BMW Selected a Trio of Design Greats to Compete in This Year's Mille Miglia

BMW selected a trio of design greats to compete in this year's Mille Miglia.Head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk and Swiss industrial designer Alfredo Haberli took part in the world's most renowned classic car rally in a white BMW 328,which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.One of almost 400 participating teams,the duo set out from Brescia in northern Italy on 12 May.Following staging posts in Bologna and Rome,the team cleared the finish ramp in Brescia on 15 May.

Adrian van Hooydonk,who had already taken part in last year's race,was particularly happy about his co-driver for 2011."I have long admired Alfredo Haberli for his design style–refined,unpretentious,with humour and a fine sense of detail,"he commented.Van Hooydonk and Haberli have known each other for many years and enjoy a professional exchange that is mutually inspiring and opens up new avenues for both.

Their involvement in the rally prompted van Hooydonk to commission his colleague to design a leather jacket specially for the Mille Miglia 2011.The model created by Haberli features a classically clear silhouette that draws attention to the high-grade leather,discreet stand-up collar and elaborately detailed workmanship.The timelessly modern and functional design of the jacket is representative of Haberli's creative approach,which in future will increasingly focus on interpreting classics.

"I'm glad we were able to test Haberli's Mille Miglia jacket during the rally,"noted van Hooydonk."It proved to be highly practical and shows the professional skill of its designer."The jacket was made by leather specialists Meindl in an exclusive edition of just two.

"For me the race was a first,"said Haberli,a keen motor sport fan since childhood."I was particularly delighted to be driving in the Mille Miglia with Adrian van Hooydonk.Plus,it was a tremendous opportunity to get a close-up look at the many classics taking part.They all combine emotion with functionality–two criteria on which I also place great value."

Haberli's latest creation bears out his words–the Mille Miglia jacket not only looks great but also features"invisible"details such as an integral,adjustable kidney protector.Completing the series are an equally practical weekend bag and a garment bag.