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The Mille Miglia, or "Thousand Miles," is a grand tour from Brescia in northern Italy, down to the capital city of Rome, and back again. Today, it is a leisurely classic car event. But it has a far racier history... Getty Images
The race began in 1927, with entrants of varying levels of ability taking up the challenge in pursuit of glory. This picture shows British driver Geoffrey Healey taking victory at Brescia in 1949. Getty Images
British motorsport legend Stirling Moss set the record for the highest average speed recorded throughout an edition of the race when he romped to victory in 1955. Jaguar
Moss returned to Brescia this week with Jaguar for the start of the 2012 event. The 82-year-old described his experiences in the Mille Miglia as "frightening." Jaguar
Finland's Mika Hakkinen, a double Formula One world champion, competed in the 2008 event. Getty Images
The Mille Miglia's existence as a pure road race was ended in 1957, when Spanish driver Alfonso de Portago's Ferrari left the track, killing him, his co-driver and nine spectators. Getty Images
The wreckage of De Portago's car after his fatal crash in the Italian village of Guidizzolo. Getty Images
Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the legendary Italian manufacturer, was present at De Portago's funeral. Getty Images
