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Autodromo Vic Elford Chrono: Targa Florio time

Vic Elford was one of the greatest racers (and rally drivers) of the 60s and 70s. This limited-edition, race-liveried watch from Officine Autodromo was developed together with the British driver in honour of his victory in the Targa Florio, 45 years ago...

Vic Elford's 1968 victory on the Targa Florio was all the more remarkable, as it followed a tyre failure which cost him and team-mate Umberto Maglioli a full 18 minutes. It seemed an eternity but, little by little, the Briton doggedly shortened the gap between himself and the race leader, until he finally crossed the finish line as the winner - by more than three minutes. Elford was an exceptionally versatile driver: in 1968, he won not also the Targa Florio but also the 24 Hours of Daytona (for Porsche, the marque's first victory in a 24-hour race) and, to cap it all, the Monte Carlo Rally.

Washed with a little racing water

Whether it's Formula 1, Trans Am, Can Am, NASCAR or even Paris-Dakar, Elford was there, and few drivers could be more worthy of a limited-edition watch from Officine Autodromo. The dial bears the colours of his triumphant Targa Florio Porsche 907, and on the back of the steel case is a depiction of the challenging Sicilian road route that led through villages and mountain passes. The watch has a Seiko VK63 Chronograph Hybrid Meca-Quartz movement and is limited to 224 pieces - Elford's 1968 Targa Florio race number. Complete with a perforated leather strap, the timepiece comes in a box along with a booklet signed by Vic Elford.

More information about the Vic Elford Edition Chronograph and other watches from Autodromo can be found at  www.autodromo.com.

Vintage watches, as worn by the racing greats, can be found for sale in the Classic Driver Market