Mille Miglia - The most beautiful race in the world

In the heart of Rimini, Italy, every year a race is taken, showcasing a fascinating mix of classic cars from the golden era of motorsports.

 
Photo courtesy 1000miglia.it

 

Mille Miglia, the most beautiful race in the world, first roared to life in 1927 and continued through 1957, fraught with danger as drivers raced flat-out across the Italian landscape. In 1955, British racer Stirling Moss and journalist Denis Jenkinson set an unbeatable record time, covering the 1,000-mile route in just over 10 hours, averaging a jaw-dropping 99 mph. However, this period also witnessed unfortunate tragedies, leading to the race's cancellation in 1957.

 Sir Stirling Moss & Denis Jenkinson piloting the mighty Mercedes-Benz 300SLR to a record-breaking win in 1955 – HistoricRacingNews.com

After some time, the Mille Miglia re-emerged in 1977 as a "regularity" race, offering participants the opportunity of driving at speed through the scenic Italian countryside without the life-threatening danger of its original incarnation. Chopard, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, came aboard as the main sponsor in 1988, led by the enthusiastic car aficionado and Chopard's Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Over the years, Chopard has celebrated the race with a wide range of Mille Miglia-themed watches, a tradition that lasts till today.

 

Photo courtesy 1000miglia.it

Chopard's Mille Miglia chronographs are a fitting companion for this epic race. The 2023 Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTS Chronograph, with a 44mm case, features a cream dial with green and red accents, a nod to the Italian Limited Edition theme. Co-pilots have the opportunity to purchase this stunning timepiece at a discounted rate, but word has it they sell out fast due to their exclusivity.

Photo courtesy Chopard

The Mille Miglia 2022 Racing Edition in gold and steel is another marvel from Chopard's collection, combining elegance with racing spirit. For those who prefer a smaller timepiece, Chopard released a new 40mm Mille Miglia chronograph, a beautiful accessory released earlier that year.

Photo courtesy Chopard  

Of course, Chopard's homage to the Mille Miglia wouldn't be complete without the classic Mille Miglia GTS and Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph watches, each a symbol of the brand's dedication to the world of motorsports.

 

As the drivers get closer to the countryside, they find themselves surrounded by an enthusiastic audience, from young children to devoted nonnas, all cheering them on. Locals assist the drivers with directions, providing a sense of camaraderie that makes this event much more than just a race. It's an experience to cherish, both for the drivers and the communities that embrace 

 

Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and racing driver Jacky Ickx

At times, the race is a symphony of classic cars getting in and out of traffic, accompanied by the flashing lights and whirring sirens of police motorcycles, clearing the way for the Mille Miglia procession.

The race is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an incredible journey that only a select few get to undertake. The Mille Miglia is a spectacle of speed, history, and passion, an event that captures the hearts of drivers and spectators alike. For those who can't partake in the race, reading about this incredible journey may inspire others to seize the opportunity and explore the Italian roads themselves.