Marquis de Portago

Spanish Marquis Alfonso de Portago swaggered across the international motor racing stage for a stunningly short time, but left behind a legend and legacy like no other racing driver before or after.

His tragic and high-speed death in the Mille Miglia ended that event, and took the lives of nine spectators as well as his own and his friend and co-driver. That alone was enough to guarantee a place in racing notoriety. He had emerged onto the track almost without warning and planning, driving in major international races in his first few events. he was wild and seemingly reckless, but his finesse and style behind the wheel grew quickly, and it was not long before he was a works Ferrari pilot.

But motor racing was only one of his many achievements. He had spent years as an international equestrian, winning amateur championships but also competing at the highest level. He twice ran at the Aintree Grand National as well as the Gold Cup. His unceasing curiosity and daring bravado saw him tackle the Cresta run at St. Moritz, leaving him with a course record after a dozen runs! On virtually a whim, he decided to establish a Spanish Olympic bobsleigh team for 1956. What could have been disaster was near glory as he finished fractions of a second out of the medals.

Over the last 50 years, many myths and fantasies have found their way into print about the nature of the man and his activities, on and off the sporting field. His relationships with women were part of the legend. But Portago was not quite the fabled, ‘Hollywood’ style ‘bounder of the ‘50s. There was warmth and tragedy in these relationships. The author, with the amazing open approach of Portago’s widow, explore his personality, his insecurity and shyness, as well as exploits of a true modern day ‘conquistador’. This is a story of the 1950s, of wealth, fame, fortune, Ferraris and ultimately of death and tragedy. This is the first full account of the legend and the reality.

This is a prime title by Ed McDonough and published by Mercian Manuals.

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