from a classic that belonged to Fangio to a rally car that Reutemann raced with

The 34th edition of the “1000 Sport Miles”the most prestigious classic car competition in Latin America passed once again through Patagonia, its traditional venue since 1994.

A total of 110 vehicles manufactured from the late 1920s to the mid-1970s 1,600 kilometers between November 23 and 25, passing through the cities of Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes.

Beyond being the local version of the original Italian “Mille Miglia”, this regularity race is unique in the region not only for its deployment and quantity of registered units, also – and above all – for the quality and historical value of each of the cars that run it.

Among the many jewels that participated in this edition, there were two that won everyone’s attention: a Mercedes-Benz 300S from 1955 which was owned by Juan Manuel Fangio, and a Peugeot 205 Turbo from 1984 which ran in Group B of the rally and was driven by “Lole” Reutemann.

The list does not end there, because in the Contest of Elegance that is part of the event, a Ferrari 250 GTL (1963), and Jaguar XK120 (1949), and Aston Martin Intenational (1932) and a Porsche 911 RS (1973).

In the best Autoclásico style, each car is subjected to the critical gaze of an expert jury, who evaluate not only the technical perfection, but also the style, engineering and history they transmit.

Mercedes-Benz 300S (1955). It is a specimen that was acquired in partnership by Juan Manuel Fangio and Arturo Kruuse in 1955, and which later belonged to the collector Julio Mendizábal for several decades, and was acquired in 1996 by the Fangio Foundation to be exhibited in the Balcarce museum.

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 (1984). It is one of the most legendary models in the history of the World Rally Championship, and it also has a very prominent place in Argentine motorsport. With this same car, homologated for Group B, Carlos Reutemann achieved a third place in the Rally of Argentina held in 1985. Previously the same car had been driven by the Finn Ari Vatanen in the Acropolis Rally, Greece.

Ferrari 250 GTL (1963). It is an Italian Gran Turismo produced between 1962 and 1964. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter V12 engine, which delivers a power of 240 HP and reaches a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Designed by Pininfarina and coached by Scaglietti, it is considered one of the most elegant Ferraris of all time. In total 351 units were manufactured. This vehicle won the award as the “Best Car in the Contest.”

Jaguar XK120 (1949). This classic English roadster belonged to Lucio Bollaert, who was one of the founders of the Sports Automobile Club (CAS), and who was president for eight terms. From 1949 to 1955 he participated in all the competitions of the time, including the 1000 km of Buenos Aires. Today recovered by a member of the CAS, he continues the long tradition of him participating again in the Club’s activities.

Aston Martin International (1932). It is one of the models belonging to the series that began production in 1929, and which inherited the 1.5 engine with overhead camshaft and dry sump lubrication. This model offered two wheelbase options, with only 81 units being manufactured between 1929 and 1932.

After three days of racing and 1,600 kilometers traveled, first place in the general classification went to the duo Alejandro López and Gabriel Gourovich, aboard a Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS of 1929.

Second place went to Juan Tonconogy and Bárbara Ruffini, who won the competition seven times. This edition ran in a Riley Sprite of 1936.

While the podium was completed by Daniel Erejomovich and Gustavo Llanos, winners of the 2022 edition, in a AC 16/80 Comp. Sport of 1938.

At the awards gala, the traditional auction of objects linked to motorsports was held, the funds raised from which go to the Food Bank and local NGOs, such as the Challenger Foundation of Bariloche and the Puentes de Luz Foundation of San Martín de los Andes.