frenzy. We had lunch in the sunshine and watched the entire population of Brescia roll by admiring the marvels cruising all over town. The crowds were intense with thousands of people jostling to film, photograph or touch the motors. It was a feat of skill just to get the “Blower” through the multitude which had to be gently nudged aside as the car crawled along the narrow streets towards the square.
The race itself starts at around 7 am and takes in a tour of the town before roaring off towards Ferrara, the first days finish line. There are control time stops in every town along the way and these are used at the end to select the final winner. The passion, support and enthusiasm from the Italians is unsurpassed, the entire route is lined with families, shouting and cheering as each car roars past. The fact that two of our support cars were Bugatti Veyrons may have contributed to this too!
Our support cars were the 1954 Bentley R Type Continental, the new Bentley Continental GTC W12 and the new Bentley Continental GT V8. The new Continental bodies are based on the R type which has the most beautiful lines. We nicknamed it “Bella” as that was the most frequent outburst from the crowds as we appeared in the car. Though “Oooh La La Bentley”, “Que Bella” and “Bellissima” were frequent contenders.
The route on the second day runs from Ferrara to Rome via the Republic of San Marino along stunning, winding mountain roads. The R Type whilst
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heavy and a manual performs like a dream and even gave the V8 following us a run for its money. The day culminated with the convoy of cars speeding into Rome towards the Olympic stadium, headlights blazing as night fell, where the after parties were being held in front of the worlds media. Each car drives up onto the famous ramp to be interviewed for television as it arrives around midnight.
The third and last day is the most competitive as the cars compete to be the first back to Brescia whilst passing all the control points at precisely the right times. The stopping point in Siena is glorious as hundreds of Ferraris turn out to follow the route as part of an additional Ferrari support rally. Siena is turned into heaven on earth for any car enthusiast when, for one long lunchtime, it hosts a plethora of classic cars and super cars revving through its narrow streets to grand acclamation.
The Mille Miglia is a unique life experience that for sheer excitement, history, legendary racing drivers and superbly engineered cars is unparalleled in the world. Not to mention the delectable food, dazzling scenery and sympathetic people. Go for the weekend to soak up the unbelievable atmosphere or enter yourself, a must for any racing fan.
I’ll leave the last words to the legend Jacky Ickx: “It is the quintessence of an adventure as full as that of Marco polo or of Magellan, it is also a contribution to man’s conquest of the impossible. A Mille Miglia might be an outburst of folly, a sporting madness, but it is always glorious and heroic.”
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