster is a rarity, a treasure that encapsulates the excitement of the 1930 Italian Grand Prix.
The 1930 Monza Grand Prix: A Battle of Titans
The Gran Premio D’Italia also known as the 1930 Monza Grand Prix, effectively the Circuito di Milano race, was a spectacle of speed and skill. Held on September 7th, 1930, the event featured a series of heats, a repêchage, and a thrilling 35-lap final. The race attracted a star-studded lineup of drivers from Italy, France, Germany, the USA, and Switzerland, all vying for glory behind the wheels of iconic marques like Maserati, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, and more.
The competition was fierce, with sixteen cars taking to the starting line. The race was divided into heats based on engine capacity, ranging from 1100cc to over 3000cc, ensuring a diverse and exciting contest. Maserati emerged as the dominant force, securing first, second, third, and fifth positions in the final. Achille Varzi, driving a Maserati 26M, clinched victory, completing the 35 laps in a remarkable 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 46.2 seconds. His teammate, Luigi Arcangeli, finished a mere 0.2 seconds behind, followed by Ernesto Maserati in a Maserati V4, completing the podium sweep.
From Heats to Heartbreak: The Race Unfolds
The 1930 Monza Grand Prix was a series of intense races. The first heat, for 2000cc cars, saw Etancelin triumph in a Bugatti, followed by von Morgen and Minozzi, also in Bugattis. The 3000cc heat witnessed a fierce battle, with Arcangeli leading the charge in his Maserati, followed closely by Borzacchini in an Alfa Romeo. The heat for cars over 3000cc was dominated by Ernesto Maserati in his powerful 16-cylinder machine.
The repêchage allowed Nuvolari and Campari, both driving Alfa Romeos, to advance to the final, adding another layer of excitement. The 1100cc voiturette race saw Premoli in a Salmson take the checkered flag.
The final race was a nail-biting affair. Arcangeli initially held the lead, but the race was marred by tire failures, forcing the withdrawal of the Alfa Romeos. Varzi, after a pit stop setback, launched a relentless comeback, overtaking Caracciola, Etancelin, and Minozzi. His determination paid off as he dramatically overtook Ernesto Maserati and then his teammate Arcangeli, winning by a mere fifth of a second. This victory, immortalised in the legend of the Circuito di Milano poster, stands as one of Varzi’s greatest achievements.
The Circuito di Milano poster is more than just a piece of art; it’s a historical document that captures the spirit of a golden age of motor racing. It serves as a reminder of the skill, bravery, and passion of the drivers who competed in the 1930 Monza Grand Prix, a race that continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
What does the Circuito di Milano poster say?
The text on the Circuito di Milano poster reads Nel parco reale di Monza. Sabato 6 Settembre 1e Campionato Motociclistico d’Europa. Domenica 7 Gran Premio d’Italia (Automobili). Lire 100,000 di Premi in Dinaro.Nazioni iscrive America, Francia, Germania, Inghilterra, Italia. Eccezionali Ribassi Ferroviari.Nel parco reale di Monza.
It explains, that the weekend of motor racing at the Monza Circuit, featured both motorcycle and automobile races, with the Italian Grand Prix as the main attraction. It emphasises the international participation, the significant prize money, and the ease of access via discounted railway travel.
How much is an original Circuito di Milano poster by Aldo Mazza worth?
Due to their rarity, historical significance, and artistic value, original Circuito di Milano posters by Aldo Mazza are considered highly valuable, and their worth can reach considerable sums. One such poster fetched a staggering £22,500 at auction in 2013, highlighting its historical and artistic significance.
However, for those captivated by the artistry and spirit of these iconic posters, we offer a compelling alternative. Our high-quality reproduction posters are carefully crafted to capture the essence of Mazza’s original artwork, ensuring a truly authentic look. These reproductions provide a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, displayed proudly, without the prohibitive cost of an original. Allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful posters. Order your repro Circuito di Milano poster today.
