The Mille Miglia retrospective is upon us once again and, with impeccable timing, Cars International in Kensington last week played host to Sir Stirling Moss - who regaled a select audience with tales of his famous 1955 victory in the Italian endurance event.

Also at the gathering was celebrity chef James Martin, who took the opportunity to gain a few hints and tips from Sir Stirling. Martin, who will be driving his own 1948 Maserati A6GCS in this week’s Mille Miglia, found it “extraordinary to meet Sir Stirling on the eve of my departure for Italy”.



The other star of the evening was PLB23, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing discovered by Cars International after being hidden from public view for more 30 years. Said Sir Stirling, “PLB23 featured in my book, the Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1955. I was photographed driving the car during the preparation period for my Mille Miglia victory. I’m delighted to find that PLB23 has survived in such fine form.”

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Cars International