Sir Stirling Moss, Tazio Nuvolari and Alberto Ascari are legends in their own right, but they have one thing in common: All are winners of the Mille (1000 in Italian) Miglia, often considered to be the greatest road race in the world.
Having participated in both previous editions of the lap around the UAE, I still pinch myself when I think about the experiences. At the very first edition back in 2022, I was driving a Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107) (one of my all-time favourite cars), following Simon Kidson’s legendary Lamborghini Countach with its famous licence plates – UFO 77 – and had Jacky Ickx in his original 1968 Porsche 911 – Bahama Mama – in my rear-view mirror. A moment later, I was overtaken by Jochen Mass driving a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, and just ahead of me was an invaluable 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa cornering hard around a breathtaking road. In case you are wondering, this was just another day at 1000 Miglia Experience UAE.
The who’s who of the classic car and motorsport world, including Simon Kidston and Sandra Button of Pebble Beach Concours, as well as famous racing drivers like Jochen Mass, Jacky Ickx, and Lamborghini’s renowned test driver Valentino Balboni, are all present at the event every year. In fact, HK Engineering from Germany brings over 10 (yes, ten) Mercedes-Benz 300SLs to the event annually. I was also pleased to see Jagmaniacs (classic Jaguar specialists) bring some of their Jaguars to the event. On average, cars worth 150 million dollars to 200 million dollars collectively participate in this event annually.
Bugatti Veyrons, Lykan Hypersports, Porsche Gemballa Marseins, Ferrari 250 Testarossas’, rare vintage Bugattis’, Rolls-Royces’ and classic Alfa Romeos driving side by side along scenic coasts and cliffs are just normal views at the UAE edition of the world’s most iconic motoring event.
The best part is that you can now easily participate in the 1000 Miglia UAE 2024 with a car of your choice, or even your own car, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria. The event is open to classic cars, contemporary supercars, and modern classics. To give you an idea, you can take part in an Indian-made Mercedes-Benz W124 sedan, a Ferrari, a Porsche supercar, or even a classic Fiat Millecento.
Octanium Experiences LLC, the UAE organiser of the event, has extended a special offer for Autocar India readers that offer you guaranteed best prices. For more details, write to us at classic@autocarindia.com
Autocar India is proud to be the official and exclusive partner of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE for India.
The 1000 Miglia is arguably the most iconic race in the classic car world, and its UAE edition is probably the most enjoyable classic car (driving) event you can experience anywhere on the planet.
This event, organised in the UAE since 2022, is hosted in partnership with Octanium Experiences LLC, UAE, and 1000 Miglia Srl, Italy. It is one of the premier luxury regularity races for historic cars in the world.
What makes this edition truly spectacular and unique among motoring events worldwide are not just the cars, but also the breathtaking views as you drive around the United Arab Emirates. Besides the fun driving (of around 6 hours) a day, live music by renowned bands, champagne, gourmet cuisine, and luxury hotels with the best possible hospitality make an already fabulous driving experience even more memorable. Besides the opening gala dinner and prize distribution night, I’ve particularly enjoyed dinner on the deck of the docked Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel (an annual affair).
In 2023, the event traversed from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah along a stunning rocky coastline and even had an unprecedented crossing into the Sultanate of Oman – the first time a 1000 Miglia event attempted such an endeavour.
One of the many highlights is driving to the sky-high peak of Jebel Jais (over 1,900 metres), often considered the best driving road in the world or the Pikes Peak of the Middle East.
The four-day drive includes fast highways and mountain tunnels en route to Fujairah, as well as some truly amazing driving roads, such as the twisty routes through the Hajjar Mountains.
Imthishan Giado, Head of Marketing at Octanium Experiences, said, “In our triumphant second edition, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2023 explored new roads, crossed borders and took participants on a magical journey across the vast Arabian landscape. From the rocky coastal hamlet of Musandam in Oman to the majestic dunes of the UAE, we were proud to take our rally participants to places a classic car has simply never been to before. I expect to see and welcome some amazing vehicles and drivers from India as we have in the past again this year.”
For many Indian enthusiasts, such as businessman Yohan Poonawalla and myself, the 1000 Miglia UAE has become an annual fixation and a splendid way to end the (motoring) year. See you at the Mille Miglia (UAE)!
