California Mille 2013

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California Mille 2013 Photos and Stories.

1000 mile Vintage Car and Classic Car Tour and motoring event, 2013-04-29 - 2013-05-02, The Fairmont at the Top on Nob Hill, San Francisco, California, US

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California Mille 2013

The 23rd annual California Mille.
A "Tribute to Martin Swig" the founder of this motoring event. Attented by drivers from far reaches around the world the Mille will run scenic backroads of Northern California. 70 driver teams will once again drive vintage, pre 1957, cars about 1,000 miles over 4 days. The event relives, although under current US safety standards, Italy's famed Mille Miglia (thousand mile) open road race.

The event's founder, Martin Swig, a lifelong car enthusiast started the run 23 years ago and is survived by his 2 sons David and Howard Swig who are running this year's Mille, with assistance of longtime Mille Event Planner Dan Radowicz.

The route will follow 'driver's roads' and provide a view of Northern California's spectacular scenery with stops at luxury hotels offering top dining experiences.

The Sunday set-up and arrival seemed less festive than years past as there were no colorful balloons arching over each end of the staging area. Last year the wind took toll on the display and this year seemed a bit like the planners over reacted in their 'fix'.

The car selection this year was heavy on Alfa's but that is a good thing as Alfa Romeos, in some ways are the heart of Italian car racing, with Ferrari being the 'Spirit'. After all Enzo Ferrari began his famous journey with Scuderia Ferrari that he managed racing Alfa racecars.

Sunday is mostly about arriving as the 1934 Lagonda M45 tourer makes its entrance

The red carpet is for the cars
Clara Cunningham Photo

Proper weather and light crowds made for a good day.
Clara Cunningham Photo

A 1953 Nash-Healey ready for the 1,000 mile run

The Original Italian Mille Miglia always ran from Brescia to Rome and back, with only stops for gas or simple repairs. This was a race against the clock. Fastest car wins. Race ended in 1957

The California Mille is a more leisurely drive always leaving from San Francisco, traveling about 1,000 miles over different Northern California back roads over several days. All drivers are 'winners' by the true beauty of the countryside and enjoyment from participating.

Sunday at The Fairmont is about seeing and being seen. And, oh, the cars.

The Fairmont at the Top on Nob Hill

The Fairmont. First nights stay.
Clara Cunningham Photo

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David and Howard Swig interviewing one of the Alfa drivers. (Left to Right)
Clara Cunningham Photo

The 1934 Lagonda M45 tourer's open top will give a great view.

1952 Ferrari 212 Export was designed for high speed driving over twisting roads,

Dan Boeschen shows off his red 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Car lovers of all sizes and ages love the show
Clara Cunningham Photo

David and Howard Swig interviewing Judy Stropus.
Judy Stropus was part of the all ladies team that ran the 1972 US cross-country "Cannonball Run". This was the event that set the story line for the movie of the same name with Burt Reynolds. The movie had the Ladies team in a Lamborghini but in 1972 they drove a Cadillac limo. This years California Mille she will drive the 1952 Lancia Ardea shown below.

1952 Lancia Ardea
Clara Cunningham Photo

The only part of the cars these two likes are the tires.
Clara Cunningham Photo

Martin Swig's favorite Alfa Romeo, 1953 1900 Coupe

END; For now.