Inspired by the Italian Mille, the California Mille is a 1,000 mile route that takes drivers on a 4-day scenic tour of some of Northern California’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Roughly 60 cars are selected to participate, and they must all be vintage 1958 or earlier.Mark Leonard of Grand Prix Classics submitted his 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce for consideration and was selected to participate. Some of the highlights were touring through Redding, Mount Shasta, Sonoma Wine Country, and the rural coastal vistas of the Bay Area.

The California Mille came about when John Lamm of Road & Track and Martin Swig went to the 1982 Mille Miglia in Brescia, Italy with Martin’s 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 Zagato. John wrote an article covering the event in Road & Track to bring the event to the attention of American car enthusiasts. Having fallen in love with the event, Martin returned year after year. In 1990 on an evening during the event, it came up in discussion that the event needs to be brought to California. The rest is history!