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California Mille Celebrates Scenic Driving Adventure Through Northern California’s Best Roads
The California Mille, a 1,000-mile driving event through Northern California, marked its 34th edition from April 27 to May 1. Participants drove cars from the era of Italy's original Mille Miglia race, spanning 1927 to 1957. This year highlighted the Ferrari 250 class, featuring models like the 250 GT LWB 'Tour de France', 250 GT Boano, and 250 PF Cabriolet Special.
Chopard returned as the "Official Timekeeper" for the event in 2025. Known for their precision in motorsport timing, Chopard timepieces have been integral in tracking lap times during events like the Mille Miglia. The California Mille this year included 80 cars traversing Northern California's scenic routes.
The journey began at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, moving north through the Bay Area into Napa Valley's wine country. Drivers experienced some of the finest roads around Santa Rosa and along the coast before heading inland near Lake Berryessa and Clear Lake. The five-day tour offered luxury accommodations, exclusive collection tours, and fine dining each evening.
This year's event raised over $85,000 for non-profit organisations such as the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund and CHP 11-99 foundation. A live charity auction featured an exclusive painting by artist Brian Kesling of the Ferrari 250, adding to the fundraising efforts.
Founded in 1860, Chopard has maintained a tradition of artisanal skills and craftsmanship. The brand is known for its ethical approach to luxury, using only ethical gold since 2013 for its watches and jewellery. Chopard also manufactures Lucent Steel with a recycling rate of at least 80% for its steel timepieces.
The Scheufele family leads Chopard with a focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and ethics. They launched the Journey to Sustainable Luxury initiative in 2013. Today, Chopard employs over 2,000 people globally and manages every aspect from design to distribution through numerous subsidiaries and boutiques.
Hagerty's Role in Car Culture
Hagerty is dedicated to preserving driving culture for future generations. As a leading provider of specialty vehicle insurance and car valuation data, Hagerty offers live and digital car auction services. The company engages with automotive enthusiasts through events and entertainment tailored for car lovers worldwide.
Operating in Canada and the UK as well as the US, Hagerty hosts a community of over 875,000 members who share a passion for cars. For more information about Hagerty's offerings or to connect with them on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, visit their website.
The California Mille continues to be a celebration of classic cars and camaraderie among enthusiasts while supporting charitable causes. With its blend of historical vehicles and picturesque routes, it remains a highlight for participants each year.
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