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  Born in 1898,
his first works drive did not come until he was 31 when he signed with Maserati. He was
called "The Abbruzzi Robber" by friend and foe and he looked more like a boxer
than a race car driver. His temper could sometimes get the better of him but none could
deny that he was quick, bloody quick. With Maserati he won his first great victory of his
career at Monza in 1931, beating Varzi, Chiron and Nuvolari. In 1933 he joined Scuderia
Ferrari who acted as Alfa Romeo's racing arm. He enjoyed his greatest success, winning the
Grands Prix of Pescara, Comminges, Marseilles and Italy.
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| With the beginning of World War II his career seemed over. After the war ended he was drawn to racing again, as had other pre-war drivers he competed against, and joined Alfa Romeo. The European Championship was replaced with a World Championship under rules designated Formula One. He was moderately successful and even finished first in class at the Mille Miglia in 1950. The next year his Formula One career came to an abrupt end when he was asked to turn over his leading car to the young Argentinean, Juan-Manuel Fangio. This last indignity proved to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. The proud Italian turned his back on Formula One only to die in a minor supporting sports car race at Monaco in 1952, he was 54 years old. His name is not as well known these days but in his time he was considered as one of the 3 greatest Italian drivers along with Varzi and Nuvolari. | ||||
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This brought him to the attention of 
1st again this time co-driving with Caracciola in the Italian GP, 1st in the
Spanish GP and finally 2nd in the Swiss Grand Prix. Even Neubauer could overlook his lack
of teamwork when faced with this stellar record. The next year, 1936, would prove unlucky
for Mercedes as they were dominated by Auto Union, chiefly at the hands of the brilliant 
After the disappointing year with Mercedes Fagioli left for of all places Auto
Union.1937 was another lost year, marked by one last ugly episode between Fagioli and his
former teammate Caracciola. At the Tripoli Grand Prix both of the drivers suffered various
maladies and were only able to finish fifth and sixth, Fagioli leading Caracciola. Fagioli
feeling that he was deliberately held up by the German attacked the driver with a hammer.
Luckily he was stopped by Neubauer and the mechanic, Sebastian from doing any harm. The
Abbruzzi Robber could have gone down in history as The Abbruzzi Murderer.
Fagioli's career went into sharp decline and it is unfortunate that this most talented
driver would end up being his own worst enemy. 
