More than 65 historic racecars will salute Italy’s famed Mille Miglia in the 17th running of the California Mille April 29–May 3, 2007.
The four-day, 1,000-mile event begins Sunday atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill with the largest, free, car show of its kind in North America. Historic Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Ferraris and Jaguars will be among vintage racecars that could have qualified for the famed Italian Mille Miglia that ran from 1927–1957.
Cars will be lined up by year along both sides of Mason Street in front of the Fairmont Hotel from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. In addition, scores of classic luxury cars that could have graced the entrance to the Fairmont from its turn-of-the-century beginning will be on display around Huntington Park, from California to Taylor to Sacramento streets.
On Monday morning, April 30, the waving of Italy’s green, white and red flag at the Partenza (departure) arch will signal the beginning of the Mille, with cars driving West on California Street to the Golden Gate Bridge and North to Willows, Eureka, Little River and Sonoma, where the tour will end on Thursday with an awards banquet.
New this year, five California Mille entrants, which will be judged “best of the best,” will journey to southern California later in the year, to be placed on display at the Art Center College of Design hill campus in Pasadena. “This is an important first for the Mille,” said Martin Swig, “and a very high honor.
“Our winners will take their place alongside a handful of cars selected by the college as exemplifying extraordinary design qualities. In their behalf, the California Mille will make a $5,000 donation to the college and become a patron of this world-renowned design institution.” For more information contact Martin Swig at (415) 479-9950 or visit www.californiamille.com.
