Michael Mann’s 2023 film Ferrari brought to the forefront the dramatic life of Enzo Ferrari and the pivotal 1957 Mille Miglia race, particularly highlighting the devastating crash involving Alfonso De Portago. This Spanish nobleman and sportsman’s fatal accident not only ended his life but also marked a dark turning point in motorsport history. Adam Driver’s portrayal of Enzo Ferrari and the film’s realistic depiction of the crash have reignited interest in the events and figures surrounding this tragedy, especially the story of Alfonso de Portago, a driver whose life was as fast-paced and thrilling as his racing career. The movie, currently streaming on Hulu, offers viewers a glimpse into this era of racing, but the true story of de Portago is even more compelling.
Alfonso de Portago: From Steeplechase to Scuderia Ferrari
Alfonso Antonio Vicente Eduardo Angel Blas Francisco de Borja Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton, Marquis of Portago, known simply as Alfonso de Portago, was more than just a race car driver. Born into Spanish nobility, his early sporting pursuits were varied and successful, ranging from polo to bobsleigh, even representing Spain in the Winter Olympics. However, it was his passion for speed and automobiles that truly defined him. De Portago’s charisma and daring nature quickly made him a favorite among fans and within racing circles.
His entry into the world of Ferrari came relatively quickly after he began seriously pursuing motorsport. Enzo Ferrari, always with an eye for talent and perhaps a bit of flair, recognized de Portago’s potential. The 1957 Mille Miglia was to be de Portago’s most significant race for Ferrari, a grueling 1,000-mile event across Italy. This race was not just a test of машины and skill; it was a perilous undertaking that traversed public roads at terrifying speeds. The stakes were incredibly high, and for de Portago, they would prove to be tragically so.
Alfonso de Portago, portrayed by Gabriel Leone, in the movie Ferrari, capturing the intensity of a race car driver.
The 1957 Mille Miglia Disaster: De Portago’s Fatal Crash
The 1957 Mille Miglia is remembered for its beauty and brutality. As depicted in Ferrari, the race was marred by a horrific incident that changed racing forever. Near the town of Guidizzolo, just kilometers from the finish line, Alfonso de Portago’s Ferrari 335 S suffered a catastrophic tire blowout at high speed. The exact cause of the blowout was later attributed to a worn “cat’s eye” reflector on the road, a small but ultimately lethal piece of debris.
The consequences were immediate and devastating. De Portago, along with his co-driver Edmund Nelson, was killed instantly. Tragically, their out-of-control Ferrari careened into the crowd lining the route, claiming the lives of nine spectators, including five children. Eleven lives were lost in total, marking it as one of the deadliest accidents in motorsport history. This catastrophic event brought the Mille Miglia, a race already criticized for its dangers, to an abrupt and permanent end in its traditional format.
The sheer scale of the tragedy sent shockwaves through Italy and the racing world. Public outrage was immense, and fingers pointed at Enzo Ferrari and the inherent risks of races like the Mille Miglia. The incident cast a long shadow over Ferrari and its founder, adding personal and legal battles to the already immense pressure Enzo Ferrari was facing in his professional and personal life, as shown in the film Ferrari.
Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari in the film Ferrari, depicting the complex emotions of the legendary carmaker.
The Haunting “Kiss of Death” Photograph
Moments before the fateful final leg of the 1957 Mille Miglia, a photograph was taken of Alfonso de Portago that would become chillingly iconic. Known as the “Kiss of Death,” it captures de Portago being kissed by actress Linda Christian. This image encapsulates the glamorous yet perilous world of racing in the 1950s and the daredevil persona often associated with drivers like de Portago.
De Portago was known for his romantic entanglements and adventurous spirit. Reports at the time painted him as a playboy, a man who lived life on the edge, engaging in various high-risk sports and pursuits. Linda Christian was one of the women in his life, and this public kiss, just before he embarked on the race that would claim his life, took on a morbid significance.
While Christian had no connection to the tragic events that unfolded, the photograph became a haunting symbol of de Portago’s last moments. It underscored the precariousness of life for these racers, where the thrill of speed was constantly shadowed by the ever-present threat of death. The “Kiss of Death” photo remains a stark reminder of the human element in motorsport tragedies, capturing a fleeting moment of affection against the backdrop of impending disaster.
Aftermath and Enzo Ferrari’s Manslaughter Trial
The 1957 Mille Miglia crash had profound repercussions. Enzo Ferrari was charged with manslaughter in the wake of the accident. Facing intense public scrutiny and grief, Ferrari had to defend not only his company’s reputation but also his own personal culpability in the tragedy. The trial lasted for years and was a highly emotional affair, reflecting the deep societal impact of the crash.
Ultimately, Enzo Ferrari was acquitted. Automotive experts determined that the tire blowout, caused by road debris, was the direct cause of the accident, absolving Ferrari of direct responsibility for faulty manufacturing or negligence. However, the moral and emotional burden remained. The death of Alfonso de Portago, following closely after the loss of his son Dino and the death of another Ferrari driver Eugenio Castellotti in the same year, marked a period of immense personal and professional turmoil for Enzo Ferrari.
The 1957 Mille Miglia was canceled permanently after the crash, signaling a shift in motorsport towards safer, closed-circuit racing. While road races still exist, the era of the Mille Miglia, with its breathtaking speed across public Italian roads and its inherent dangers, came to an end, largely due to the tragedy involving Alfonso de Portago. His story, intertwined with the broader narrative of Enzo Ferrari and the perilous allure of early motorsport, continues to fascinate and serve as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in the pursuit of speed and competition.
Adam Driver filming scenes for Ferrari as Enzo Ferrari, showcasing the making of the biopic in Modena.
Sources:
- History.com
- Traquo.com
Ferrari movie poster featuring Adam Driver, highlighting the biographical drama centered around Enzo Ferrari and the 1957 Mille Miglia.
