The third revival of the historic Coppa Milano-Sanremo will be held from March 11 to 13 2005. Successfully staged in 2003 and 2004, the rally will again be organized by MAC Events and Meet Comunicazione, with the patronage and support of the Milan Automobile Club, which organized the original rallies from 1906 to 1973.

The Coppa Milano-Sanremo rally is now established as a prestigious event on the classic motoring calendar. It has a duel emphasis with participants having the option of entering the competitive regularity trials (maximum 10) or merely relaxing and enjoying a wonderful touristic experience in the company of fellow enthusiasts and their classic cars. The route for 2005 has important new features, with an initial rendezvous at the National Autodrome at Monza for registration and laps of the track, and the start on Saturday morning from the Duomo in Milan, with a new route for the first leg.

The cars taking part, built between 1906 and 1973, will reach the coastal area of Liguria following an itinerary which is new, though still featuring the much-appreciated stop for lunch in the atmospheric cellars of Villa Sparina in the Gavi wine area, before crossing the mountains and heading for the splendid Portofino coast and reaching Rapallo to end the first leg. The second leg starts from Rapallo and follows the magnificent Tigullio Gulf, crossing Santa Margherita Ligure, up the Ruta pass and along the ancient Via Aurelia to Genoa. The route to Sanremo passes through Arenzano, running alongside the coast and through seaside villages, with a stop at Fortezza Priamar in Savona.

For the forthcoming event the organizers are focusing on an increasingly careful selection of vehicles, with a particular emphasis on pre-war models. A participation fee will be offered to manufacturers' museums from all over Europe to encourage official participation, with an important pre-war model from their collections, together with a journalist from a Classic Car Magazine. This will constitute one of the themes of the Coppa Milano-Sanremo, namely "Rolling Museums".

This, and other initiatives to be announced at a later date, will make the third revival even more interesting for all enthusiasts attending. Aside from the route, with its spectacular sea views and some great driving along the way, the organizers emphasize the particular care which goes into the choice of hotels and lunch and dinner venues, to make the social occasions even more pleasurable for participants.

Registration can be completed via the event web-site until December 31.

More information can be found by visiting www.milano-sanremo.it, emailing [email protected] or telephoning +39 (0)105955629.

Text/Photos: Coppa Milan-Sanremo