When the Italian Grand Prix was moved from Brescia to Monza many people weren’t happy. A local legend has it that petrol runs through the veins of the people of Brescia instead of blood. Intense. You can see why they wouldn’t be happy. In the group of disgruntled motoring enthusiasts were two young counts, a sports manager and a motoring journalist. Together with some wealthy associates, they decided to race from Brescia to Roma and back in a figure of eight shaped course that spanned 1500 km – or a thousand Roman miles. It was 1927 and the iconic 1000 Miglia was born.
The race ran until 1957 – with Clemete Biondetti and constructor Alfa Romeo clocking up the most wins – and has more recently been reimagined as what’s called a regularity race for classic and vintage cars. It’s also become something of a global brand, attracting the attention of brands such as Chopard. Now the inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience makes its way to the United Arab Emirates, marking “the first time that the most beautiful race in the world has been held outside of its spiritual home in Brescia,” according to the organizers. For this edition, the event is by invitation only and open to just 100 owners of landmark cars – which now goes beyond classics to include contemporary icons.
The race – which takes place in early December – will snake through the UAE, heading first from Dubai to Fujairah, then to Ras Al Khaimah, back through Dubai and onto the finish line in Abu Dhabi. The drivers will take in the sights from Dubai’s stunning skyline to Fujairah’s iconic beaches to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit, which has earned its stripes in terms of global motorsport pedigree.
Three classes of cars will compete in the race. First off, the 1000 Miglia Class, which includes cars built from 1927 to 1957, the run of the original race. Then comes the Jubilee Class, honoring cars built up to 1971 – the founding year of the United Arab Emirates. Finally, there’ll be a class for Contemporary Icons – including extreme hypercars – which if you live in Dubai might just look like the parking lot at the mall. In total, organizers estimate there will be 150 million US dollars worth of machinery taking part in the event. But that’s not what it should be about.
The 1000 Miglia is about tapping into the original spirit of the race. Imagine a 1956 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing snaking around the Emirates’ mountain roads or cruising against the red sands of the desert. Just the thought of it is enough to get the petrol pumping through Bresican veins.
Participants will also have exclusive eyewear to match their classic car style, as Carrera is providing all drivers with a limited numbered edition of its iconic Carrera Champion model, only for the lucky few participating in the race.
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