Mercedes-Benz at the Mille Miglia Storica
Reliving the glory days of over-the-road racing in the '50s: A dark red Gullwing squats under acceleration on the cobblestones during the 2010 edition of Italy's Mille Miglia Storica.
The Mille Miglia
Recreating the Magic
Last run in May 1957, the Mille Miglia was a tortuous open road race conducted over roughly 1000 miles of Italy’s generally poor roads from Brescia to Rome and back. Drivers and co-drivers braved often appalling conditions, fatigue and mechanical failure for the chance of surviving an event often marred with horrific accidents. A tragic accident during the 24th and final running in 1957 claimed the lives of the highly talented Spanish gentleman driver Alfonse de Portago and co-driver American Edmund Nelson as well as ten spectators, ending the event’s professional status.
The winner of the last Mille Miglia: Silver haired Piero Taruffi's 1957 Ferrari 315S. A fabulous sports racing car of the day, the 315S was fitted with a 330hp 4-cam 3.8 liter V-12 utilizing two plugs per cylinder. This was a treacherous era with 175mph cars, drum brakes, no seat belts, short sleeve shirts and open faced helmets - a romantic as well as an often tragic era.
Mercedes and the 2010 “Storica”
The Cars and the Stars
The Mille Miglia retrospective or “Storica” is the premier event within the glamorous world of vintage road races. Whether you focus on the Mille Miglias of the ’20s, ’30s or the ’50s, the Silver Star has always featured prominently in the results. Epochal wins by Rudolf Caracciola in 1931 aboard an SSK and (Sir) Stirling Moss piloting the all conquering 300SLR in 1955 firmly embedded this event in Mercedes’ DNA. We should note Alfa Romeo as the most prolific winner of the original event with no less than 11 wins.
Mercedes-Benz was well represented in this year’s event with a variety of cars ranging from two SSKs to myriad Gullwings – including 2011 editions, a 111 coupe and at least a few trusty – and cozy – ponton sedans. Sir Stirling’s 1955 win was honored by the presence of at least one SLR Stirling Moss Edition.
Setting off on a glorious and storied route, one of the many Gullwings entered launches into the darkness to begin the first stage of the 2010 event.
These pilots braved the elements aboard this torquey and very open supercharged 7 liter SSK.
Two ponton sedans await the start in the staging area. With heavy rain falling during much of 2010's Mille, touring in a 220 sedan wasn't a bad idea. Note Webasto full length sunroof in the car on the left.
A thinly disguised race car in its day, this supercharged SSK recalls the exploits of one Rudolf Caracciola during his and Mercedes-Benz' win in 1931. Large center spot light augmented generally weak lighting of the era.
The Mille Miglia is a playground for wealthy enthusiasts and legends alike. Here, triple F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart guides his midnight blue/crème Gullwing toward starting ramp. Stewart won F1 titles in 1969/1971/1973.
Formula 1 veteran David Coulthard enjoying the spotlight in front of a 1952 W194 racing Gullwing.
Million dollar exotica was not a prerequisite for the Mille. This 280SE coupe was another comfortable mount for the Storica. Being on the heavy side for its 175hp six cylinder, momentum is the key for a quick pace and the throttle needs to be on the floor as much as possible.
A bellowing Stirling Moss Edition SLR Speedster and rain would not seem to be an enjoyable combination. There is NO provision for a top on this wild final SLR iteration.
Gullwings past and present on the road. The early car looks to be DB190 non-metallic medium gray. Cool weather is ideal for the generally hot early GW interior. Would you recognize the SLS as a Mercedes without that grille star? Many would not.
Yes, it rained - extensively according to our reports. The rainy days were no problem for the many Gullwings entered.
Which way to Roma? This SLS pilot ponders the next leg of the historic Mille Miglia route.
This looks like an SLR 722 Roadster, an ideal if over powered Mille ride.
The Stewarts acknowledge the crowd after completing the tour and returning to Brescia. Whitewall tires are very rare on Gullwings and note the rudge knock-off wheels.
A dirty SLS returns to the ramp after 1000 miles of rapid motoring and socializing.
Click on the white 230 to learn about Mercedes Enthusiast Magazine.
Recommended Reading:
The Mercedes-Benz Racing Cars by Karl Ludvigsen, ISBN: 0-87880-009-3
Mercedes-Benz & Mille Miglia by Andrea Curami, ISBN: 978-8879113595
Mille Miglia by Hans-Jorg Gotzl, ISBN: 978-3613025622
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Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography by emercedesbenz.com and supercars.net
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