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Mille Miglia USA 2018 – Report and Photos

Mille Miglia USA

For the first time, the famous 1000 Miglia brought its endurance race outside the Italian borders and to the United States from October 25-27, 2018. 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 18 classic cars participating in this event, three 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 a 1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 SS; 1928 Bugatti Type 40; 1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy; 1951 Cisitalia 202 SC Cabriolet; 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce; 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano; 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.

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.”

The inaugural event launched 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.

“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.”

Mille Miglia USA 2018 – Photo Gallery (Photos: Historic Vehicle Association)

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