On public roads

The 1970 Targa Florio was an endurance race that was held on a 71.8 km (44.6 mi) ant-clockwise circuit made up entirely of public roads on the mountainous island of Sicily (Italy).

Porsche introduced the light and nimble 908/03, which was perfectly suited to the twisty and demanding circuit. Porsche Motorsport chief Ferdinand Piëch (a grandson of founder Ferdinand Porsche) and his team brought 4 908/03’s to the island (picture below), such was their motivation to beat Ferrari on home soil.

And indeed, the German marque scored a beautiful victory, with two of the John Wyer-entered Gulf Porsche 908/03 in first and second position. The first Ferrari finishing in a distant third.

Victory went to the #12 car of Jo Siffert and Brian Redman, while the #40 car of Leo Kinnunen (open face helmet, picture above) and Pedro Rodriguez finished a close second. Leo Kinnunen set the fastest ever lap in 33 minutes and 36.0 seconds on the last lap!