The 1000 Miglia, also known as the Mille Miglia, is an esteemed vintage car race held annually in Italy. Originally conducted from 1927 to 1957, it was revived in 1977 as a regularity race for classic and vintage cars produced no later than 1957. This race spans approximately 1000 miles (about 1600 kilometers) along a historic route from Brescia to Rome and back, passing through various Italian cities and scenic landscapes. In its 42nd edition, the prestigious 1000 Miglia vintage car race featured its latest trophies and medals designed by Palazzo Monti and Sabine Marcelis.
Since 2022, Edoardo Monti, Sabine Marcelis, and the 1000 Miglia have collaborated to create cups, prizes, and artistic installations that enhance this historic event. For this edition, Ms. Marcelis designed the cup and medals in her Rotterdam studio, drawing inspiration from the iconic shapes of the race’s early trophies and celebrating the enduring partnership between pilot and co-pilot.
The new cup consists of two elements, each symbolizing the two protagonists, individually distinctive yet complete only when together. The medals, awarded to the top 30 classified cars, also symbolize the strength of teamwork, featuring a red background layer representing the race route and a transparent surface layer displaying the finishing order, race logo, and dates.
This marks the third collaboration for Ms. Marcelis and Mr. Monti and the race organizers. Curated by Mr. Monti, this collaboration blends tradition and contemporary art and design with the automotive world, further highlighting the friendship between Mr. Monti and Ms. Marcelis.
The Palazzo Monti residency program was launched in 2017. Since crossing paths in 2018, their collaboration has flourished, spanning various projects such as an installation at the Hotel de la Ville in Rome.
Among their contributions to the 1000 Miglia are additional designs for cups and medals, along with a notable large-scale installation in 2023. This installation offered a reinterpretation of eight automotive elements, including tires, steering wheels, and shock absorbers, in celebration of Brescia and Bergamo as Capitals of Culture. The race is soon to reach the finishing line on June 15.