This car is the make and model that started it all. In 1982 Martin Swig and Road & Track photographer John Lamm took a similar Alfa 1900 SSZ, without a Zagato signature double bubble roof, to the first Mille Miglia retrospettiva. They were the only Americans entered. That experience led to the creation of the California Mille. This example was brought by Bruce and Cathy Milner.
A Bittersweet Gathering
Story and photos by Michael T. Lynch
The sky was clear on Nob Hill in San Francisco and the temperature was in the mid sixties. An exceptional group of collector cars from all over the world were backing into their spaces on the street between the Pacific Union Club and the Fairmont Hotel. It was the traditional kick-off luncheon for the California Mille. For many of us it was an emotional time because it was the first edition of the event run without its founder Martin Swig, who left us in 2012. Many joked about the weather, saying that where Martin was now gave him a more direct line to control that.
Swig was an extremely important force in American car collecting and his decision to start the California Mille was one of a handful of deflection points that changed how we view the preservation and use of our toys. The Mille was a milestone on changing the predominant practice of car collecting from over restoration and static displays to originality and use. To Martin, an impromptu run along Marin County’s scenic roads that was hatched during an informal breakfast among enthusiast friends was just as important as a day on the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours, and he had the ability to inspire others to feel the same way. The cars parked in front of the Fairmont were a testament to his organizational abilities, but even more so, his unbounded and infectious love of cars. Alfa Romeos were more prevalent than any other marque. That was fitting because they were his favorites and he had once been an Alfa dealer.
Enjoy the gallery here, and give a thought of gratitude for all Martin did for us. One of the sports’ Grande Dames, Judy Stropus, will give us a full Mille report in a future edition.
Richard Mattei’s Alfa Romeo 6C2500 SS has a convoluted history. It was originally an open car, was owned by a well-known World War II OSS (precursor to the CIA) Officer, and received a coupe body. The present third body was inspired by a 6C2500 SS Corsa that ran in the 1940 Mille Miglia. It was built in the modern era by Jim Stokes Workshops in the U.K.
The flags are aflutter at the Fairmont adding to the festive atmosphere. Note that the cars enter on a red carpet appropriate for any gathering of stars.
The two oldest cars in this year’s Mille sit side by side, and both are French. Closest to the camera is Jonathan Spira’s 1927 Rally ABC. It originally had a SCAP engine, but after World War II, that was replaced with a British 2.2 liter Ford flathead V-8. To take the extra torque, a Bugatti rear axle replaced the original. The Bugatti 35B belongs to well-known British vintage racer, Martin McGlone.
Joe Hayes’ Ferrari Series 1 Cabriolet was a gift from American heiress Barbara Hutton to Dominican playboy Porfirio Rubirosa. It also has a history at the Monterey Historics and Pebble Beach Concours. Hayes made a good choice by bringing an open car if this week’s California weather report is any indication.
Something for everyone here. British chassis, Pinin Farina body, American engine. You don’t often see two of these Nash Healeys parked side by side.
Craig and Bunny Davis entered this Ferrari 212 Vignale Coupe. It raced at both the Bari Grand Prix and the Coppa Intereuropa at Monza in the day. After leaving Italy it had several American and British owners. It has very interesting feature in that both a Ferrari badge and a badge of body builder Vignale are on the hood.
Two Italian contemporaries pose in front of the Fairmont. Cory Youngberg’s Lancia Appia and Tom Price’s 250 LWB California Spyder are ready for some scenic California roads.
John Weinberger’s Ferrari 166 MM S2 Vignale Spyder has an Italian race history that includes the original Mille Miglia. It was stolen after completing the 2000 Mille Miglia revival. Found dismantled years later, it was restored by David Cottingham.
Margaret and Patrick Yeager’s Lancia B24S is in the second series of the Lancia Aurelia spyders. The first was called B24S America and had a run of less than 250. The second series dropped the America designation and had a production run of just over 500. This one has the rare factory wire wheels.
Thirty five or so of these Siata 208S roadsters were made and twenty six came though racer and tuner Ernie McAfee’s distributorship in Los Angeles. He sold one to the King of Cool, Steve McQueen. They had a jewel-like 2-liter V-8 that shared some design characteristics with the period Lincoln V-8 that had been so successful in the Carrera Panamericana. This one was brought by Robert Davis.
For years, Ferrari 250 Pinin Farina coupes were considered “cooking” Ferraris. Now they are recognized as classic examples of Pinin Farina’s talents. Although designed by Farina, they were built by Boano and Ellena. This one, owned by David MacNeil, is one of the Boano versions and features a lower roofline than the later Ellenas. Except for the modern rollbar, efforts have been made to restore it to it’s original livery.
Stirling Moss, Dennis Jenkinson’s 1955 Mille Miglia car averaged 97.95 Miles per hr for 10 hr and 7 minutes for the win.
A typically well-written and documented, interesting fact-filled account by Lynch. More, more! TC
Great job, Mike, always informative to get your insights on the cars we enjoy.
Ed