A fleet of 130 historic automobiles will roll out from Prague this week as the revived 1000 Czechoslovak Miles returns for another edition.

The event, which follows the route between Prague and Bratislava before returning to the Czech capital, has once again reached its maximum capacity. Organizers say interest from owners far exceeded the number of available places.

Among this year’s participants are 67 vehicles built by former Czechoslovak manufacturers, along with five cars that competed in the original long-distance race held during the 1930s. Seventeen international crews from Slovakia and Germany are also expected to take part.

According to event director Jiří Patočka, one of the entries attracting attention this year is a vehicle owned by British motoring journalist and television presenter Richard Hammond.

Vehicle inspections and registration will take place on Wednesday afternoon on Opletalova Street outside the headquarters of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic. The ceremonial start is scheduled for Thursday morning.

The first car to leave the starting line will be a Jawa Minor from the collection of the National Technical Museum, driven by an all-female crew.

Organizers expect the participants to return to Prague on Saturday, with the finish planned in front of the museum at around 5 p.m.

Czechoslovak brands will dominate the field. Aero will be the most represented manufacturer, with 29 crews entered. Other domestic marques include Škoda, Walter, Tatra, Praga and several examples of the Jawa Minor.

The international lineup features vehicles from BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Bentley, Mercedes, Buick, Lincoln and Lagonda. The oldest automobile on the starting grid will be a 1926 Buick Master Six Roadster.

The modern event traces its roots to the original 1000 Czechoslovak Miles endurance race organized by the Automobile Club of the Czechoslovak Republic during the 1930s.

The first revival edition was held in 1970, while the current annual format has been running since 2015.

Participation is limited to vehicles manufactured up to the 1939 model year, helping preserve the historical character of the rally.

Today, the event is organized by the Association of Friends of 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia in cooperation with the Veteran Car Club Prague, Veteran Club Bratislava, the Autoclub of the Czech Republic and the National Technical Museum.

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