September 2025
The Colorado Grand 1000 is a prestigious automotive event held annually in Colorado, USA. Spanning four days, participants are challenged to drive 1,000 miles—approximately 250 miles per day—through some of the state’s most scenic and demanding terrain. The route traditionally alternates from a north to south direction each year, always starting in Vail. In 2025, the route was mostly north of Vail and Steamboat Springs, offering both breathtaking views and significant driving challenges.
But the Colorado Grand is more than a celebration of classic cars and Colorado’s natural beauty—it’s also a meaningful charitable endeavor rooted in community spirit and giving back. Each year, the event raises funds to support rural communities across the state. Local towns along the route warmly welcome participants with coffee, meals, and heartfelt hospitality. The rally also benefits from the dedicated support of state troopers, who help ensure the safety and smooth progress of the journey. In return, these communities directly benefit from the generosity and goodwill the event inspires.
Eligible cars are limited to models manufactured before 1961, or vehicles built in close adherence to designs predating that year. The route includes twisty mountain roads, dramatic elevation changes, and high-altitude passes exceeding 11,000 feet. These conditions not only test the skill of the drivers but also place considerable strain on the cars, which must perform in thin mountain air. Weather is equally unpredictable, shifting quickly from heavy thunderstorms to clear sunshine, with temperatures ranging from chilly mornings to mild summer afternoons. The Colorado Grand is not a race; it is a demanding test of endurance for both machines and their teams.
c The MPH in question was the final MPH ever built and is commonly known as “The Metric.” Delivered new to the Swiss Riley dealer in 1935 before competing in the Preis Von Bremegarten in 1936, finishing second to a 1500 cc Alfa 6C. Subsequently, owned by Bob Lutz, former CEO of General Motors, it has won its class at Pebble Beach, is the final MPH ever built, and graces the cover of Riley: Production and Competition History of Pre-1939 Riley Motor Cars by A. T. Birmingham. It also features prominently in The Riley MPH by Robin Cameron.
The driver and navigator team of David Parry and Wayne Mitchell piloted the Riley through the 1,000-mile challenge, joining an extraordinary field of cars including Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, Porsches, Maseratis, and Ferraris. Among these powerful machines, the Riley MPH stood out as both the smallest car and the least powerful. While the larger cars typically completed each day’s route in six to seven hours, the Riley often arrived among the last finishers—earning the affectionate reputation as the “tortoise among the hares.”
Despite the demanding conditions, the Riley completed every stage without suffering a breakdown. Minor incidents did occur: spark plugs occasionally sooted up, contact points stuck closed, and in a lighthearted finale, the car lost power while entering the finishing car park on the final day, requiring a push into its designated space. A quick inspection revealed that the battery terminals had simply shaken loose.
Each evening, the car was carefully inspected and maintained by John Lomas of Blue Diamond Riley Services and Andy Greene of Andy Greene Sports & Vintage Race Cars LLC, both of whom have overseen its care for the past decade. Their support ensured the car remained in peak condition throughout the event.
The successful completion of the Colorado Grand 1000 by the 1935 Riley MPH is a testament to the remarkable engineering of the Riley Motor Company in the 1930s. Crossing the finish line in Vail to enthusiastic applause was not only a proud moment for the team but also a fitting tribute to a marque whose craftsmanship has endured the test of time.