1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadster Wins First-ever 1000 Miglia USA
Warm up to Italy’s 1000 Miglia race took place around Washington D.C. Oct. 23-26 and also saw a 1956 XK 120 take second place.
The winner of the inaugural 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA is the “Veteran” crew composed of John and Julie Herlihy driving a 1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadster (pictured above). The winning team was presented with the First Coppa USA Cup.
Completing the winner’s podium of the 2019 edition of the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA are the “Novice” crews composed of Eric Oberlander and Scott Laroque driving a 1956 Ferrari GT Coupé Boano in second place and, in third place, Josh and David Simpson driving a red 1956 Jaguar XK 120.
Randy Simon and Sharon Swart, in a 1963 Lancia Flaminia Touring Spider, are the winners of the Post 1000 Miglia Era class followed by Phelim Kavanagh and Victor Cappelletti driving a 2016 BMW M4 GTS and Jude Alexander with Charles Cloutier in a 1992 Ferrari 512 TR.
The event, which took place in and around Washington D.C. from October 23-26, featured a day of regularity rally training followed by a three-day race of over 500 miles. The competitive race was staged in full 1000 Miglia style, finishing on Italian soil at Villa Firenze, the Italian Ambassador’s residence in Washington D.C.
“The 2019 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA featured competitive teams, beautiful roads and enthusiastic fans, just like the race in Italy,” said Alberto Piantoni, CEO of 1000 Miglia. “Introducing the 1000 Miglia to a U.S. audience is an important step towards our goal of broadening awareness outside of Italy.”
The event featured 22 cars in two classes: the 1000 Miglia Era Class which was represented by 1000 Miglia eligible cars built between 1927 and 1957, and the Post-1000 Era Class represented by sports cars, grand touring and supercars built from 1958 to present.
“Thanks to 1000 Miglia, to the passion for, and dedication to historical cars, to the love for Italy and Italian traditions, we have brought a quintessential Italian experience to the US” said the Italian Ambassador in the U.S., Armando Varricchio. “Together we have embarked in a new adventure that is now becoming a wonderful tradition.”
The Coppa USA winner and five other crews were also awarded a guaranteed entry to the 1000 Miglia race in Italy, happening May 13-16.