The 37th Mille Miglia (held from May 15 to 18, 2019) came to an end last Saturday. As in the current Formula 1, there was another double victory, but this time not by Mercedes-Benz but by local hero Alfa Romeo.
The 6C 1500 SS from 1928, from the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, drove with the crew of Giovanni Moceri and Daniele Bonetti the 1600 km from Brescia to Rome and back most accurately and relegated the 6C 1750 SS (1929) of Andrea Vesco and Andrea Guerini to the place of honor. The podium was completed by a French car, the Bugatti T40 driven by Juan Tonconogy and Barbara Ruffini.
"We are overjoyed to have made it onto the winners' list of the Mille Miglia after several attempts," said the winning team after their great success.
The runners-up said: "We're not really satisfied with second place. It's only second place! But we competed against very strong teams and were at least able to beat the three-time winners Tonconogy/Ruffini into third place."
Women at the wheel too
Not only was there a triple pre-war podium in the overall standings, but the Ladies Cup was also won by a car built before the Second World War.
Silvia Marini and Francesca Ruggeri, who finished in 32nd place overall, won this classification with the 1937 Aston-Martin 2-liter Speed Model.
Famous people
Of the drivers who have already made history in motorsport, Romain Dumas unfortunately had to retire from the "race" with the Porsche 550A Spyder 1500 RS and Miki Biasion came 113th with the Ferrari 250 MM Spider Vignale.
Porsche collector Magnus Walker did not start in a Zuffenhausen vehicle for once, but in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. VW Group Board Member Herbert Diess was at the start in Brescia in a 1928 Bugatti 35B.
Taking part is more important than winning
Father and son Danieli set off in a black Mercedes 220 Ponton.
The car was prepared for the MM after years of work and completed the classic rally from Ulm to Budapest as the last major test beforehand. Its highlight was the stopover in Terni, the birthplace of father Danieli, where the German team was of course celebrated frenetically by family and friends.
For most of the participants, it is not so much the victory or the place that counts, but much more the tradition of the Mille Miglia, the greatest road race of its time, itself. The number of celebrities was lower this year than ever before and the classic car departments of the major car manufacturers were scarcer in 2019. However, this only marginally bothered the true fan of this event. The Mille Miglia is and remains an Italian folk festival that simply has to be experienced. The Mille is certainly unique in its kind and character worldwide.
A mammoth event with a special touch
A total of 430 cars (53 were withdrawn), 1801 kilometers of route, 4 days and a total of 40 hours at the wheel, 200 town halls in 7 regions. These are the bare figures of the MM 2019, which is known for its dreamlike locations and authentic towns that offer the perfect setting for the rolling cultural heritage.
Franco Gussalli Beretta, President of the 1000 Miglia, concluded: "The 37th Mille Miglia once again passed through enchanting landscapes and villages. Both the crews and the large number of spectators along the route showed great enthusiasm. Our thanks go to the spectators who welcomed us with great enthusiasm in every town and village."
It is precisely this enthusiasm that makes the Mille Miglia so special. It is touching to see old and young on the roadside, without envy or resentment, cheering on the sometimes very valuable vintage cars.
The photos in the picture gallery can convey this atmosphere more than a thousand words ...
And take a look at the entertaining picture story about the Mille Miglia 2019...
