It was a good race and from Rome onwards I never had any doubt that I should win” Tazio Nuvolari – 1930 Winner Mille Miglia

On to Rome in Italy’s Mille Miglia, one of the most prestigious historic automotive events in the world has been called the “most beautiful race in the world” taking competitors through the stunning Italian countryside as they attempt to complete the 1000 mile open road race from Brescia in the north to Rome in period-correct Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Fiats and more.
Back home in Indiana excitement is building as the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to begin in 10 days, 3 hours and 12 minutes. Racing fans all over the world look forward every May to the thrill of the Brickyard for the agony and the ecstasy of an event that has been called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
But before the gentlemen and ladies of the Indy 500 start their engines, there is another thrill to be had on the international racing stage with the vintage and classic cars of Italy’s Mille Miglia, an open-road endurance race that began yesterday May 15th from Brescia-to-Rome
An estimated 4 million Italian spectators and others from around the world relive a history of road racing that begin in 1927 with cars and drivers like Tazio Nuvolari , who won the 1930 race in his Alfa Romeo, reaching celebrity status. 430 cars were selected for this year’s race from 1,500 + registrations based on their history and record of achievements with Alfa Romeo leading the way with 44 cars in the race. Among the cars represented (Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lancia, BMW, Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz -celebrating 125 years of motorsport) are two Volkswagen Beetles, the 1951 Pretzel Beetle and the 1956 Ovali Beetle have been modified to replicate their historical predecessors. Volkswagen has been instrumental in the history of the Mille Miglia with high-performance Beetles finishing much higher up the standings than their more powerful opposition. thanks in no small part to their reliability.
Sport’s car enthusiasts will not want to miss the stunning pictures of the cars of the Mille Miglia posted all over the Internet.