Report 1000 Miglia Experience UAE: cars, route, results | Jobs Vox

The first of seven editions of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE saw some of the most exciting cars make their way through all seven Emirates over four days.

Posted on December 23, 2022 at 10:32:00 am

I’m driving a Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107) behind Simon Kidson’s Lamborghini Countach with his iconic license plate – UFO 77 – and I’ve got Jackie X in his 1968 Porsche 911 – Bahama Mama – in the rear-view mirror. A moment later, I’m overtaken by Jochen Mass driving a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, and in front of me is Testa Rossa’s priceless 1961 Ferrari 250. In case you’re wondering, this isn’t a dream, I’m at the 1000 Miglia Experience, the first of seven editions to be held in the UAE.

1. Over 100 vintage supercars took part in the event
2. The four-day route of 1,600 km (approximately) passed through all seven Emirates

Sir Sterling Moss winning the 1955 Mille Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR 32 minutes ahead of his second-placed teammate, the legendary Juan Manuel Fangi, is to me one of the greatest stories in motorsport ever. And participating in the 1000 Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz SL has always been a dream, so when I found out about the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, I immediately decided to participate.

Emirates cruise

Organized by 1000 Miglia SRL in partnership with Octanium, the iconic 1,000-mile event toured the UAE, visiting all seven Emirates along a four-day route. With over 100 cars on display at the Dubai Creek Golf Club on December 4, the historic event was marked from Dubai on December 5, becoming the largest classic motorsport event ever held in the Middle East. From Dubai, the teams tackled challenging time trials in Hatta, made their way through the curving cliffs of Fujairah and then forayed inland to the daunting summit of Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah, before returning to Dubai via the northern Emirates. Umm Ul Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah for an exciting traditional welcome at the well-known Flat12 Cafe in Dubai.

After a night on the famous luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2, the cars and teams traveled south to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, for a special stage at the famous Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, before finishing at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on 8 December . As Martin Halder, CEO of Octanium, said: “The first 1000 Miglia Experience UAE was a huge triumph and a truly significant event for the UAE motoring scene.”

The second day was the most exciting, as the cars raced up Jebel Jais – the highest point in the UAE, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level – on arguably the most beautiful mountain road in the world. Gaurav Dhar’s super rare Lotus Eleven and Ferrari 250 GT sounded stunning as they raced up the hill.

The event saw celebrities and classic car enthusiasts from around the world, such as Sandra Button, president of the Pebble Beach Concours, who drove a 300SL roadster; HK Engineering’s Hans Kleissl, the world’s 300SL specialist, and supermodel David Gandy driving a Jaguar XK 120. British racer Oliver Webb was also behind the wheel of a Lycan HyperSport.

Home audience

Several Indians took part in the event, with Admirals and Wendy Jetta winning the anniversary class in their 1956 Fiat Millicent. The event was also attended by Johan Poonawalla in his 1964 Lincoln Continental which was originally owned by the then Pope and was later gifted to Mother Teresa; Xerxes Master and Jehangir Bhoot in their Fiat 1100 Millicento; Istijak and Lubna Nagri in their Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R107); Farida and Jimmy Tata in Ferrari Testarossa; Shivaum Punjabi in SL500 (R129), Amal Tanna and Kaushik Vibhor in 1950 Ford Club Coupe V8; and me and Chinmay Bafna in a Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107).

An elated Imthishan Giado Octanium, Head of Marketing, said “Our first four-day 1000 Miglia Experience UAE event was a huge success, with dedicated teams traveling from all over the world to join this extraordinary celebration of the classic car. I would like to give a special thanks to our popular Indian contingent of entrants whose vehicles were a hit with the UAE public – one talented competitor was awarded a well-deserved first place in the Jubilee class. What an outstanding show, I look forward to seeing even more amazing vehicles and drivers from India next year.”

As expected, some of the most exotic and valuable classic cars and modern hypercars took part in the event, which featured a record 11 Mercedes-Benz 300SLs, alongside some legendary Bugattis, from the Type 57 Stelvio to the Veyron Grand Sport.

For me, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE was outstanding, and I can’t wait to go back next year.

See also:

Star cars at the 1000 Miglia Experience – photo gallery

Video Mercedes Benz Classic Car Rally 2022

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