1928 Mille Miglia

The second edition of the Mille Miglia, held in 1928, largely retained the previous year’s route but reflected significant technical progress due to new international regulations. These changes required two-seater sports cars, replacing the modified touring cars of the 1927 race. The event attracted slightly more entrants and drew attention from international manufacturers, including Bugatti, Maserati, Chrysler, and LaSalle.

OM returned to defend its title with an upgraded team and improved versions of the 665 “Superba” Mille Miglia Spider. Alfa Romeo responded by entering the new 6C 1500 SS Spider Zagato, designed by Vittorio Jano and supported officially by the factory. Only one of these, however—the car driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi—was fitted with a supercharger.

At the start, the lead was taken by the Bugatti T43s, with Nuvolari, Brilli-Peri, and Bordino setting the pace. However, Campari and Ramponi began gaining ground as they crossed the Apennines and reached Rome with a 5-minute lead over Nuvolari. From that point on, their supercharged Alfa maintained control of the race.

The final stages featured intense battles for the remaining podium positions, while several front-runners retired due to mechanical issues. After covering 1,618.2 km, Campari and Ramponi crossed the finish line in Brescia in 19 hours, 14 minutes, and 5 seconds, setting a new course record. Second place went to Rosa and Mazzotti in the OM 665, with Strazza and Varallo taking third in a Lancia Lambda Casaro.

Fourth and fifth went to non-supercharged Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 SS Spider Zagatos driven by Marinoni–Guidotti and Bornigia–Guatta. Brilli-Peri’s Bugatti finished sixth, ahead of other Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and OM entries. Minoja and Balestrero finished 15th overall in a LaSalle, winning the over 5.0-liter class. In the 1.1-liter class, Gilera and Manenti triumphed in a Fiat 509 S.

The 1928 Mille Miglia solidified Alfa Romeo’s position as a leading force in endurance road racing.

Winner: Campari/Ramponi – Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 SS Spider Zagato