Annually since 1997, over 100 vehicles have left Tokyo on a 680-mile rally paying respect to the famous Italian Mille Miglia street race. Also referred to as the “La Festa Mille Miglia,” this race celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017 and perceived to be somewhat of a “sister occasion” of the real Mille Miglia. It’s the classic car heaven you’d anticipate from a reputation like that, with a Japanese spin.
October is sort of a busy time in Tokyo for car occasions and the La Festa Mille Miglia is among the largest. The drive goes throughout seven totally different factions in Japan over 4 long days. The route adjusts yearly, however they consistently post the route on their website if anybody would like to see the vehicles drive by their area.
It’s truly one of few vintage car events held yearly in Tokyo. As unique’a scene Japan is, there’s only a few opportunities and venues for classic car owners and followers to get together.
In keeping with the organizers of the La Festa Mille Miglia, the occasion aims to advertise the “treasuring of antiques,” and “remaining youthful at heart.” It’s additionally a good way of sharing vintage cars with a big chunk of Japan.
Not like the Ferrari rally, much of the driving in this instance is executed on regular roads and passes through little towns and villages, the countryside as well as several cities. In addition to selling classic cars, the La Festa Mille Miglia is held to honour the friendship between Japan and Italy.
In addition to the vehicles on the rally, there have been a number of help teams and pit crew vehicles together with a fleet of Alfa Romeo’s, Porsches, Lexus’, in addition to vans filled with mechanics and instruments for servicing the cars at the conclusion of the day-after-day of driving.
Even in a metropolis like Tokyo, seeing vehicles like these is an uncommon spectacle and so many are pleased that an occasion like this is able to run successfully every year. With only a handful of other events, they are as differentiated as can be.
As nice as it’s to see them in prime and pristine condition at a museum, there’s definitely something to be said for seeing them up close and personal, passing through many’s hometowns.
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