The Italian poet Ada Negri once beautifully expressed the joy of travelling in a motor car:
Among modern pleasures, there is nothing better than travelling in a motor car. In our car, which obeys only us, which takes us where we want to go, our need for freedom becomes certainty of freedom, a sense of fullness, of escape, of possession of time and space, which transcends human limits."
Imagine a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Italy, where vintage cars come to life and take centre stage. This is the essence of the 1000 Miglia (Mille Miglia), an iconic race that traces its roots back to 1927. Originally a speed race, it has evolved into a regular race for historic cars. On 17th June, the longest edition in the history of the 1000 Miglia ended as the crews crossed Italy, covering 2200 kilometres over the five days of the race from Brescia to Rome and back.
If you’re a vintage car enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful designs, the 1000 Miglia is an event not to be missed. Where else can you witness the splendour of a 1923 3 Litre Bentley, a Bugatti T37 from 1927, a 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans, or a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, all gathered in one place? Typically, such treasures are confined to car museums, lifelessly lined up for inspection. However, the 1000 Miglia offers a unique experience, with over 400 vintage automobiles roaring to life as their owners drive them on the open road.
To participate in the modern re-enactment of the race, a car model must have taken part in at least one edition of the Mille Miglia between 1927 and 1957. This exclusivity ensures the race’s authenticity and originality. In the most recent edition in 2023, among the 405 certified cars, 74 vehicles had participated in the original 1000 Miglia race held from 1927 to 1957. For drivers lucky enough to command these certified automobiles, the 1000 Miglia is hailed as “the most beautiful race in the world.” And for spectators, it is undeniably the “world’s unique travelling museum,” as the renowned Enzo Ferrari describes.
