Photos and story by Dennis Gray

Martin Swig, Mille organizer, in his Lancia.

The California Mille was founded in 1991 and has been held each year in the spring starting the last Sunday in April. The California Mille is recognized by the Mille Miglia organization in Brescia, Italy. The event is open to cars of 1957 vintage or older appropriate to the original Mille Miglia. As an interesting twist American cars of the same vintage are eligible to participate.

This year the route runs north to the first night's stop inYountville. Tuesday on to Eureka, Wednesday Little River then the last night in Sonoma.

For information on next years California Mille contact Martin Swig 415.479.9950, Dan Radowicz 415.479.9940 or www.californiamille.com for the web site.

Michael La Melza and Bill Boyle begin their 2007 California Mille.

Bill Boyle and Michael La Melza warm up the "250TR".

Charles and Robin Breed start the Mille in their 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter.

Dennis Varni wipes the morning dew off his "chopped" windshield. Note the cut down side windows to match the windshield. This little spider got lots of attention.

Varni's Alfa with the top up.

Early morning dew still covers the 1956 Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce of Frank and Leah Gabrielle.

1957 Alfa Romeo SVZ driven by John and Lisa Weinberger. This Zagato bodied Giulietta is an early SVZ built before Alfa SZ became a catalog option.

1956 Ferrari TDF driven by Sam and Emily Mann.

1954 Ferrari Europa GT driven by Barry Konier and Ron Johnson.

1951 Ferrari 212 Inter driven by Charles and Robin Breed. Vignale coachwork, 2600mm Wheelbase, 2306 lbs., 2562cc, 130HP @ 6000RPM. Aluminum block, head, alloy body and tube frame. This car was the first "plus-two" or four seat example built by Ferrari. This car was delivered by Enzo Ferrari himself to his personal friend Swiss industrialist O. Wild on Sept.12 1951.

1959 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder driven by Richard and Renee Vento.

1954 Fiat 8V driven by David and Diane Reidie.

1925 Lancia Lambda driven by Martin Swig and Gino Munaron. Introduced in 1922 and a pioneer of the V4 engine, monocoque construction and independent front suspension.

1953 Siata 208S driven by Robert and Larry Davis.