The Fairmont San Francisco Hosts ``Nob Hill Toasts the California Mille''; An Elegant Street Party Showcasing The Rare Sports Cars of the California Mille April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

    SAN FRANCISCO--April 9, 2003--The worlds of sleek vintage sports cars and Italian food and wine will converge to produce "Nob Hill Toasts The California Mille," a glamorous afternoon affair to kickoff the California Mille on April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.
    Patterned after the world-famous Italian Mille Miglia, the California Mille is a four-day, 1000-mile tour through Northern California. Although the Mille Miglia originally ran from 1927 through 1957, it was revived as an annual event in 1982. Martin Swig, who was the sole American entrant in the Mille Miglia in 1982, founded the California Mille in 1990.
    Sponsored by The Fairmont San Francisco, the outdoor reception will showcase the 60 one-of-a-kind sports racing and production cars that will participate in the 13th California Mille presented by Chrysler. Dating from 1927 to 1957, these rare cars, drawn from around the world, will recreate the spirit of the original Mille Miglia.
    Highlighting this year's entries is a 1923 Lancia Lambda. In addition, a 1928 Alfa Romeo Zagato Spyder, a 1931 Bentley 8 liter, a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a 1934 Lagonda Rapide, a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900-B, a 1939 BMW 328, a 1955 Jaguar D-type, a 1956 Maserati 450S, and a 1957 Ferrari 250TDF are just a few of the exceptional cars to be displayed at this spectacular auto event.
    The Fairmont's Executive Chef Bernard Chirent will prepare a bountiful Italian buffet to complement signature wines by legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, who watched the Mille Miglia as a boy in Italy. Mumm Champagne, Smirnoff Vodka, Anchor Steam Brewery and Evian Water will provide other refreshments. Guests will also enjoy the chance to win exciting raffle prizes, courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
    The event will benefit the Nob Hill Association, which serves to preserve and enhance historic Huntington Park. Tickets are $40 per person. For reservations, call 415/772-5204. (Please note that the public can view the cars for free without participating in the cocktail reception.)
    Chrysler, The Fairmont San Francisco and KGO-TV 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 April 27, approximately 50 luxury cars chronicling ten decades of 20th century style will be showcased in front of the historic hotel on April 27 from noon to 6 p.m. The display will include a 1925 Pierce Arrow Runabout, a 1932 Duesenberg J S/C Murphy Roadster, a 1935 Auburn 851 Phaeton, and a 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible, among others. (The car show is free to the public.)
    The Fairmont San Francisco is located atop Nob Hill at 950 Mason Street.

    CALIFORNIA MILLE PACKAGE

    Car aficionados can take advantage of the California Mille package that includes accommodations at The Fairmont San Francisco as well as two tickets to "Nob Hill Toasts The California Mille." Starting at $249 plus tax, the package is available April 25-27. For reservations, please 415/772-5000.