Don't even try to identify the car in the above photo because you'll lose. It's an Argentinian "Special" constructed of various parts and power sources. But you can, like me, fantasize over driving such a car in such a beautiful country. The shot was taken during the 2008 Argentinean Mil Milas, a South American variation on the classic Mille Miglia rally. This is an event that most of us would put on our "if I win the lottery" wish list, since the entrants must not only own a suitable classic but must be able to fly car and self to the start unless they're already living in Argentina. Not qualifying by any possible measurement, I offer this information courtesy of the ClassicDriver.com site's Simon Kidston with the following quotes:
"The Mil Millas is set in some of South America's most spectacular scenery, in the Patagonia region at the lower tip of Argentina… Base camp for this upmarket adventure, and setting the tone as participants are billeted there for the four-day duration, is a rambling hilltop hotel, the Llao Llao Resort. Combining 'Leading Hotels of the World' luxury with a touch of The Shining isolation, it's a welcome change if you're used to the daily merry-go-round of school-style accommodation on most historic events." (I should be so lucky.) Kidston goes on to write, "On arrival, the first day is set aside for scrutineering and the distribution of rally essentials such as maps, road books, event passes, race numbers… and enough sponsors' gifts to fill two large rucksacks (also included, of course)." I'd be spoiling your enjoyment of Simon's colorful reporting as well as trespassing on copyright laws if I quoted more, so I urge you to link here and get the full tale plus more spectacular photos.
[Mil Milas photos: Cris Bertschi / Simon Kidston
We have a similiar rally here in Japan. I will see if I can find anything in English and send it to you.
December 15, 2008 @ 8:20 pm