The fascination of the Mille Miglia
- thereserotschne
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
BLOG POST BY THERESE ROTSCHNE
A little tip: The Mille Miglia will be stopping in Austria in mid-September –
A real highlight you shouldn't miss! See the end of the blog for more information.
The Mille Miglia is considered one of the most famous and prestigious motor races in the world. Originally held between 1927 and 1957 , the race ran on public roads from Brescia to Rome and back again – a distance of approximately 1,600 kilometers , corresponding to the eponymous distance of "a thousand miles."
The event was more than just a competition – it was a showcase of technology, design and passion for the automobile.
Brands such as Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Maserati shaped the race, as did great names in racing history.
Pictured: Gotfrid Köchert with starting number 432 – which is also his exact starting time, according to the traditional Mille Miglia regulations – at the wheel of a Porsche 550 Spyder .
After a long break, the Mille Miglia was revived in a revised form and has been held as a regularity rally for historic vehicles since the 1970s – with the same myth and special flair.
Only vehicle models that competed in the original race between 1927 and 1957 are allowed to take part in today's Mille Miglia – these classics are considered particularly sought-after and valued today.
Start in Brescia
Speed of the Legends – Average speed at the original Mille Miglia
The Mille Miglia wasn't just a long-distance race—it was a thrilling race on public roads. And although it was held between 1927 and 1957, the average speeds were sometimes astonishingly high.
At the first race in 1927, the average speed was around 77 km/h – impressive considering the over 1,600 kilometers of racing through cities, villages, and gravel roads. As early as 1930, Tazio Nuvolari broke the sound barrier in an Alfa Romeo, reaching over 100 km/h – a sensation for the time.
The absolute record, however, was set by Stirling Moss in 1955: With his co-driver Denis Jenkinson, he raced the entire distance in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR at an average speed of 157.65 km/h . Without GPS, without modern driving aids—only with a handwritten track sheet and pure driving mastery.
These figures show that the Mille Miglia was never just romantic or nostalgic – it was always a race at razor-sharp speed.
How did the Mille Miglia come about?
The Mille Miglia was founded in 1927 by four Italian motor racing enthusiasts: Giovanni Canestrini, Franco Mazzotti, Renzo Castagneto and Aymo Maggi .
The idea was born out of frustration – the Italian Grand Prix had recently been moved from Brescia to Monza. To put Brescia back at the center of motorsport, the four men promptly created their own race – more daring, longer, and more spectacular.
Brescia was not chosen by chance: The city was already a stronghold of Italian motorsports in the 1920s. Early hillclimb races and road races shaped the scene – lively, ambitious, and enthusiastic.
The car brand OM (Officine Meccaniche) also had its headquarters here and created a historic moment in 1927: OM won the very first Mille Miglia with the model
665 Superba .
The brand later merged with Fiat – but Brescia’s reputation as the cradle of the Mille Miglia was finally sealed.
Happy drivers, unique flair – Mille Miglia magic on four wheels.
Austrians at the Mille Miglia – style, speed and passion
Even though the Mille Miglia was firmly in Italian hands, over the years courageous Austrians have repeatedly joined the starting field.
Gotfrid Köchert , known to many as “the furious jeweler” .
He competed on the legendary track with two iconic vehicles: a Porsche 550 Spyder and a Ferrari 500 TR – both true classics that perfectly match the elegance and sportiness of this historic race.
Köchert's images tell of an era in which motorsport was still a true adventure – full of style, courage and mechanical finesse.
Other Austrian names associated with the Mille Miglia are
Otto Mathé , who impressed with his exceptional talent despite physical limitations, and Ernst Klodwig , born in what was then Austria-Hungary, who was active in international racing.
Gotfrid Köchert with Ferrari 500 TR (1957) & Porsche 550 Spyder (1956)
Personal impressions
I haven't driven the Mille Miglia myself yet – after all, you have to save something for later.
But in 2022 I was very lucky to be able to accompany the event as a press photographer.
What can I say? You're immediately hooked. The energy, the enthusiasm, the atmosphere – indescribable.
The most beautiful cars from all over the world meet the impressive backdrop of Italian landscapes and cities. And the best part: Not only the participants, but the entire country – including the international visitors – participates wholeheartedly. Even the local police show understanding and enthusiasm when 100-year-old cars thunder through the streets – they even gladly clear the way.
An absolute must for every car fan.
I'm already dreaming of taking part in 20_ _ .
Experience the Mille Miglia live...
If you want to experience the original Mille Miglia in Italy , you shouldn't miss the start in Brescia : the atmosphere there is electric, with hundreds of classic cars, drivers, and fans right in the historic center.
Other great spectator spots along the route include Ferrara , where the cars often pass by the picturesque cathedral square, or the beautiful Sirmione on Lake Garda , which offers a unique backdrop. Even in smaller cities such as Parma , Siena or
In San Marino you can often get very close to the vehicles – usually without much crowding.
A useful tip: Small posters with the scheduled transit times are posted in towns many days before the race, making it easy to find the perfect spot. The times are also published online on the official Mille Miglia websites and social media channels, allowing you to prepare well.
Mille Miglia Warm-Up – Stylish preheating for the legend
The second edition of the 1000 Miglia Warm‑Up Austria will take place from
September 11th to 14th, 2025 .
The route starts in Seefeld and leads over the Zillertal High Alpine Road and the Gerlos Pass into Salzburger Land. It continues past the Krimml Waterfalls, over the Steinernes Meer (Steinerne Meer), along the Rossfeld Panorama Road, and along the Mattsee and Obertrumer See lakes to Salzburg.
A special highlight: There will also be a stop at our museum along the route – a wonderful opportunity for visitors and participants to marvel at the vehicles.
Review of the Mille Miglia Warm Up 2024
Have you ever experienced the Mille Miglia live?
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No
BLOG POST & PICTURES
Therese Rotschne
August 2025
Camera: Olympus OM-D10 & iPhone 13 Pro
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