Against the evocative backdrop of the Circo Massimo in Rome, the 1000 Miglia was one of the main attractions at the Villaggio Difesa, the area set up to mark the celebrations for National Unity and Armed Forces Day. An initiative designed to bring members of the public together with representatives of the Esercito Italiano, Marina Militare, Aeronautica Militare, Arma dei Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza, this year’s event was experienced by all those present in an atmosphere of reflection and solidarity, in the wake of the tragic incident in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The bond between the Red Arrow and the Forze Armate
The presence of the Red Arrow within the exhibition area bears witness to the deep shared purpose and values that bind the 1000 Miglia to the institutions. A historic collaboration founded on discipline, mechanical ingenuity, a culture of road safety and the promotion of Italy’s heritage.
From the essential escort provided by the Polizia Stradale along the route, to the hospitality extended at exceptional venues such as naval or military bases, academies and military schools, the race serves as a veritable travelling showcase of the country’s finest achievements.
This synergy is further strengthened by the direct participation of the Forze Armate who, as 1000 Miglia Friends, bring classic cars from their own historical collections onto the roads of the “most beautiful race in the world”.
The cars on display at the Villaggio Difesa
In the exhibition area, visitors were able to admire up close a selection of highly valuable specimens, guardians of our country’s motoring heritage and stars of the latest edition of the 1000 Miglia.
Esercito Italiano: Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS “Zagato” (1929)
On loan from the Historical Museum of Military Motorisation, this legendary car represents one of the finest examples of the engineering and sports design of its era. Originally built for races, it stands out for the lightness of its Zagato-built open-top bodywork.
Arma dei Carabinieri: Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1.6 (1972)
Characterised by its iconic blue livery with a white roof, the car has become the symbol of the Mobile Radio Unit. A key figure in the country’s history and in operational services protecting citizens, the Giulia Super embodies the value of the daily service provided by the Carabinieri to the community.
Guardia di Finanza: Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2000L (1979)
Part of the Historic Vehicle Collection at the Corps’ Historical Museum, the car boasts the historic blue lord colour scheme. Equipped with a 130 hp engine and exceptional road-holding capabilities, the Alfetta formed the backbone of the Guardia di Finanza’s operational fleet.
Polizia di Stato: Alfa Romeo Giulietta TI 1300 (1960)
Carefully restored by the Padova State Police Vehicle Centre, this Giulietta evokes the work carried out by the Polizia Stradale between the mid-1950s and the early 1960s. It is a fundamental part of the legacy of the long tradition of safeguarding safety and mobility on Italian roads.
UNUCI: Lancia Aurelia B20 Gran Turismo 2500 (1953)
The Unione Nazionale Ufficiali in Congedo d’Italia (UNUCI) brought to the exhibition the splendid Pinin Farina Berlinetta which took part in the 2026 edition of the 1000 Miglia. UNUCI thus combines the spirit of camaraderie found in the military with a passion for collecting and racing.