Michael Mann’s 2023 film Ferrari thrusts audiences into the high-stakes world of 1950s motorsport, unflinchingly depicting the triumphs and devastating tragedies that defined the era. At the heart of this drama is the fateful 1957 Mille Miglia race, and within that, the story of Alfonso De Portago, a charismatic Ferrari driver whose life was tragically cut short in a catastrophic crash. While the movie Ferrari focuses on Enzo Ferrari and the pressures he faced, it also brings to light the grim reality of racing in that period, exemplified by the devastating accident involving de Portago. This article delves into the life of Alfonso de Portago, the circumstances surrounding the infamous 1957 Mille Miglia crash, and the enduring impact of this tragedy on the world of motorsports.
Who Was Alfonso de Portago? More Than Just a Race Car Driver
Alfonso Antonio Vicente Eduardo Angel Blas Francisco de Borja Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton, more famously known as Alfonso de Portago or Fon to his friends, was a Spanish aristocrat, sportsman, and race car driver. Born into Spanish nobility, de Portago was far from your typical driver. He was a man of diverse talents and interests, excelling in sports like bobsleighing – even representing Spain in the Winter Olympics – equestrianism, and polo, before finding his passion for speed and automobiles.
De Portago’s entry into the world of motorsports was almost accidental but quickly became a defining part of his identity. His daredevil spirit and natural talent behind the wheel saw him rapidly ascend the ranks. He joined Ferrari’s prestigious racing team, Scuderia Ferrari, becoming part of a stable of drivers competing in some of the most grueling and dangerous races of the time. His flamboyant personality and dashing looks made him a popular figure, both within racing circles and with the public. However, beneath the charm and bravado was a driver known for pushing limits, sometimes to the extreme. This inherent risk-taking nature, while contributing to his allure, would ultimately play a role in his tragic demise.
Image: Gabriel Leone portrays Alfonso de Portago in a scene from the movie “Ferrari,” capturing the intensity of a driver before a race. The image emphasizes the focus and pressure experienced by racers in the 1950s.
The 1957 Mille Miglia: A Race on the Brink of Disaster
The Mille Miglia, meaning “Thousand Miles,” was an open-road endurance race held in Italy from 1927 to 1957. It was a race of immense prestige and popularity, attracting massive crowds along its challenging route across public roads. However, it was also notoriously dangerous. Cars sped through towns and villages, often on narrow, winding roads, with minimal safety measures for drivers and spectators alike. By the 1950s, the increasing speeds of racing cars and the sheer length of the race were making it increasingly perilous. Concerns about safety were growing, but the allure of the Mille Miglia and its importance to Italian national pride and the automotive industry often overshadowed these worries.
The 1957 Mille Miglia was to be the final running of this iconic race in its original format, and tragically, it would be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The race took place against a backdrop of growing unease about safety, and the events that unfolded would serve as a stark wake-up call for the motorsport world. For Ferrari, victory in the Mille Miglia was paramount, not just for racing glory, but for the company’s image and survival amidst financial pressures, as depicted in the movie Ferrari. Alfonso de Portago was one of the drivers entrusted with securing that victory, unaware of the terrible fate that awaited him.
The Catastrophic Crash: A Tire Blowout and Unthinkable Consequences
The 1957 Mille Miglia was nearing its end when tragedy struck. Alfonso de Portago, driving a Ferrari 335 S, was speeding towards Brescia, the finish line, when a tire blew out at high speed in Guidizzolo. The exact cause of the tire failure has been debated, but the prevailing theory, supported by accident investigators, points to a worn tire being punctured by debris, possibly a “cat’s eye” road reflector, as mentioned in some reports.
The tire blowout at such high velocity sent de Portago’s Ferrari careening off the road. The car crashed into a crowd of spectators lining the route, resulting in a scene of unimaginable horror. Alfonso de Portago and his co-driver, Edmund Nelson, were killed instantly. Tragically, nine spectators also lost their lives, five of whom were children. The sheer scale of the disaster sent shockwaves through Italy and the international motorsport community. The 1957 Mille Miglia crash was one of the deadliest accidents in racing history, highlighting the inherent risks of open-road racing and the insufficient safety standards of the era.
The “Kiss of Death”: A Haunting Premonition
Adding a chilling layer to the tragedy is the infamous “Kiss of Death” photograph. Moments before the final leg of the race, de Portago stopped his Ferrari. Actress Linda Christian, with whom he was reportedly having an affair, rushed to his car and kissed him. This seemingly innocuous gesture was captured by photographers and became hauntingly symbolic after the crash.
Image: Adam Driver embodies Enzo Ferrari in the film “Ferrari,” portraying the intense pressure and complex emotions of the automotive magnate amidst personal and professional turmoil. This image captures Ferrari’s focused and determined persona.
The “Kiss of Death” photograph quickly circulated globally, becoming a macabre emblem of the tragedy. While Linda Christian bore no responsibility for the accident, the image became forever linked to the disaster, fueling the narrative of de Portago as a glamorous but ultimately doomed figure. It served as a stark and unsettling premonition of the impending tragedy, further amplifying the shock and grief surrounding the Mille Miglia crash.
Enzo Ferrari on Trial: The Aftermath and Legacy of the Crash
The 1957 Mille Miglia disaster had profound consequences. Public outrage was immense, and fingers were pointed at Enzo Ferrari and his company. Ferrari was subsequently charged with manslaughter. The trial that followed was a tense and highly publicized affair, lasting for several years. The prosecution argued that Ferrari was responsible for the crash due to alleged negligence in car preparation and tire selection.
However, after extensive investigation, automotive engineers concluded that the primary cause of the crash was indeed a road hazard – likely a worn “cat’s eye” reflector – that had damaged the tire. Enzo Ferrari was eventually acquitted, but the moral and ethical questions surrounding racing safety and the responsibilities of team owners lingered. The 1957 Mille Miglia was immediately banned in its traditional format, marking the end of an era for open-road racing. The tragedy forced a significant shift towards purpose-built race tracks and stricter safety regulations in motorsport, changes that continue to save lives to this day.
Alfonso de Portago’s story remains a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in early motorsport and the human cost of speed and competition. While his life was tragically short, his flamboyant personality and daring spirit continue to fascinate. Michael Mann’s Ferrari ensures that the story of Alfonso de Portago and the 1957 Mille Miglia crash reaches a new audience, prompting reflection on the evolution of racing safety and the enduring legacy of those who lived and died in pursuit of speed. The film serves not just as a biopic of Enzo Ferrari, but also as a memorial to the lives lost and a testament to the dangerous allure of motorsport’s golden age.
