After the first week of qualified entries, the 1000 Millas will once again pay tribute to the cars, races, events, and personalities that made sport racing great in Argentina and around the world.
The Ferrari 166/195 Coupé Vignale chosen for the poster of the 28th edition of the 1000 Millas Sport is one of the vehicles that on March 9, 1952, participated in the VI Grand Prix of the City of Buenos Aires which celebrated the opening of the capital's race circuit. Throughout 65 years the most relevant categories in the world paraded in the circuit: from Formula 1 to Sport Prototypes, the MotoGP, Formula 3000, and in February 2017, probably the brand-new Electric Formula.
That Ferrari was then driven by one of the most complete athletes of our country: Carlos "Charlie" Menditeguy who managed - in his third attempt that year and also in the circuit - to finish third in the Gran Premio Lealtad (Loyalty Grand Prix) that closed the season of Club de Automóviles Sport, won by Roberto "Cachorro" Bonomi.
After those races, the Ferrari that Bonomi had imported participated in some of the events organized by CAS in the late 70's, until it was exported in 1980. Back in Europe it starred other classic rallies such as the Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic and the Tour de France, to name the most relevant ones.
The 1950 Ferrari 166/195 is unique for being one of the first units produced in Maranello, which is certified by its chassis number: 71. The vehicle's body - by Vignale - was born with an engine of 110 HP but a year later, back in the factory, the 2340 cc engine was upgraded to 170 HP.
Although it won't cruise on the roads of the Argentine Patagonia, from 9 to 13 November it will serve as inspiration for those facing the challenge: 1300 kilometers in three stages, always set in the magical forests, lakes and hills like Lopez, Capilla and Tronador, having as headquarters the majestic Llao-Llao, and as destinations San Martin de los Andes, Villa la Angostura and Lago Escondido, respectively.
Entries will be accepted from July 4 until September 30, and for organizational purposes, they will be limited to 150 units.
As every year, the 1000 Millas Sport will close the Argentine Historical Sport Championship organized by Automóvil Club Argentino. It will be the eighth date of 2016. The races that have taken place so far are Rally de las Bodegas, Rally de Invierno Fundación Lorenzo Barra and de la Oveja, won by the current champion, Daniel Erejomovich, and Rally del Oeste, won by Luis Zerbini.
Last year, Claudio Scalise, together with copilot Daniel Claramunt, got his fourth win on board an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS, and now shares the second place in the Gold Album with Fernando Sánchez Zinny. The five-times winner Juan Tonconogy was absent in 2015, but he's expected to return to the classic of all classics.
The race is included in the International Calendar of FIVA (Federation Internationale de Véhicules Anciens) and is also part of FIVA's World Heritage Motoring Year (WMHY) program which this year has the official sponsorship of UNESCO.