Collectors & Aficionados
What was racing like back in the day? We tried it for ourselves!
The author describes their experience driving a 1948 Cisitalia D48 single-seater on the historic track in Monza, Italy. They express fear and doubt before starting the car, but after hearing the engine roar to life.
The first sensation when you get behind the wheel of a 1948 single-seater is that you may not make it home that night. You are completely outside of the car, sitting on a little seat that you will be thrown from if you make a single mistake.
The steering wheel, which is enormous, is really close to the body to allow you to apply pressure – back then power steering wasn't even a figment of anyone's imagination – and the pedals are small with a clutch that goes out immediately, almost ensuring that the engine will quit at the start. What's more, our car, a Cisitalia D48 that was driven by Nuvolari at the Monaco Grand Prix, has the gear shift right in the middle. In other words, you have to sit with the gear shift in between your legs!
