``Nob Hill Toasts the California Mille''; An Elegant Street Party Showcasing The Rare Sports Cars of the California Mille

    SAN FRANCISCO--April 16, 2002--

    The worlds of sleek vintage sports cars, gourmet food and fine wine will converge to produce "Nob Hill Toasts The California Mille," a glamorous afternoon affair with special guest Mario Andretti on May 12 from noon to 6 p.m. The event kicks off the California Mille, which celebrates rare sports racing cars dating from 1927 to 1957.
    Sponsored by The Fairmont San Francisco, the outdoor reception will showcase 70 one-of-a-kind sports racing and production cars from around the world. Highlighting this year's entries is a 1951 Ferrari 340 America whose owners have included race car driver Signor. Sebastiani of Rome and Sydney Chaplin, son of Charlie Chaplin. An Alfa Romeo Zagato Spider (one of four in the world), a 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, and a 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing are just a few of the exceptional cars to be displayed at this spectacular auto event.
    Patterned after the world-famous Italian Mille Miglia, the California Mille is a four-day, 1000-mile tour through Northern California. On May 13, the Italian flag will drop to commence the 12th annual running of the California Mille. It is the only U.S. event to be recognized by the Mille Miglia Storica (Historical Society) of Brescia, Italy. Although the Mille Miglia originally ran from 1927 through 1957, it was revived as an annual event in 1982.

    Mario Andretti

    Legendary racecar driver Mario Andretti, who watched the Mille Miglia as a boy in Italy, will be on hand to serve his award-winning Andretti wines at the event. The Fairmont's Executive Chef Bernard Chirent will prepare a bountiful Italian buffet to complement Andretti's signature wines. Veuve Clicquot, Smirnoff Vodka, Stella Artois and Fiji Water will provide other refreshments. Guests will also enjoy the chance to win wonderful raffle prizes, courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
    The event will benefit the Nob Hill Foundation, Inc., which serves to preserve and enhance historic Huntington Park. Tickets are $35 per person in advance and $45 at the door. They can be reserved by calling 415/772-5204. (Please note that the public can view the cars for free without participating in the cocktail reception.)
    Martin Swig, an avid historic car racer, is the organizer of the California Mille and was the sole American entrant in the Mille Miglia in 1982. Jaguar Cars North America, Aston Martin, The Fairmont San Francisco, KGO-TV, and Vendetta are sponsors of this world-class auto event.

    A Century of Style Luxury Car Show

    In addition to the display of cars participating in the California Mille on May 12, approximately 100 luxury cars chronicling ten decades of 20th century style will be showcased in front of the historic hotel on May 11 from noon to 6 p.m. The display will include a 1929 Duesenberg SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton, a 1930 Cadillac, and a 1930 Bentley Speed Six, among others. (The car show is free to the public.)
    The Fairmont San Francisco is located atop Nob Hill at 950 Mason Street.