Marvellous Mille Miglia

The Mille Miglia, often dubbed “the most beautiful race in the world,” returned in spectacular fashion in 2025, once again capturing the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts around the globe. Rooted in nearly a century of history, this year’s edition celebrated the timeless romance of classic cars and the enduring spirit of the open road.

A Race Through Time

The Mille Miglia was originally run between 1927 and 1957 as a 1,000-mile open-road endurance race from Brescia to Rome and back. It was born from a desire to put Italian motorsport on the global map, and it quickly became legendary. Marques like Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati dominated its heyday, piloted by racing greats such as Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss.

The original race ended in 1957 following a tragic accident, but the legend never died. In 1977, the Mille Miglia was revived as a regularity race for cars built before 1957—the same cut-off date of the original event. While it no longer involves flat-out racing, the revived event has become a prestigious and glamorous tribute to the golden age of motor racing.

2025 Edition: From Tradition to Triumph

This year’s Mille Miglia took place from June 17-21, tracing the traditional figure of 8 route of approximately 1,600 kilometres (about 1,000 Roman miles) through some of Italy’s most scenic and historic towns. Starting and ending in Brescia, the route wound its way through Cervia-Milano Marittima, Rome, and Parma, bringing automotive history to life as it passed through cobbled piazzas, verdant hills, and medieval hamlets.

More than 420 classic cars participated, representing over 70 different marques.

This year’s winners were Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli, who claimed their fifth consecutive victory driving their trusty 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport. Their mastery of precision timing, route navigation, and the gruelling schedule has cemented their legacy in modern Mille Miglia history.

Legacy on Wheels

As the Mille Miglia 2025 drew to a close in Brescia, the event reaffirmed its unique place in the automotive world—a seamless blend of heritage, artistry, and endurance. With each passing year, the Mille Miglia continues to celebrate the machines and memories of a bygone era, while welcoming new generations to the magic of the so-called ‘Red Arrow’.

Your 1000 Miglia

I had the privilege of presenting to father and daughter competitors, Nigel and Elannah Griffiths, this montage painting on canvas capturing their adventures in the 2023 Mille Miglia.  If you or anyone you know would like to commission a unique memento of this or any other classic car rally, do get in touch!

Montage of Mille Miglia and painting by Simon Cavelle