“Donne e motori, gioie e dolori”. That Italian saying (“Women and cars, joys and sorrows” in English) must have passed through the mind of Gaetano Derosa, the author of Vernasca Silver Flag: the first 25 years, when he entrusted Translation and More – a studio run solely by women – with the translation into English of his book dedicated to the prestigious motoring event held on the roads between Castellarquato and Vernasca. In June of this year, after a year’s delay due to the pandemic, lovers of historic four-wheelers will be able to visit a bookshop and find the eagerly awaited publication, dedicated to Piacenza’s international get together.
Notes on the event
At this point we ought to provide some background notes for those who aren’t in the know. The Vernasca Silver Flag, revived by the Club Piacentino Automotoveicoli d’Epoca (CPAE) in 1995, would have celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. Unfortunately Covid forced the postponement of the celebrations and the race scheduled for last year until better times. Now it seems that we’re all set to start the engines and once again, ‘liven up’ our beautiful Val d’Arda.
The author and the translation
The publication is the work of the Deputy Editor of Ruoteclassiche and member of the CPAE. Born in Lodi but Piacentine by adoption, Gaetano Derosa has spent his life in the world of motoring. Thanks to his expertise in the automotive sector and the help of one of the most valued members of the Translation and More team of translators, the book will be published not only in Italian but also in English, to the delight of fans around the world. No, really, because when the Silver Flag is held, Castellarquato opens its doors to cars that truly are unique specimens, boasting exceptional sporting histories, some restored, others well used, in original condition, many being multiple award winners. They are the real ‘sirens’ that attract collectors and enthusiasts, drawing them together to marvel at the world’s most beautiful sports cars as they sweep through the bends of the approximately 9 kilometre route.
The grand gala
So, only joys and no sorrows! And as a further cause for joy, we eagerly look forward to the day of the celebration Gala to be held at the end of June in the beautiful setting of the mediaeval village of Castellarquato. See you after the big event; there will be no shortage of things to photograph and discuss!
