Maria Antonietta Avanzo

Introduce

Maria Antonietta Avanzo, born in Contarina on February 5, 1889, and passing away in Rome on January 17, 1977, was an Italian pioneer in motorsport, celebrated as the first woman in Italy and globally to participate in iconic races such as the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio. She also made an ambitious attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in the United States, though she did not succeed in doing so. Avanzo showcased her driving skills behind the wheels of Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles, but she is particularly remembered for her association with the American Packard 299 from 1919, notable for its lack of front brakes.

Popularly known as the “Baroness,” despite not coming from a wealthy background, Avanzo’s life was marked by both her racing achievements and her personal exploits. She corresponded with Gabriele D’Annunzio and mourned the loss of her beloved turtle, “Cheli,” reflecting her deep personal connections. Additionally, she was the aunt of renowned filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and had familial ties to Luchino Visconti, whom she famously aided in avoiding capture by the Koch gang during World War II.

Avanzo’s courage extended beyond racing; during the war, she sheltered several Jews to protect them from the horrors of the Holocaust. Later in life, at the age of 67, she demonstrated her humanitarian spirit by driving a jeep to the Austro-Hungarian border to assist refugees escaping the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Her life story not only highlights her daring exploits in motorsport but also underscores her commitment to humanitarian causes and her role as a trailblazer challenging societal norms.