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Can you capture lightning in a bottle? A group is trying to copy one of the most special automotive events in the world and bring it to Florida. The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida will be run by the same company that organizes the real thing in Italy and aims to bring a similar vintage car experience to the newly established Miami Car Week. This is the sort of event that attracts classic Ferraris and Concours-worthy classics, and now it’s getting some American flavor.

The Mille Miglia, Italian for 1,000 miles, was an open-road endurance race that ran from Brescia to Rome. It started in 1927 and was run 24 times. For five of those years, it was part of the World Sports Car Championship. Some of the greatest racers in the world took part in the event, which finally came to an end after two fatal crashes in 1957. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was partly inspired by the events of the 1955 event.

n Italian Classic Tours Florida

Since 1977, it has existed as the Mille Miglia Storica. More of a parade now than a race, cars that could have competed in the original runnings gather to drive through the Italian countryside. They call it the “most beautiful race in the world,” and if you don’t agree about the scenery, you will for the hundreds of ultra-rare pre- and post-war racing cars that show up to drive it. It might not be as competitive as it was in its time, but these cars are still driven hard. It’s not just a leisurely Sunday drive.

The idea now is to bring that experience to Florida. The event will run from February 22-25, 2025 in the build-up to ModaMiami’s concours d’elegance. Drivers will go on a 1,000-mile trip from Coral Gables through Tampa and West Palm Beach before returning to Miami and Coral Gables. Stops include the Everglades, Naples, and Cape Canaveral. A previous iteration of this event was held in Virginia, but perhaps Miami has more glamor.

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The Mille Miglia Florida will be open to classic Mille vehicles, those from 1927 to 1957, as well as the category called Classic Icons, which allows vehicles from 1958 to 1994. Modern supercars and hypercars will also be permitted, meaning that anyone can enter as long as they have sufficient cash.

Part of New Miami Car Week

What is Miami Car Week, you ask? That, too, is a new event for 2025. The new event for expensive motors and their owners will be a leadup to the ModaMiami. That’s the city’s most exclusive car event, which takes place at the Biltmore Hotel on March 1-2 with a concours d’elegance. RM Sotheby’s is on board as a partner for the Mille Florida, and says that means exclusive auctions and events for the race and its participants.

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The big draw for the Florida event might be the prizes. Winners of each category will get a guaranteed entry into the big race for 2026. The original Mille Miglia is tough to get into, with thousands of entrants wanting to show off their vintage racers and their own skills or those of their hired hot shoe drivers. The chance to skip the wait list could draw some new vehicles to this event, with serious competitors behind them looking to take their classics to Italy.