Frazer Nash Targo Florio classic cars for sale

History of the Frazer Nash Targo Florio

The Frazer Nash Targo Florio first appeared in 1927, named after the famous Italian road race. Developed by Archie Frazer-Nash and his team, it was designed to compete at the highest levels of sports car racing. The combination of British technical ingenuity and Italian racing heritage made the Targo Florio unique among its peers. It stood out for using the chain-drive transmission and lightweight construction, a hallmark of the brand during its foundational years.

Model history

Within the Frazer Nash lineup, the Targo Florio occupied a special position. It followed earlier chain-drive models such as the Boulogne and TT Replica but elevated the concept by focusing on improved handling and a sportier character. Production numbers were low, with each unit individually assembled. Succession led towards later models such as the Ulster and Le Mans Replica, which continued Frazer Nash’s reputation for building competition-focused cars with bespoke engineering.

Highlights and unique features

The Targo Florio’s defining feature is its chain-drive system—a rarity by the late 1920s—delivering direct and rapid power transfer to the rear wheels. The chassis and bodywork were uncomplicated and extremely light, emphasising agility and response over outright power. Small details, such as wire wheels, cycle wings, and a minimalist cockpit, underscored its competition intentions. In terms of listings and buyer attention, the Targo Florio accounts for 100% of both supply and demand within the Frazer Nash range, indicating that it is the singular Frazer Nash model currently in circulation on the market, unmatched by any of its stablemates.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Targo Florio itself is already a rare and highly bespoke model. Some units were customised to owner demands, reflecting both standard and racing configurations. Due to the extremely low overall production and survivor count, every original Targo Florio is viewed as distinct, rather than as a part of a sub-series or factory special edition.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Typical issues on the Targo Florio centre around the chain-drive system, which requires regular inspection and maintenance to retain correct tension and lubrication. Brake systems are simple but demand careful adjustment for safe road use. The bespoke nature of the chassis and running gear means parts are not interchangeable with other makes or even models; replacement components may need to be custom-fabricated. Bodywork, often built to minimal standards for lightness, may also be prone to age-related deterioration.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With kerb weights usually well under 800 kilograms, the Targo Florio’s lively performance is defined by immediate throttle response and agile road manners. Engine power from 1.5–2.0 litres is modest compared to later racers, but the driving experience is raw and connected. The chain-drive transmission, though idiosyncratic, enables aggressive gear-changes and direct power flow. Handling is direct yet demanding, rewarding experienced drivers who appreciate pre-war engineering. The most notable configurations feature the Meadows 4ED engine—sought after for its blend of reliability and period-correct power. Every surviving original is, by definition, among the rarest and most desirable British pre-war sports cars.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Bodywork was typically open two-seater, with cycle wings and little weather protection—a deliberate choice for racing use. Cockpits are sparse, with basic instrumentation focused on oil pressure and engine speed. Materials were functional: leather seating, a small windscreen, and exposed aluminium or steel panels. Some special orders included custom paint or trim, but typically, the presentation remained overtly functional, favouring weight reduction over ornamentation. Owners occasionally fitted period-correct accessories such as bonnet straps, racing screens, or quick-release fuel caps.

Other Features

Many Frazer Nash Targo Florios retain strong links to their period racing careers, with documented entries in international events. Provenance and originality play major roles in valuation, and owners often participate in historic motorsport or concours events, preserving the sporting character of these vehicles.

Summary

The Frazer Nash Targo Florio embodies the spirit of late 1920s British motorsport in a lightweight, mechanically distinctive package. Its unique chain-drive transmission, agile chassis, and pure driver focus mark it as an outlier even among British pre-war sports cars. With only a handful surviving and 100% of market attention within the Frazer Nash marque, the Targo Florio remains an object of fascination for technical enthusiasts and collectors alike.