100 years of the Mille Miglia comes to Maastricht

In 2027, it will be one hundred years since the world’s most beautiful road race was first held. Between 1927 and 1957, 24 editions of the Mille Miglia took place, starting and finishing in Brescia, with Rome serving as the traditional turning point. Three hundred competitors raced flat-out for a thousand miles through villages, over mountain passes and across the Italian landscape. Marques such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz made history there, establishing the Mille Miglia as one of motor sport’s most legendary races. 

 

The event returned in the 1970s as a regularity rally. Only cars eligible for the original race may participate, following the same route. The rally has been held annually ever since and is regarded as the most prestigious event of its kind in the world.

 

From characterful pre-war racers to iconic 1950s sports cars: discover the automobiles that tell the story of this legendary race.

 

 

In its various forms, the Alfa Romeo 8C is the most successful car ever to have competed in the Mille Miglia, with eight overall victories. Its success was due in part to its powerful engines, lightweight chassis, supercharger and, of course, legendary drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari and Achille Varzi.

 

That is precisely why the Alfa Romeo 8C features on the poster!

 

Along the 1,600-kilometre route, the mountain passes were regarded as sections where the race could be won or lost. The intermediate times recorded on the Futa and Raticosa passes were therefore followed particularly closely.

 

The number displayed on each car referred to its starting time. Number 722, for example, indicated that the car had set off at 7.22 am. A car’s starting time could therefore be read directly from its competition number.