Even the name has a sense of speed: the Mille Miglia, the 1,000 miles, is considered the most sensational classic car race in the world. On the 15th of June in Brescia, it will be “Ladies & Gentlemen, start your engines!” for the 40th time.
Are you a fan of the most beautiful machines in automotive history? Then you will not have far to go as a guest of Eden Reserve on Wednesday, 15th of June because after the start in nearby Brescia at 2.30 p.m., the caravan of classic cars will set course for Salò, the neighbouring town of Gardone Riviera. The tour follows the shore of Lake Garda and leads through the Valtènesi to Desenzano del Garda and along the shore to Sirmione. This ensures that there are plenty of opportunities to let the beautiful, restored vintage treasures pass you by.
Only cars from those vehicle models that competed in the race between 1927 and 1957 are allowed to take part, and the total number of classic vehicles allowed to compete in the Mille Miglia is limited to 375. The view of these automotive beauties – including obscure car designs – against the picturesque backdrop of the shores of Lake Garda is always a special experience.
First stop on the route: The Adriatic Sea near Milano Marittima
From Sirmione, the route goes via Mantua and Ferrara to the first stage destination, Cervia/Milano Marittima, on the Adriatic coast. On day two, the special rally leads via San Marino and Norcia through Umbria to Rome. On the third day of the tour, the classic cars make their way back through western Italy, through Tuscany via Viareggio on the Ligurian Riviera coast to Parma. From there, on day four, Saturday, 18th of June, the journey of the “rolling classic car exhibition” continues via Pavia to Bergamo – with a stopover at the legendary Monza racetrack – and on to the destination of the round trip again in Brescia. Being present at the grandiose finish of the classic old-timer beauties at the end of their 1,000-mile tour is always a highlight, too. Brescia is only 40 kilometres away from Gardone Riviera.
375 vintage cars from 1927 to 1957 on tour at the Mille Miglia
Re-driving the tour is a special adventure and a round trip through beautiful landscapes in Italy from the edge of the Alps to Rome. For such a trip, you can also rent a classic car gem from specialised rental companies and increase the charm of the journey. One may remember that in the 1920s, the Mille Miglia was an endurance test for automobiles and the drivers who competed at the time. After a break of two decades, the world-famous race was revived in 1977 as a pure regularity and reliability rally. In mid-June, the 1,000 miles will once again thrill fans of genuine classic cars – in the audience as well as in the driving seat.
1,000 Mile Route: Round trip to Rome and back
In December 1925, four young men, including two counts, decided to make their hometown of Brescia a centre of motorsport. The idea of a road race was born, and two years later, the first race began in March. 13 years later, the rally became known as the Mille Miglia – 1,000 miles. The circuit from Brescia to Rome and back is 1,600 kilometres long, which is the equivalent of 1,000 English miles. An OM 665 “Superba” won the first race, a beautiful sports car from the OM-Fabbrica Bresciana di Automobili, where OM stands for Officine Meccaniche. Since then, an OM with start number 1 has led the rally at the start. The cars with six-cylinder engines produced just 40 to 50 hp on the road. In 1957, the Mille Miglia came to an end. Twenty years later, it was revived as the Mille Miglia Storica, and since then, with its carefully restored and highly polished classic car treasures, it has also been a tourist highlight on the short route along Lake Garda, which always attracts many celebrities.
