The 1937 Mille Miglia Race
Results: 1937 Mille Miglia Results / Dates: April 4-5, 1937 / Winner: Pintacuda – Mambelli / Winning Speed: 71.71 mph / Starters: 124 / Finishers: 65
After the austerity of 1936, Italy was in a state of Fascist induced euphoria with it’s victory in Ethiopia. The French perhaps wishing to improve relations with the temporarily ascendant Mussolini regime turned a blind eye if not actually encouraging the French firms Delahaye and Talbot to enter the race with works cars. Delahaye proved two cars for Dreyfus/Ghersi and Schell/Carriere while Talbot provide cars for Cattaneo/Lavegue and Comotti/Rosa.
Alfa Romeo entered a new 2300cc B model under the direct patronage of il Duce, being fitted with a elegant saloon body built by the coach builders Touring of Milan, famed for their Superleggera construction methods. The drivers listed on the entry form were Boratto/G. B. Guidotti. Baratto being none other than Mussolini’s private chauffeur.
The Mille Miglia was contested in a deluge, and the French Delahaye cars of Dreyfus/Ghersi, and Schell/Carriere posed a significant threat to the Alfa team. The Alfas were similar to the 1936 entries, but now had 260 bhp and a top speed of over 130mph. Pintacuda who was the last to be sent away drove flat out from the start, and broke all existing records on the Brescia to Bologna stage averaging 107 mph in abominable conditions. Notably, he also led at Rome, breaking the long standing rule that “those who lead at Rome will not win the Mille Miglia.” Dreyfus was gaining on Pintacuda, but left the road at Tolentino when he was temporarily blinded by flying mud.. Experiencing electrical problems, Carlo drove without lights, following his teammate Farina to the finish, winning his second great victory in the Mille Miglia joining Campari and Nuvolari as two-time winners.
Coming in fourth place was Mussolini’s chauffeur who in this instance was the passenger during a brilliant drive by Guidotti, the famous Alfa Romeo collaudatori, or test driver who drove the entire race and who fulfilled his “patriotic duty” in allowing Boratto to garner all of the glory!
1937 Mille Miglia Route
1937 Mille Miglia Results
- Results: 1937 Mille Miglia Results
- Dates: April 4-5, 1937
- Winner: Pintacuda – Mambelli
- Winning Speed: 71.71 mph
- Starters: 124
- Finishers: 65
| Result | Driver | Team | Time |
| 1 | Pintacuda – Mambelli | Alfa Romeo | 14h 17m 32s |
| 2 | Farina. – Meazza | Alfa Romeo | 14h 35m 11s |
| 3 | Schell – Carriere | Delahaye | 14h 54m 55s |
| 4 | Borato – Guidotti | Alfa Romeo | 15h 40m 01s |
| 5 | Ventidue’ – ‘Ventuno’ | Alfa Romeo | 16h 19m 45s |
| 6 | Cortese – Guatta | Alfa Romeo | 16h 21m 20s |
