Alfonso de Portago
#51
Posted 25 April 2004 - 14:40
http://users.swing.b...10.htm#i102511b
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#52
Posted 26 April 2004 - 16:49
Originally posted by Vitesse2
It would appear the title is extinct: Fon's only son and successor as Marquis de Portago - Antonio CABEZA de VACA y Mac DANIEL - died in New York in 1990 with only female issue.
http://users.swing.b...10.htm#i102511b
Vitesse, have a look above in your link.
The title went to his daughter Andrea, then to Andrea's brother Antonio and now looks like to Antonio's daughter Teodora. (who probably sell the title to a "nouvelle riche" )
Dan, next week I'll be close to the San Isidro cementery, if I have enough time I'll get into and I'll have a look for you.
#53
Posted 26 April 2004 - 19:11
If you have a chance to take a look next week, it would of course be really great and very kind!
Many thanks!
regards,
#54
Posted 26 April 2004 - 20:52
#55
Posted 26 April 2004 - 21:04
Originally posted by Vitesse2
... but his elder sister would be given the title of Marquesade. And surely titles can only pass through the male line, as with the English nobility? (There is one exception in England, where it passes down the female line, but I can't remember which title it is.) Therefore, unless Antonio had male issue, it seems to me that the title has died (unless it can jump a generation?)
Would that not be Marquesa?
I believe that there is more than one title in the British nobility that can pass through the female line (apart of course from the royal family).
Perhaps you were thinking of those who are peeresses in their own right - in particular the Countess of Mar (Scottish which is why I used the word "British"). The title dates from 1216.
I think that a title may be claimed if there is a clear blood line.
PdeRL
#56
Posted 26 April 2004 - 22:07
Originally posted by Vitesse2
1george: I can't profess to having specialist knowledge of Spanish laws of succession, but I don't think that's what that site says. If I'm reading it right Antonio succeeded to the title on Jan 27th 1959 (by charter? - as a minor presumably he had to have some form of legal documentation to enable him to use the title). In the meantime, for the period since Fon's death, I'd assume the title was in abeyance, but his elder sister would be given the title of Marquesade. And surely titles can only pass through the male line, as with the English nobility? (There is one exception in England, where it passes down the female line, but I can't remember which title it is.) Therefore, unless Antonio had male issue, it seems to me that the title has died (unless it can jump a generation?)
You are wrong and right, Vitesse and me always wrong
The title of Marqués de Portago is not dead, is in "stand-by" until the next male. As in Britain the women cannot use the title, but the next male has the right to take it. Anyway, there are a few spanish womens whose are claiming titles, alleging discrimination.
The new Spanish Government President, Mr Rodriguez Zapatero are going to abolish the monarchy line by sex diference.
But now, a question comes to my mind... don't you think that is really unfair that in Great Britain (as in many countries) a woman can reign and a cannot have a marquesade title?
#57
Posted 26 April 2004 - 22:18
I think part of the reasoning is to prevent inbreeding, since nobles tended to marry nobles - allowing a male bloodline to die out meant they could introduce "new blood" by creating new peers. Daughters of nobles here usually had titles as well, but they gave these up if they took a husband who had his own title.Originally posted by 1george
But now, a question comes to my mind... don't you think that is really unfair that in Great Britain (as in many countries) a woman can reign and a cannot have a marquesade title?
Interesting that the Portago title can be revived in future though - under English (and, I think, Scottish) law it would be extinct.
#58
Posted 27 April 2004 - 03:52
"He (Fon's father) christened his son - deep breath - Alfonso Antonio Vicente Blas Angel Francisco Borjia Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton (Mum being American) and when Dad died in 1942, 'Fon' at 14 inherited his titles as Grandee of Spain, Count of Mejorada, Count of Pernia, Marquis de Moratalla, Marquis de Portago and Duke of Alagon."
#59
Posted 27 April 2004 - 10:34
Whether or not it is extant depends on whether Dennis Price went back to his cell and recovered his memoirs unread in 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'
PWM
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#60
Posted 12 May 2005 - 09:24
" At 16.04 hours near the Corte Colomba village (Cavriana community, Mantova province), the red Ferrari number 531 of Spanish driver Alfonso de Portago has left suddenly the road. The pilot and his fellow co-driver, the american journalist Edmund Gunner Nelson, aged forty, have dead on the spot. The tragic road accident has claimed the lives of nine spectators, five of them, children"
In Memoriam
#61
Posted 12 May 2005 - 17:36
#62
Posted 12 May 2005 - 17:43
An hour before the crash
One of the last photos of two friends together. Both would die in blood-chilling accidents. De Portago - a few days later; von Trips - a few years later. Taruffi (at background) would win his last race and retire from sport (publifoto)
(Fede Garcia)
(Fede Garcia)
#63
Posted 12 May 2005 - 21:47
Motor Racing was also the source of this, one of the most graphic accounts I have ever read...
There was this mention early on...
Gendebien was the first to start practice with his Mercedes 300SL, followed by Behra with a 2-litre Zagato Maserati. Von Tripps arrived with a special Porsche drophead with wire wheels and set off early, in the rain, with a 3.5-litre single cam Ferrari. Jenkinson was waiting for Moss who finally arrivein in a 190SL Mercedes and prepared to leave in a 2-litre GT Maserati just to see if everything was still there. The Gran Turismo leaked so much in the perpetual rain, however, that he decided to use the 190SL instead.
Portago and Nelson practised tyre changing on their Gran Turismo and then set off for a quick lap. Collins was kicking his heels at Maranello building model boats whilst impatiently waiting for "co-driver" Louis Klemantaski to arrive. On the Maranello-Formigine road the haycarts and bicycles took greater care than usual as Ferrari's testing increased in intensity. martino Severi, Ferrari's chief tester, was screaming up and down the narrow road trying all shapes and sizes of Ferraris.
The practising brought problems...
Then news came through that Taruffi would drive for Ferrari for the first time since their disagreement in the Targa Florio. News came also that Musso was very ill again and would not be able to take part in the Mille Miglia. Von Tripps returned with his front dented by a motorcycle, and Portago's Gran Turismo was considerably more battered than when it left. There was a rumour that Maserati would carry advertisements for spaghetti.
This led to a change of car...
Moss left for two days' rest and Portago took in one more lap when he found that he would be driving a sports instead of a Gran Turismo car.
Which may well have been the fateful decision... but 'one more lap' is some understatement!
Ferraris left early Saturday morning for scrutineering driven by their respective drivers, Portago with a 4.1-litre twin ohc engined car.
Of course, the final outcome...
Victory celebrations were quickly muted when word came in from Giudizzolo, about 18 miles from the finish, that Portago had crashed when in fourth place.
On the straight, at about 180mph, a tyre burst for reasons which are still not clear. The car veered off the road, uprooted a massive granite marker stone, then flew through the air, snapping off a telegraph pole, and cutting to pieces spectators at the roadside who were pressing forward, regardless of danger, to see the cars pass. Annihilating its crew as it went, it bounced into one ditch, then hurtled across the road into the ditch on the opposite side. The Marquis de Portago, his passenger, Eddie Nelson, and nine spectators, of whom five were children, died, and several injured.
Thus ended the Mille Miglia...
#64
Posted 13 May 2005 - 08:00
I have already posted (see Motorsport memorials thread) pics of memorial built there, but maybe they could be interesting here too. All pics are on my website. Here, as usual, I post thumbnails (click to open my page) :Originally posted by Manel
near the Corte Colomba village (Cavriana community, Mantova province)
Ciao,
Guido
#65
Posted 13 May 2005 - 09:36
Secondly what a fantastic, savage adventure the Mille Miglia was. Sadly nothing like this can be held today for obvious reasons but the idea of racing 170+mph sports racers over 1950s Italian B roads is almost unbelievable. The people who did this were real heroes even if the consequences were sometimes tragic.
#66
Posted 13 May 2005 - 16:01
#67
Posted 18 May 2005 - 21:19
Moss left for two days' rest and Portago took in one more lap when he found that he would be driving a sports instead of a Gran Turismo car.
Ferraris left early Saturday morning for scrutineering driven by their respective drivers, Portago with a 4.1-litre twin ohc engined car.
Luca Delli Carri in his beautiful book "Gli indisciplinati" told about this fact.
"Dear Marchese" - Enzo Ferrari said - "I'll give you a 4 litres Sport, Gendebien will drive the GT berlinetta, but I would be surprised if you with the 4 litres Sport were be faster than Olivier Gendebien were with the "berlinetta GT" . :
#68
Posted 18 May 2005 - 22:27
#69
Posted 20 May 2005 - 19:15
#70
Posted 20 May 2005 - 21:47
I really enjoyed reading that report when I first found it, it was so alive and colourful. Would be nice to know if there were some known tensions in the background.
#71
Posted 04 June 2005 - 02:27
#72
Posted 05 June 2005 - 13:48
Yes, he was interviewed by an American reporter. I too have cd version here somewhere. He was very articulate and spoke perfect English given his wife was American as well as his co-pilot.
I always remember "the last kiss" from Tyrone Powell's wife, Linda Christian. He was also a great sportman at polo, bobsledding, horsemanship. He had it all. I think about him all the time. He was a
James Dean-type icon.
#73
Posted 06 June 2005 - 20:43
"Fon" was greater than James Dean.
His record of the "Cresta Run", a Saint Moritz' bob track, is unbeaten at today...I know !
I live in Italy, near the "Mille Miglia" road (between Toscana and Emilia Romagna), and in my country Fon's memory is beloved still again !
His awful tragedy, with seven children's death, remains unforgettable, but we remember in our hearts also his bravery and his great skill at the wheel !
Bye
#74
Posted 23 January 2006 - 21:37
I researched about the De Portago´s grave at the end of 2004...............I usually posted my findings at www.findagrave.com and I am very interesting in driver´s graves............
De Portago was buried at the Cementerio de San Isidro, Madrid, I was there..............
http://www.findagrav...id=10126980&pt=Alfonso%20De%20Portago
But, according with the files, he was moved in 1968 (few days before his 40th birthday) to Arcangues, supposedly at the same cemetery where is buried the great tenor Luis Mariano. If someone have more information, I will very grateful.............
#75
Posted 21 October 2006 - 19:24
#76
Posted 22 October 2006 - 15:15
#77
Posted 22 October 2006 - 16:04
--------------------
For those that don't know about Fon, his full name was Don Alfonso Antonio Vicente Blas Angel Francisco Borija Cabez de Vaca y Leighton, Carvajal y Are, XVII Marques de Portago, Marques de Moratalla, XIII Conde de La Mejorada, Conde de Pernia, Duke of Alagon, Grande de Espana. A good reason to go by the nickname of Fon.
Alfonso de Portago was a son of a Spanish aristocrat and an Irish ex-nurse. He came from one of the oldest Spanish families who's ancestors included Alvar Nunez, who crossed the United States on foot. He was an extravagant aristocrat, lover of the adventure. One of the most colourful characters ever to have been seen in motor racing, 'Fon' was a fantastic all-round sportsman.
A Spanish nobleman, he was three times French amateur champion jockey, and appeared twice at Aintree - where he never raced cars - in the Grand National steeplechase; he was an international-class swimmer; and in addition he created the Spanish bobsleigh team to take part in the 1956 Winter Olympics.
"Fon" was married to a North American millionairess and they had two sons. At the time of his death he was in process of getting divorced. He had, among others, an affair with the international model Dorian Leigh and the last six months of his life he was with the ex-wife of Tyrone Power, the actress Linda Christian.
As a sportsman Alfonso de Portago was outstanding in many sports. Excellent swimmer, remarkable player of polo, good in bobsleigh and hunting. In bobsleigh he participated in the Winter Olympics of 1956 held in Cortina d'Ampezzo. He formed a team with three of his Spanish friends (the Marquis of Marino, Gonzalo Taboada and Luis Munoz) in what was the first and last Spanish bobsleigh team. With Alfonso driving they ended up in fourth position only beaten by Switzerland, Italy and the US.
His close friend Edmond Nelson was the man who got him into motor racing. De Portago knew Nelson when he was working as lift-man in the Plaza Hotel in New York. Edmond Nelson, a native of South Dakota and an Air Force veteran, was then 42 years of age. His first race was in 1953 when he participated in the Carrera Panamericana as co-driver to Luigi Chinetti.
------------------
Get the book you will not be disappointed.
#78
Posted 22 October 2006 - 19:32
#79
Posted 16 May 2007 - 01:01
We are hoping to go to it next year, and besides the event website, which is very good,
http://www.millemiglia.it/
I came across this sad article about a gentleman who, I gather, lost his ten-year-old daughter in the crash:
http://gazzettadiman...ambina»/1277665
Also, this article in Car & Driver,
http://www.caranddri...tago-page5.html
mentions Portago's daughter, Andrea, and son, Antonio, who would be in their 50's by now. Andrea was a well-known model? Any more info, photos, etc on either of them? Does anyone know if either will be attending this year's event?
Vince Howlett, Victoria, B.C., Canada
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#80
Posted 16 May 2007 - 01:54
Originally posted by raceannouncer2003
.....I came across this sad article about a gentleman who, I gather, lost his ten-year-old daughter in the crash:
http://gazzettadiman...ambina»/1277665
Another perspective, another life of pain...
A tragedy of the highest order.
#81
Posted 16 May 2007 - 02:12
#82
Posted 16 May 2007 - 06:05
affetuosi ricordi per Attilio Tarchini.
#83
Posted 16 May 2007 - 07:59
#84
Posted 16 May 2007 - 09:52
All in Marquis de Portago - The Legend Author Ed McDonough
Ed McDonough...sorry for the plug!! See review in current Road and Track by Peter Egan
#85
Posted 16 May 2007 - 13:08
Me too—that book is on my want list. VeloceToday.com said that the "Portago biography is our Book of the Year":Originally posted by David M. Kane
...has anyone read the book on DePortago yet? I'm thinking of buying it...
http://www.velocetod...ifestyle_92.php
#86
Posted 16 May 2007 - 14:40
I've also wondered if he was influenced in anyway by James Dean and vis-a-versa? They seem so similar in so many ways. They way they carried themselves, handled a cigarette, dressed, etc.?
#87
Posted 23 May 2007 - 12:12
This may appear off topic..but please bear with me
I remember reading that, in the 1950's, the Iitalian movie starlett, Pier Angelli, was widlly in love with James Dean. However, due to family pressures, she married the famous American singer Vic Damone, because he was Roman Catholic and unquestionably heterosexual.
From what I know of the Marquee de Portago and his numerous female conquests,I do not think the Nobleman would have derived much inspiration from James Dean's blatant Hollywood prestige climbing ambiguous private persona .
Amazing what a chap can remember after a brandy or two
Stan Patterson
Old Aussie Grump
#88
Posted 25 September 2007 - 13:50
If you read the book, or watched BBC4 last night to see the Haute Couture programme, you will see Portago's widow is still very much alive and active in NY society...or so they call it! Daughter Andrea, ex-model, is in California, and son Antonio died some years ago. In response to some comments, no none of the family went to Italy in May, '57 or are they likely to...very much moved on.
I am still interested in the flying story that opened this thread. I could find no evidence that this happened and the wife said she never knew of ot, though it may have been a few years before they met. I heard awhile ago that the man who wrote the Pegaso book (!) had a photo of the event but I am waiting to hear.
The interesting thing about writing the book was in discovering the real Portago and what he was like as opposed to the myth/legend...the reality was pretty impressive, but he didn't do half the things that later got written. Some writers really got taken in and didn't dig deeper nor question what had been said. It was a fascinating experience to find some of the reality.
Ed McDonough
#89
Posted 26 September 2007 - 09:26
Originally posted by edmcd
In response to some comments, no none of the family went to Italy in May, '57 or are they likely to...very much moved on.
I am still interested in the flying story that opened this thread. I could find no evidence that this happened and the wife said she never knew of ot, though it may have been a few years before they met. I heard awhile ago that the man who wrote the Pegaso book (!) had a photo of the event but I am waiting to hear.
The interesting thing about writing the book was in discovering the real Portago and what he was like as opposed to the myth/legend...the reality was pretty impressive, but he didn't do half the things that later got written. Some writers really got taken in and didn't dig deeper nor question what had been said. It was a fascinating experience to find some of the reality.
Ed McDonough
Ed, I presume I am "the man who wrote the Pegaso book (!)" because, as some readers will know, I actually did write a bio about "the thoroughbreds of Barcelona" some years ago, and as perhaps you'll recall, we changed some messages at the time we both were separarately writing a "Fon" bio.
No: I do not have graphic documentation of the famous underbridge fly yet, but I do have some pretty accurate details of that and other hot flying episodes when Fon was an oldie teenager.
You are right when saying his reality was far from legend. As you are aware, that curious mutation always happens when popular people is exposed to the "mass media rossy treatment", anywhere. This is one of the reasons for keeping my Fon bio in stand by: Frequently, new sound details appear to confirm -or not- the data collected previously. And this is one of the pleasures,-and pains- reserved to a true historian.
Finally, I would comment that the family -his mother, husband, and sister- actually flew directly from their residence in Biarritz the day-monday-after the tragedy and atended, along with some ten-thousand crowd, the ceremony held at the Cavriana cemetery. Their private plane was offered by an noted Irish gentleman. Carol arrived tuesday from NYC.
I haven't had the pleasure to read your bio yet but I sure it deserves the praise spreaded around.
#90
Posted 15 March 2008 - 09:24
The letter is sent by Fon to the argentinian driver Roberto 'Bitito' Mieres, just before the fateful '57 Mille Miglia.
I would emphasize two things:
1) Fon was a true "Don Juan": 'The life here follows as ever, I'm having enough sex and I'm very happy' (jodiendo: ****ing)
2) A statement: 'Ferrari (the team, not the man) forces me to race in the Mille Miglia .../... I'll be going @ Touring pace, not even GT pace.'
Carles.
(former 'jarama')
#91
Posted 02 December 2008 - 17:46
#92
Posted 03 December 2008 - 12:00
Originally posted by David M. Kane
I bought the book by Ed McDonough and I am about half through it. I'm really enjoying it. A few years an English Gentleman send me a CD recording done, I believe, by Ken W. Purdy. It was done at Sebring. Be the fool that I am I lend or sent it to someome else. Any ideas where I can buy or get a copy of this CD?
The Marquis De Portago CD is still listed in the current catalogue of Ace Records. 'A Memorial Tribute-The Story Of Racings Most Colorful Driver'. CDRIVM.012. Originally issued by 'Riverside'. There are also CD's featuring interviews with Stirling Moss and Phil Hill.
#93
Posted 03 December 2008 - 12:45
Tom
#94
Posted 03 December 2008 - 16:18
#95
Posted 03 December 2008 - 19:36
It appears to be out of print.
BTW when Andrea de Portago was 26, she was the advertising face for the Nina Ricci fragrance Farouche.
I think the year was 1976 if my math is correct.
#96
Posted 15 December 2008 - 14:54
Nope! Just one year later 1977. Andrea dP was born early 1951Originally posted by David M. Kane
Everybody is sold out on that item, I guess I'll have to try eBay...
It appears to be out of print.
BTW when Andrea de Portago was 26, she was the advertising face for the Nina Ricci fragrance Farouche.
I think the year was 1976 if my math is correct.
#97
Posted 10 January 2009 - 15:48
Thanks.
#98
Posted 05 February 2011 - 19:37
A friend of mine has just found this letter, while surfing through the web:
The letter is sent by Fon to the argentinian driver Roberto 'Bitito' Mieres, just before the fateful '57 Mille Miglia.
I would emphasize two things:
1) Fon was a true "Don Juan": 'The life here follows as ever, I'm having enough sex and I'm very happy' (jodiendo: ****ing)
2) A statement: 'Ferrari (the team, not the man) forces me to race in the Mille Miglia .../... I'll be going @ Touring pace, not even GT pace.'
Carles.
(former 'jarama')
What a great and poignant find. I can't speak Spanish, but even the dictionary gives the rudest word as translation for joder. Anyway, I've worked a little on the letter to remove the signs of age.
#99
Posted 05 February 2011 - 21:52