Two idiots at the most beautiful race in the world: This or That?

"Brett Smith" (tshape)
05/02/2019 at 15:18 • Filed to: Mille Miglia

Two idiots is a recounting of my experiences following the 2017 Mille Miglia and my experience preparing to go back in 2019.

Fantastic. Plus it came with the 2400 KM pack I required for the race without the need for a second mortgage. I miss it already!

Having booked my car 9 months ahead of time I did not expect to be scrambling at the last minute to ensure I had a ride for the 2019 Mille Miglia that wouldn’t be an embarrassment.

I’d booked an F-Type R-Dynamic specifically because it’s 380 hp 6 cylinder produced an epic exhaust note that would play well with the crowds along the route. If you aren’t driving multi-million dollar Gullwings or modern supercar marvels a little noise can go a long way to getting the mob on your side.

Unfortunately the company I rented through is undergoing a rebranding that includes a fleet update. The Jag I selected was to be replaced by a brand new 2020 model and they notified me last week that it wasn’t to be delivered until May 10th. With only two days between delivery and my scheduled pick-up date that felt a little too close for comfort. With some negotiation I worked out a free “upgrade”.

This, or that? Jaguar F-Type vs. C63 S.

The good news is I exchanged the overly peppy crackle and pop of the F-Type for the raucous blast of the C63 S... so I should be okay on the noise front. The less good news is I’m going to be tearing around in a white C Class cabriolet like a grandpa on the way to his country club tee time.

Both look good but the lines of that Jag are breathtaking.

At least I can pack more than a glovebox worth’s of clothes with the Mercedes. And snacks in a back seat are critical during 15 hour days on the road. I’m hopeful those perks and the 100+ additional HP will make up for losing out on that sleek black cat.

So Jag and Mercedes aficionados, what do you think? This (Jag) or that (C63 S)?

DISCUSSION (22)

Discerning > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:26

What’ s the goal again? Do you have any other options? Anything interesting or fun to drive?

Brett Smith > Discerning
05/02/2019 at 15:29

I’m following the 2019 Mille Miglia through Italy. The only other option I had was a BMW Z4... but the power output and performance reviews left me uninspired.

Brett Smith > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:30

Unless I wanted to move into supercar rental territory... which isn’t financially practical for me.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:33

How do you race as an observer? Just follow the route or is there an actual registration? The crew register their rental cars with the police so they automatically throw out moving violations. Is there a similar thing like this when you are observing? This has been a bucket list item for me and while I do ok, I’ll probably never have the funds to race it for real.

Arrivederci > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:35

I’d prefer the Jag, but honestly the C63S is probably a nicer place to spend long days.

Chariotoflove > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:36

I loved the Jag from the outside. The inside could have better materials, but is roomy enough. The deal breaker for a GT would be that trunk. It’s just too shallow.

Brett Smith > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
05/02/2019 at 15:39

No, no registration. In 2017 I drove the entire route in an M4... just following the route in an unofficial capacity. The police treated me the same as any media or support car. I took care to defer to anyone directly involved in the race but there are a few hundred cars doing what I did. Not many that did it the whole way... most just showed up for a day or a leg through a certain region.

Brett Smith > Chariotoflove
05/02/2019 at 15:40

Yeah, I love the look. Was excited for the driving experience... but the lack of space had me worried. I have a lot of camera equipment plus clothes for two for 10 days in Italy. It would have been tight.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:41

Interesting... Maybe I’ll do this next year for my big vacation.

Discerning > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:43

Only convertibles? I'd say c63. Arguably better chassis, engine, brakes, suspension... you name it

Brett Smith > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
05/02/2019 at 15:43

I cannot recommend it enough. There is nothing quite like it. I have a few articles up re: the 2017 experience and pics can be found @runtheredarrow . Give them a look if you like. I’ll be posting articles during the 2019 event as well.

Brett Smith > Discerning
05/02/2019 at 15:44

I find the convertible a requirement for this particular event . There is so much to see that dropping the top and the 360 degree view it gives is priceless. Plus, more connection with the crowds as you drive past and better opportunities for pictures from the road.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:48

My local Ferrari specialist always enters a few cars and I’ve talked to the shop owner a few times about it. He has some amazing stories of the race.

Chariotoflove > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:48

You'd have enjoyed driving it. If you had tripods and camera cases, then you lucked out getting the Merc.

Brett Smith > Chariotoflove
05/02/2019 at 15:50

Yeah, feels like a win-win in the end. The company did what they could to make up for the issue. Stressful as hell last minute though!

Discerning > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 15:55

Rent a Ducati or a Triumph

Brett Smith > Discerning
05/02/2019 at 16:01

Ha, I bet that’d be great if you were a bike guy... but that’s not me. It would be fun to stuff my brother/navigator in a sidecar though.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 16:17

I’m s ure either of them with be great, I like the Jag more, but I just tend to like Jags

Brett Smith > OPPOsaurus WRX
05/02/2019 at 16:21

I’ve never driven one. Part of why I was so excited about it. I think I’ll try for it in 2020 if I go back.

CaptDale - is secretly British > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
05/02/2019 at 17:04

Oh man that is awesome!

Discerning > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 17:51

That would be amazing. Now you have to do it

Tapas > Brett Smith
05/02/2019 at 22:28

I’m not sure what you're talking about. But F Typeeeee.