Back in 1927, a group of 77 daredevils climbed behind the wheels of their four-wheeled chariots and embarked on a grueling 1000-mile road race from Brescia to Rome and back. That race was known as the 1000 Miglia, one of Italy’s most important contributions to the motoring world and a shining beacon of what was possible when passion, adrenaline, and a headstrong competitive spirit came together to challenge the limits of what cars could do.
Gabriel Ionica
A Version for Modern Times
Fast-forward to the futuristic year of 2026, and the spirit of the 1000 Miglia continues to thrive in the face of global challenges and an ever-changing automotive industry. The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, now in its second year, brings a touch of the Italian Dolce Vita and the same fervor for automotive enthusiasm to the sun-soaked shores of the United States’ east coast. Over the course of four days, 70 racers embodied the spirit of the nearly 100-year-old race and set off on a 1,000-mile journey across Florida in vehicles of all makes and vintages to show that, with enough perseverance and stamina, these aging masterpieces never cease to amaze and impress.
Yours truly was fortunate enough to be part of the media team and, along with Fabio Bartolo, Director of Communications for the 1000 Miglia and now lifelong partner in crime, followed the racers’ route in our less-than-period-correct 2026 Hyundai Tucson. What ensued was a pulse-pounding odyssey from the training day at the Johnny Böhmer Proving Grounds in Naples, to Venice, Tampa, Lakeland, West Palm Beach, and a stunning finish in Miami Beach at the historic Biltmore Hotel. I even joined the folks from Poltrona Frau, one of Italy’s most prestigious furniture designers, and General Manager at Pininfarina of America Claudio Da Soller, in awarding the finest interior in attendance with the Poltrona Frau Best Interior Award. I’m no expert by any means, but being surrounded by such influential figures and using my knowledge of classic cars to help decide an award winner was a monumental moment in my nascent career as an automotive writer, and one I won’t soon forget.
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
A Journey of Camaraderie, Endurance, and the Pursuit of Victory
The route was peppered with checkpoints and time trials, and each arrival was met with raucous cheers and applause from the thousands of spectators who had gathered to celebrate the continuation of the historic motoring event. The route saw these four-wheeled artworks grace equally historic avenues, including the utterly legendary Sebring Raceway, Miami’s vibrant Ocean Drive, and the iconic Biltmore Hotel, which finished construction a mere year before the 1000 Miglia’s inaugural race.
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
In between those checkpoints, participants braved Florida’s capricious Spring weather, from the scalding, humid heat to a surprise rainstorm that was particularly unwelcome for those whose cars were built without a roof, like the #1 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Roadster. The aforementioned time trials tested not only the drivers’ ability to make it from point to point within a set time limit, but also the copilot’s ability to accurately track time and clearly relay that information to the driver.
Of course, just as the vehicles needed a constant supply of fuel to trek across Florida, the drivers and copilots, too, had to refuel to overcome the challenges that lay ahead. Whether it was dinner at the Revs Institute or Hilary Musser’s newest West Palm Beach stunner, those nighttime get-togethers proved a welcome respite from the long road and an opportunity for camaraderie with your fellow adventurers.
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
The Finish Line
Sadly, as with many good things in life, it all had to come to an end. As Monday rolled around, and the participants finally saw the fluttering checkered flag, the 2026 running of the 1000 Miglia Florida was over. Awards were handed out to the victors, including the desirable 1000 Miglia Edition Chopard timepiece, hands were shaken, tears were shed, and everyone went their separate ways with one final turn of the ignition.
To put an experience like the 1000 Miglia Florida into one succinct summary is nothing short of an insurmountable task. The timeless allure of automobiles, the pursuit of adrenaline, and the desire for head-to-head competition brought together drivers, copilots, executives, and members of the automotive media, such as myself, for an unforgettable weekend filled with adventure, lifelong memories, and glory. Even three days later, I find myself looking back on the moments of joy, frustration, and mutual celebration with the kind of nostalgia that, while filling you with longing and a desire to experience it all once more, makes you forever thankful that you were a part of it. Should the team at 1000 Miglia Florida want me back for the 2027 running, I will accept that invitation without a second thought. Until then, I will revel in the images and videos, still awestruck that I really was there myself.
Gabriel Ionica
About the author
Gabriel Ionica
Senior Editor, Autoblog