1000 Miglia USA

TGR Staff

For the first time ever, the famous 1000 Miglia brought its legendary open-road motorsport endurance race outside the Italian borders and to the United States from Thursday, October 25 to Saturday, 27.

In conjunction with the Italian Embassy and the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA featured a taste of the event once dubbed by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car race in the world.” The last day the classic car rally covered more than 150-miles of some of the most scenic areas in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. before finally crossing the finish line on Italian-soil at Villa Firenze, the official residence of the Italian Ambassador to the United States of America.

There were only 18 classic cars participating in this exclusive event, 3 of which were the “1000 Miglia Official Cars” out of the race. Competitor’s vehicles consisted of a variety of American, Italian and European manufacturers including:

1928 Bugatti Type 40
1927 Cadillac La Salle Roadster
1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint
1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500SS
1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy
1951 Cisitalia 202 SC Cabriolet
1952 Jaguar XK120 M
1953 Jaguar XK120 M
1953 Jaguar XK120 M
1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint
1954 Jaguar XK120 SE
1954 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe
1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano
1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
1957 Porsche Speedster
1961 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster
1973 Porsche 911

Driving a 1952 Jaguar XK120 M, John Houghtaling and his navigator Franco Valobra arrived at Villa Firenze as winners, finishing first in the speed-distance-time rally. Participating teams celebrated the first-ever 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA with a special awarding ceremony hosted by the Ambassador of Italy Armando Varricchio at his residence in Washington D.C.

“It is our great honor to be celebrating this momentous occasion together with the Italian Ambassador,” said Franco Gussalli Beretta, president of 1000 Miglia Srl. “The 1000 Miglia represents all things iconic of Italy, its history, traditions, elegance and automotive passion. With programs like the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA, we intend to share our spectacular event with enthusiasts and fans around the world.”

During the award ceremony, the Ambassador mentioned that “the first Warm Up USA represents the beginning of the 1000 Miglia American adventure that will further enhance the reputation of Italy in the USA.”

The inaugural event launches the beginning of future USA activities and comes exactly 90-years since the first American cars, a Chrysler Model 72 and a Cadillac LaSalle, participated in the 1000 Miglia in 1928. Founded in Brescia, Italy in 1927, the 1000 Miglia’s DNA has consisted of history, beauty, precision, and community. The 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA mirrored the nearly century-old race by bringing the unique time and speed rally to a new audience and country for the very first time.

“The 1000 Miglia is about classic cars, it’s about history and beauty, and most importantly, it’s about people,” said Mark Gessler, president of HVA, “It is our great privilege to share the automotive heritage of the 1000 Miglia, along with its great passion and spirit with the people of the United States.”