Ferdinando Minoia

Ferdinando "Nando" Minoia (2 June 1884 – 28 June 1940) was an Italian racing driver with an exceptionally long, distinguished and varied career. In 1907, he won the Coppa Florio driving an Isotta Fraschini. In 1923, he drove the world’s first mid-engine Grand Prix car, the Benz Tropfenwagen. In 1927, he won the inaugural Mille Miglia driving an OM. Finally, in 1931 he became the first European Champion, driving for Alfa Romeo, but without winning a single event.

Career notes and milestones

In 1907, he won the Coppa Florio and the 50,000 Lira prize at the Corse di Brescia driving an Isotta Fraschini for in 4 hours 39 minutes.

At the 1922 Targa Florio, he drove for the 7-car Mercedes team that won the event, but his supercharged car did not finish.

At the 1923 Italian Grand Prix at Monza he finished fourth in another German world’s first, a mid-engine Grand Prix car, the Benz RH Tropfenwagen, still naturally aspirated and trailing behind the superior supercharged Fiats. Based on the Rumpler Tropfenwagen’s ground breaking design, it used a 1991 cc, 6 cylinder, twin cam Benz engine delivering only . Along with the radiator, it was mounted behind the driver in the ‘tear drop’ design. The car also featured swing axle independent rear suspension and inboard brakes.

In 1924, at the Targa Florio he drove 4.9-litre Steyr VI Kausen, but retired after 3 laps because the mechanic was exhausted. He also finished 4th in the Italian Grand Prix in the Alfa Romeo P2.

In the 1925 24 Hours of Le Mans, he finished 25th, driving a 2-litre Officine Meccaniche (O.M.) Tipo 665 Superba with Vincenzo Coffani.

In the 1926 24 Hours of Le Mans, he finished 4th, driving a 2-litre O.M. Tipo 665 Superba with Giulio Foresti.

With Carlo Canavesi, he drove a 2.3-litre supercharged Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 in the 1932 24 Hours of Le Mans but failed to finish.