Eight collectors participated together, bringing some of Maranello’s top racers from the 1950s. Ferrari Classiche made the experience even more unforgettable.
Every year the 1000 Miglia brings together hundreds of stunning vintage cars from around the world in a celebration of automotive passion, beauty and camaraderie. This year’s edition – the 44th – was no exception. Over five days, some 400 pre-1957 automobiles travelled the classic “figure eight” route that evokes the first editions of the original speed race. Their passage thrilled drivers, crews and the public, who lined street corners and crowded town centres to catch a glimpse of this rolling showcase of four-wheeled craftsmanship.
However, making this special event even more exceptional, this year an outstanding group of eight classic Ferrari cars – heavy hitters in terms of Maranello history and heritage – took part. Among them were the 166 MM Touring “Barchetta” formerly owned by Gianni Agnelli, which boasts a celebrated racing pedigree; a 750 Monza raced in the United States by legend Phil Hill; a 375 MM Spyder Pinin Farina that attained significant victories in South American racing in the mid-1950s; and a 735/121LM driven by Piero Taruffi in the 1955 edition of the Mille Miglia and by Harry Schell and Maurice Trintignant a few weeks later in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Led by two US-based collectors, this “Group of 8” friends teased Ferrari Classiche into enhancing the 1000 Miglia experience. Maranello rose to the occasion, creating a special package that included logistical and maintenance support, in addition to that provided by the 1000 Miglia organization itself. Among other perks offered, Ferrari Classiche also arranged accommodations for the group, ensuring they would all stay in the same lodgings.
Eight classic Ferraris comprising examples of the 166 MM, 750 Monza, 375 MM Spyder, 735 LM and 250 GT journeyed from Brescia to Rome and back, tracing the route of the iconic 1000 Miglia
This group of iconic Prancing Horse cars – which also included another 750 Monza, a second 166 MM (a 1953 “Vignale Spyder S2”), and two 250 GTs – travelled in a tight convoy. Each car followed the other in a disciplined progression along the 1,000 mile course (hence “1000 Miglia”) from Brescia to Rome and back, passing through Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Rome, the Marches and Veneto along the way. A truly thrilling moment occurred when the convoy paraded through the center of Modena, the spiritual home of Ferrari. Shortly before, it was the cars of the Ferrari Tribute to 1000 Miglia that wowed the public, with some 120 recent Prancing Horses – modern classics like the 1972 Dino 246 GT and the 1979 512 BB to more recent Maranello marvels like the 2025 12Cilindri Spider and the brand-new 849 Testarossa.
The story of how the “Group of 8” came together is one typical of the magic of the Prancing Horse. Inspired by a couple of US collector friends, the initiative began with the idea that participating in the regularity race alongside fellow owners of exceptional Ferrari classics would enhance the experience. They sought out other collectors interested in sharing the journey, and the response was immediate. Indeed, while the group first assembled last year – with six cars and their crews participating in the 2025 1000 Miglia – this year they expanded to eight cars and crews, consolidating what has (perhaps) become a new tradition in 1000 Miglia racing.
The sight of these Prancing Horses was unforgettable. One could easily say they were the stars of the “Red Arrow”, stealing the limelight even during scrutineering, which took place in host city Brescia’s Piazza della Vittoria. A process that typically takes 10 minutes stretched to an hour and a half as fans and vintage car enthusiasts mobbed the scene to photograph and admire the vehicles, a true “best of” Maranello production from the 1950s.
The group – comprising crews from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic – formed a small, multilingual family. Sharing meals and lodging in the same hotels enhanced camaraderie and created more unforgettable moments.
More such moments could soon be on the cards. Indeed, for Ferrari collectors seeking shared experiences, the future holds promising opportunities. With the feedback from the 1000 Miglia so overwhelmingly positive, Ferrari Classiche is exploring the expansion of the collector-centric package it offered this special group. So, if you are an owner of a vintage Prancing Horse, stay tuned for exciting news soon.
Report by Gordon Sorlini for ferrari.com
