There’s a very good reason why those who participate in the Mille Miglia have been, from 1977 on, held back from driving it like an actual race. A total of 56 drivers died between 1927 and 1957, after which it was put on hold completely for two decades, before being reborn the way we know it today, as a slow-paced historic rally.

This year’s edition, held between May 15-18, was a witness to a classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing that hit an oncoming car and (judging from the photos and video) it looks like it caught fire too, while the German coupe was passing through the region known as Tuscia.

Apparently, it was the driver of the other car, a BMW 1-Series that actually caused the crash, after losing control and veering off its lane. We can’t know that for certain, though, considering that some drivers completely ignore the rally’s rules – if I remember correctly, it was Gullwings like these that were seen being thrashed at last year’s Mille Miglia.

Two people were injured and taken to hospital, though neither was in serious condition.

Story References: Tusciaweb

By Andrei Nedelea

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