Published on: 23/07/2021 Updated on: 20/02/2025

From the 1000 Mile 2021: the charity auction that starts from the heart

The 2021 edition of the historical re-enactment of the 1000 Miglia has just concluded. Corrado Lopresto and Marco Mattioli participated with a car of great historical value, carefully prepared by #Labocosmetica detailers. The Lancia Augusta that took overall victory at the Targa Florio in 1936.

At the end of the race, the two gentlemen decided to auction off the valuable watch donated by Chopard to each crew. All proceeds will be donated to support the care of Giovanna Scaglione, daughter of renowned designer Franco Scaglione, who is now seriously ill.

A Lancia Augusta with a unique history

An unusual Lancia Augusta, driven by renowned collector Lopresto, paired with our general manager Marco Mattioli, was also present at the latest edition of the 1000 Miglia historical re-enactment, run June 16-19 along an unusual counterclockwise route.

The Augusta chosen for the race is not just any production car, but the example that won the overall victory at the 1936 Targa Florio, with Palermo driver Costantino Magistri. A splendid car that was restored for the occasion and brought back to the livery of the time.

The car has behaved very well. The only drawback was a broken exhaust manifold near Rome, promptly repaired, and some uncertainty of the distributor. A black sedan in the midst of many red behemoths, the Augusta stood out for its great elegance.

Passion for the world of historic cars

The union between Marco Mattioli, always looking for innovative solutions for car care, and Corrado Lopresto, an international reference point for research, history and culture of Italian style was inevitable. The two enthusiasts met about 2 years ago during an elegance competition. It was here that they decided to build something lasting together, to revive the passion for the world of historic cars and maintain their value of historical and economic interest over time.

The collaboration began with the preparation of Corrado's cars for concours d'elegance around the world, culminating in participation in the "most beautiful race in the world." Experiment succeeded to perfection! The two friends, although without much rehearsal or training, managed to rank 93rd overall.

The 2021 edition of the 1000 Miglia

The 1000 Miglia 2021 ended in Brescia after four stages and nearly 1,800 km through some of Italy's most beautiful cities. It was a crazy, challenging edition that put many crews to the test. Out of 375 cars in the race, 341 cars crossed the finish line at the end of the race.

The race, still bound by the restrictions for COVID, saw far fewer spectators than usual, but always warm and close to the competitors, who were welcomed with great passion in all the villages they passed through.

The noble gesture of Corrado Lopresto and Marco Mattioli

Just during the race, while they were in Tuscany, Corrado Lopresto and Marco Mattioli decided to be spokesmen for a fundraising initiative to support the care of Giovanna Scaglione, daughter of the famous designer Franco Scaglione, who is now seriously ill. The two friends will donate to this cause all the proceeds from the sale of the splendid Chopard watch made in a limited edition for the 1000 Miglia by the Geneva-based maison sponsoring the event .

Since 1988, Chopard has been offering iconic watches with a distinctly sporty character designed for fans of classic style and vintage spirit--a blend of elegance, precision and comfort to celebrate the event . Find out all about the Chopard's 1000 Mile watch collection and the history that links the brand to the "most beautiful race in the world."

A noble gesture that of Corrado Lopresto and Marco Mattioli, which demonstrates the great generosity of spirit of the two friends and makes even more evident the spirit that distinguishes motor enthusiasts.

Watch the video of the appeal for the charity auction

Franco Scaglione: the history of the Italian automobile

Francesco "Franco" Scaglione was an Italian designer, specializing in the automotive industry. Born in Florence to Vittorio Scaglione, an army medical major, and Giovanna Fabbri, a captain in the Italian Red Cross, Franco Scaglione created some of the most beautiful cars in Italian automotive history, many of them the result of a partnership with the historic Carrozzeria Italiana Bertone.

Here we would just like to mention some of the famous "bodies" that bear his signature: from theAlfaRomeo Giulietta Sprint and theAlfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale to the iconicAlfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Finally, to remember the Alfa Romeo Bertone B.A. T.(Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica), the whimsical dream cars made between 1953 and 1955.

A story of friendship linked by a passion in common, that for the world of historic cars... A goal in common, that in support of a charitable initiative.