Automotive
MTF's highlights from the Chopard Mille Miglia 2017 event provide a vibrant snapshot of the brand's deep-rooted connection to classic motorsport. The post showcases Chopard's enduring partnership as official timekeeper and features key figures like Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Romain Dumas, and Jacky Ickx, offering readers an insider's view of this prestigious race.
Since 1988, Chopard has been the historic partner and official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia, the legendary classic car event first instigated 90 years ago.
From May 18th to 21st 2017, the Mille Miglia saw 440 teams competing over a distance of one thousand miles (around 1,600km) on a historic route that runs from Brescia to Rome and back via Padova, San Marino, Siena, Parma and Verona.
This competitive event is only open to cars of any type that took part in the great race between the years 1927 and 1957.
Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition on the wrist
TEAM CHOPARD and CHOPARD SPONSOR team ZAGATO
Karl Friedrich Scheufele and Romain Dumas
Loyal to this tradition that began in 1988, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard co-president and a passionate driver, participated alongside the French driver Romain Dumas.
For the very first time, Chopard fielded four cars and the 18-car Chopard Sponsor team with the famous Scuderia Zagato lead by owner Andrea Zagato, long time friend of Chopard.
Chopard Sponsor team
Mr Scheufele said: “It’s amazing how passionate the Mille Miglia followers are. They are here for the cars every year. It’s so unique.”
Mille Miglia is always a must for car enthusiasts from all over the world welcoming each year new nationalities. Drivers from 36 different nationalities from the 5 continents campaigned for victory in 2017.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele honoured Chopard’s partnership with Porsche Motorsport.
Romain Dumas, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Jacky Ickx.
Between them, they have accumulated eight Le Mans Overall Victories!
Legendary driver and friend Jacky Ickx gave up his seat to French driver Romain Dumas.
Karl Friedrich Scheufele and Romain Dumas depart Brescia
Dumas drove with Karl Friedrich Scheufele in a loan car - Porsche 550A Spyder RS from 1956. “Porsche car and especially the 550 Spyder RS is a very reliable car as well as very fun to drive.”
Albert Carreras and Jordi Pascual
Albert Carreras, son of the famous tenor José Carreras, drove the race with his friend Jordi Pascual in a Scheufele-owned Mercedes Benz 300 SL.
From Hong Kong, Mr David Hu, friend of Chopard, took part under the Chopard flag with great expectation for one of the best racing moments of his life.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph on the wrist
Marie Vananty and Claudio Rodarro
Swiss fashion journalist and blogger, Marie Vananty, joined the Chopard sponsor team with her boyfriend Claudio Roddaro, race driver and Porsche car collector. They also drove a Porsche 550 Spyder from 1957.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph on the wrist
RESULTS
Driver thanks the Mille Miglia crowd mille grazie!
On Sunday, May 21st, the first cars returned safely at the finish line on Brescia's Viale Venezia.
1st: Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Zagato of 1931
The winning team was Andrea Vesco and Andrea Guerini from Italy who drove an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Zagato of 1931.
They achieved two wins in-a-row having already won Mille Miglia 2016.
Andrea Vesco and Andrea Guerini from Italy
2nd: O.M. 665 Superba Sport 2000 CC of 1925
In second place were Luca Patron and Massimo Casale from Italy in an O.M. 665 Superba Sport 2000 CC of 1925.
Luca Patron and Massimo Casale from Italy
3rd: Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Gran Sport of 1933
The third duo on the podium was also from Chopard Sponsor team as Stefania Biacca and Giordano Mozzi in a Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Gran Sport of 1933 rolled in.
Stefania Biacca and Giordano Mozzi form Chopard Sponsor team
Congratulations to all drivers this year and especially Chopard Sponsor team Scuderia Zagato!
Regards,
MTF
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works, reference IW501019, is a limited edition within the brand's extensive Big Pilot's collection, designed to commemorate IWC's involvement in motorsport. This specific model integrates design cues and materials associated with high-performance racing, distinguishing it from standard production Big Pilot's references through its material composition and aesthetic.
This timepiece features a 46.2-millimetre case crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material chosen for its light weight and rigidity, commonly employed in motorsport engineering. It houses the IWC-manufactured 52110 calibre, an automatic movement equipped with a bi-directional Pellaton winding system, providing a seven-day power reserve. The blue dial is complemented by muted white numerals, with a date display at 6 o’clock and a power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock. The titanium case back is engraved with the IWC Racing Works logo.
As a limited edition of 500 pieces, the IW501019 holds particular interest for collectors focused on IWC's thematic releases and those appreciating the technical application of advanced materials. Its exclusive distribution through select flagship boutiques further positions it as a targeted acquisition for enthusiasts of both IWC and motorsport-inspired horology.
My dreams as a gentleman racer would be met. Bravo to Chopard for being such a long time supporter.
Fully agree with Bill that the Mille Miglia is definitely something for my bucket list And really like the consistency of Chopard in identifying itself with the same brand ambassadors and events for such a long time. Way to go!
I read the entry rules. It may be possible if you have access to the right vehicle. Competitor driving licences can be arranged with a temporary Sportive Licence if you bring an International Driving Licence based on your national road driving licence. In Italy, it helps to know somebody See below.... Regards, MTF
As a family firm, Chopard remembers old friends who have done well for it: distributors, dealers, staff and clients. I spent time with the drivers over days of racing Le Mans and other interviews. Of course, Jacky Ickx has a long friendship with the family. Amongst the young ones, I felt the most mutual friendship and passion from Romain Dumas. Dumas actually wore his Chopard watch when driving and off-duty. Regards, MTF
Lots of things they do seem not to be intended for the short but for the long run - and I very much respect that Thanks for the cool picture!
.... the locations for this event are amongst most pretty in the world, very nice Chopard photos. Thank you for sharing MTF. Best Regards Edward
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