For those who might have missed the historical reenactment of the “most beautiful race in the world”, here is a moving portrait of three special Alfa Romeo classic cars which took part in the race with the Giulia 100th Anniversary edition and Stelvio by their side. The crews on board the official team vehicles of the Biscione’s share their experiences at the competition where they won over the hearts of race enthusiasts throughout the world.
For vintage car racing enthusiasts and luxury automotive aficionados, the 1000 Miglia is an event that holds a special place in their hearts. This year, the Alfa Romeo brand once again showcased its rich racing heritage at the famous “most beautiful race in the world.” With three special Alfa Romeo classic cars, accompanied by the Giulia 100th Anniversary edition and Stelvio, the official team vehicles of the Biscione made a remarkable impact on race enthusiasts worldwide.
A total of 420 classic cars, including 48 iconic Alfa Romeo models, participated in the grueling tour de force along the traditional Brescia-Roma-Brescia route. The 2023 edition was particularly memorable, as it spanned five days and covered over 2,000 kilometers, making it the longest in the history of this legendary race, described by the iconic Enzo Ferrari as the “most beautiful race in the world.”
Amidst unforgettable sunsets, breathtaking architectural wonders, pouring rain, and scorching sun, the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS from the Villa Trasqua team, driven by Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli, emerged as the victor, capturing the hearts of spectators. However, it wasn’t just the winning car that stole the show; three other magnificent models from the Alfa Romeo heritage collection also made their mark. These rare gems, usually displayed at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, included the 1900 Sport Spider and the 2000 Sportiva, both from 1954, as well as the 1900 Super Sprint from 1956.
The Stellantis heritage team, aboard the new Giulia “Quadrifoglio 100th anniversary” and Stelvio models, not only provided essential technical support but also created a captivating connection between Alfa Romeo’s illustrious past and its promising future.
One of the drivers entrusted with the 1900 Sport Spider was Marius Pop, the founder of the “Alfattitude” online community, with Virgiliu Andone serving as the co-driver. Andone reflected on the race, saying, “Everyone told us that this race would be tough, both mentally and physically, more than any other we had competed in. However, it’s not a competition between people and cars, but rather a harmony between humans and their machines. The breathtaking landscapes of Italy make the experience even more surreal. After successfully completing the 1000 Miglia while driving the wonderful Alfa Romeo 1900 Sport Spider, we emerged as better Alfisti, better drivers, and better human beings.”
The same excitement was shared by the team driving the 1900 Super Sprint, led by Lorenzo Quaglia, a brand ambassador of the Italian fashion company Velasca, and Giovanni Giuseppe Savini, better known as @giogiusavini on TikTok. Quaglia expressed his sentiment, stating, “In an increasingly frenetic world that is constantly moving forward, it was truly exciting to step back in time for five days.” His teammate added, “For me, the 1000 Miglia is an opportunity to experience timeless emotions, create memories, admire iconic landscapes, and enjoy both exhilarating and relaxing moments. Thanks to Alfa Romeo, I had the chance to live five days in another era, where the sportiness of an engine was perfectly aligned with an enduring design.”
Tom Wlaschiha, renowned for his roles in “Game of Thrones” and “Stranger Things,” and a massive Alfa Romeo fan, took the wheel of the 2000 Sportiva. The actor described the experience, saying, “Driving in the Mille Miglia this year with the Alfa Sportiva 2000 was one of the most beautiful and insane experiences of my life. Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush, breathtaking landscapes, and the excitement of the crowd that lined the entire route.” Nina Maria Weizenecker, also known as NinaCarMaria, a famous automobile influencer and Wlaschiha’s co-driver, expressed her joy, stating, “It was the best thing that has ever happened to me, and it was made possible thanks to this fantastic team. Can we hit the ‘restart’ button?”
The warm welcome received by the three Alfa Romeo vehicles at each leg of the race is a testament to the strong and visceral connection between historic motorsport fans and the Biscione, which has symbolized Italian motorsport since 1910. Additionally, this event provided an ideal opportunity to celebrate significant milestones, including the tenth anniversary of the Alfa Romeo 4C, the sixtieth anniversary of Autodelta, and the centennial anniversary of the Quadrifoglio emblem.
The participation of Alfa Romeo in the Mille Miglia 2023 was more than a mere race; it was a journey that transported participants and spectators alike to a bygone era of automotive excellence. It encapsulated the timeless elegance, captivating performance, and enduring legacy that define the Alfa Romeo brand.