An article from Cartecarburanti.it
The Mille Miglia was a race of legendary proportions, one that saw some of the world’s most desirable cars take on 1,000 miles of Italy’s finest roads, towns and countryside. However, the Mille Miglia is a very different beast these days, one far removed from the dangers of the fatal races from the 1940s and 50s.
Between 1927 and 1957, the most famous race drivers from around the world competed over the course of the 1,000 mile route to be crowned winner, but the competition was banned following the death of a driver, his navigator and nine spectators, as well as second fatal incident later on.
Overall, the original Mille Miglia took the lives of 56 people and is now a much tamer event. Rebranded the Mille Miglia Storica, the race was revived in 1977 and is now a yearly event taking place over four days, starting and concluding in Brescia, with many memorable miles, parties and stops along the way.
The competition element remains, but only in gesture to the original race and is now more of a parade of Italy for the wealthy to enjoy and bystanders to admire, with a total of 375 cars taking part, all built between 1927 and 1957.
The route
For the 2013 event, which starts on May 16, the route will pass through four major locations that include the start/finish point of Brescia, as well as Ferrara, San Marino and Rome. Other notable destinations comprise of Verona, Siena, Florence and Maranello.
Obviously with locations as the above, the Millie Miglia can be a great event to witness as both a lover of cars as well as those who adore the towns and cities of Italy, and it can be a superb occasion to be part of whilst enjoying a holiday at the same time.
Where to go
Staying in or around Brescia would be perfect to catch the most dramatic moments of the Mille Miglia (the start and finish). Getting to the town’s square where the cars are registered before they subsequently set off would be a perfect opportunity to see the vehicles up close and personal, whilst getting there on the morning the event officially starts would allow you to witness the classics begin their epic journey.
For those who want a bit more going on whilst they wait for the cars to race by will most likely choose Rome as their destination. The nation’s capital is host to some of the great sights Europe has to offer, but with the added garnish of the world’s most beautiful automotive icons, such a trip would be brilliantly unique.
Florence would be the next best location to stop during the Mille Miglia thanks to its beautiful surroundings and perfect Italian heritage. For those that adore their cars might even look to follow the route themselves and do their best to keep up with those taking part in the event.