Who Is Alfonso de Portago? Age, Biography and Wiki
Alfonso de Portago was born on October 11, 1928, in the noble family of the marquis of Portago in Spain. He is celebrated for being one of the first Spanish drivers to compete in Formula One during the 1950s, showcasing not just his aristocratic lineage but also an exceptional talent on racetracks worldwide. Tragically, his career was cut short when he perished in a fatal crash during the 1957 Mille Miglia race in Italy, making him a legendary figure in the history of motorsports.
| Occupation | Bobsledder |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1928 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | London, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 12 May, 1957 |
| Died Place | Cavriana, Lombardy, Italy |
Popularity
Alfonso de Portago's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact details of his height and weight during his racing career remain largely documented, Alfonso de Portago was known to have a lean and athletic build characteristic of many racing drivers. Typically, racing drivers of his era averaged around 5'10" in height and weighed approximately 150-160 lbs, which can be speculated for Portago as well given his athletic pursuits.
Portago was dark-haired and had freckles and blue eyes. He was 1.83 m (6 ft) tall and weighed 77 kg (170 Ibs). He famously won a bet at the age of 17 when he flew his plane beneath London Tower Bridge. He participated twice in the Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree as a gentleman jockey, although he found keeping his weight down to be a struggle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
During his short life, Alfonso de Portago was known to have had romantic relationships; however, specific details about a long-term boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse are minimal. Historical accounts often mention his close companionship with various stunning women of his time, which added to his aristocratic mystique. His family, rooted in Spanish nobility, played a significant role in his early life, shaping his career decisions and lifestyle.
Born in London to a prominent family in the peerage of Spain, he was named after his godfather, King Alfonso XIII. His grandfather, the 9th Marquess of Portago, had been Mayor of Madrid, while his father, who was President of Puerta de Hierro and a prolific golfer, died of a heart attack while showering after a polo match. His mother, Olga Leighton, was an Irish nurse.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1957, Alfonso de Portago's exact net worth was difficult to ascertain due to the limited documentation of asset ownership typical of the era. However, given his aristocratic background and burgeoning racing career, it is estimated that his net worth could have been in the range of several million dollars if adjusted for inflation. His earnings from racing and sponsorships were promising, but ultimately he did not have the time to amass a substantial fortune.
Career, Business and Investments
Alfonso de Portago's racing career began in the early 1950s and he quickly rose through the ranks due to his undeniable talent and aristocratic appeal. Competing for Ferrari, he was regarded as a trailblazer for Spanish drivers in Formula One. In addition to his racing, he pursued other ventures including motor sports promotion. However, much of his potential business acumen and future investments were tragically cut short by his early death.
His promising career was cut short in May 1957 after his renowned Ferrari 335 S crashed near the village of Guidizzolo when a tyre burst while driving along a dead straight road at 150 mph in the 1957 running of the Mille Miglia, killing Portago, his navigator, and nine spectators.
The young age of the marquess, who was 28 at the time of his death, combined with his status as a sex symbol, caused a shock amongst many. Several tributes and landmarks were named after him, most notably the "Portago curve" at Jarama racetrack.
Social Network
In today's terms, had Alfonso de Portago been active, he would likely have a robust social media presence given his celebrity status in racing. He would probably have been popular on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, one where he would share moments from his racing career, personal life, and aristocratic background, attracting fans and followers alike. His legacy continues through various motorsport heritage pages and fan sites, celebrating his contributions to the world of racing.
The Marquess of Portago was seen by many as a true playboy of his time; "a tall, handsome and wealthy Spanish aristocrat who captured everybody's imagination". Gregor Grant famously said of him: "a man like Portago appears only once in a generation, and it would probably be more accurate to say only once in a lifetime.
The fellow does everything fabulously well. Never mind the driving, the steeplechasing, the bobsledding, the athletic side of things, never mind being fluent in 4 languages. (...) He could be the best bridge player in the world if he cared to try, he could certainly be a great soldier, and I suspect he could be a fine writer".
Education
Alfonso de Portago had a well-rounded education befitting his aristocratic status. He was educated in both Spain and later abroad, allowing him to gain valuable insights that would serve him well in both his racing career and personal pursuits. His education would have involved not only traditional subjects but also learning about automobiles and engineering, reflecting his early affinity for speed and mechanics that laid the groundwork for his future in racing.
As T.C. Browne wrote, "The inevitable happened when Alfonso [...] de Portago stopped alongside the course, ran to the fence, kissed Linda Christian, ran back to his Ferrari and drove on to his destiny, killing himself, his co-driver, 10 spectators, and the Mille Miglia".
