The Quail 2023: A Blend of Classic Cars & Future Innovations

Celebrating Two Decades of Automotive Excellence at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

The crescendo of Monterey Classic Car Week is none other than "The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering," an event renowned for blending the allure of a secluded garden-party with the epitome of automotive excellence. Celebrating its 20th anniversary on August 18, 2023, the illustrious gathering took place at Carmel Valley’s Quail Lodge & Golf Club from 9 am to 4 pm. The event, well known for its exclusivity and gravitas, welcomed a fortunate 6,000 guests. Entry was granted through a lottery system, ensuring an environment as select as the cars on display.

Setting and Ambiance

Set against the Santa Lucia mountain range, the venue offered its attendees an opulent experience like no other. The Quail Lodge & Golf Club, renowned for its sprawling greens and lavish surroundings, was transformed into an automotive wonderland. The well-manicured lawns served as an illustrious backdrop for some of the most magnificent examples of vintage sporting automobiles you'll ever lay eyes on. The atmosphere was further heightened by gourmet cuisine representing the global palate, turning what began as a demure gathering into a full-blown, sipping and sampling soiree by early afternoon.

Theme and Exhibit

The event was segmented into various categories, each aligned with a unique theme for 2023. The Featured Themes for this year included the 50th Anniversary of the 1973 RS Carrera, Porsche 959s, and Early Bentley 1950s R-Type Coupe among others. Traditional classes like Pre-War and Post-War sports and racing, as well as dedicated sections for the evolution of the supercar and custom coachwork, were also prominently featured.

Eyes were particularly set on "Eyes on Italian Design," a segment that showcased Italy's immense contribution to the world of car design and engineering. This went hand-in-hand with other classes like "The Great Ferraris" and "Sports and Racing Motorcycles," which catered to every shade of enthusiast.

The Quintessence of Rarity: Best of Show Winner

The pinnacle of the event was the highly anticipated "Best of Show" award, and this year, it went to an automotive marvel that can only be described as the epitome of rarity and elegance. A freshly restored 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Superfast 1” with Chassis 0483SA took home the coveted title. This particular Ferrari isn't just a vintage model from the 1950s; it boasts a one-of-a-kind body with futuristic tail fins designed by Pininfarina. Adding to its exclusivity is its unique 4.9-liter Lampredi V12 engine with twin ignition, accommodating a staggering 24 spark plugs.

This Superfast 1 is the only 410 Superamerica outfitted with such an engine, making it an absolute gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. It is also one of just four special-bodied prototypes for the 410 Superamerica series. Winning "Best of Show" was more than just an accolade for this Ferrari; it was a validation of automotive artistry, a nod to the impeccable craftsmanship of yesteryears, and a tribute to the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the spirit of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This win was the cherry on top of an already extraordinary event, capturing the essence of what makes The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, an unparalleled celebration of automotive history and luxury.

But the accolades didn't stop there. Other esteemed award winners of the 2023 Quail included:

Spirit of The Quail: Awarded to a 1949 Lancia Aprilia Supergioello, owned by Nigel Churcher.
Hagerty Drivers Foundation & Preservation Award: Given to a 1962 Lancia Appia Convertible Vignale, owned by Bronson Page and Michael Baum.
The Art of Bespoke Award presented by Magneto: Taken home by a 1953 Delahaye 135MS CL Spéciale Faget-Varnet, owned by Anthony Collé.

The Best of Show and these other awards serve as a validation of automotive excellence, each in their unique categories, contributing to what makes The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, an unparalleled event in the world of automotive luxury and history.

Innovation Meets Tradition: Spotlight on New Unveils

In its 20th year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering was more than just a vintage car haven; it served as a global platform for the future of automotive technology. Among the 17 groundbreaking unveils were the Lamborghini Lanzador electric concept, the Maserati MCXtrema electric race car, and Bugatti's latest Chiron Super Sport “Golden Era.” The event also marked the U.S. debut of the Rolls-Royce Spectre electric coupe and Acura's first all-electric SUV, the ZDX.

These cutting-edge reveals showcased The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering's commitment to innovation, confirming that it remains a crucible where automotive past meets future. This blend of the classic and the contemporary made the 20th anniversary of The Quail an unforgettable milestone in automotive celebration.

Culinary Adventures

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering known for its exceptional cuisine, exceeded expectations. The dining experience was akin to a culinary world tour with menus featuring delicacies from Istanbul, London, the Caribbean, Peru, and Singapore. By early afternoon, sampling and sipping were in full swing, rounding out the gathering's elegant atmosphere.

A Local Treasure with Global Appeal

Will Elkadi, Monterey Car Week Guide founder and Publisher of WhatsUpMonterey.com, beautifully captured the essence of this landmark event, stating, "It's the 20th version of a unique event founded by a local and taking place in one of the most beautiful areas in Carmel. It's always a pleasure to meet new car enthusiasts and see old friends in this yearly mecca."

Elkadi's sentiments encapsulate the magnetic draw of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. His words reflect the event's dual nature as a local treasure and a global spectacle, reaffirming its status as a must-attend event for car enthusiasts from around the world. This year's 20th anniversary edition, resplendent with its high-profile unveils, sumptuous culinary offerings, and a "Best of Show" winner that turned heads and captured hearts, truly lived up to its reputation. The Quail remains a beacon for both the local community and the global automotive world, an event where tradition meets innovation in an extraordinary celebration.

A Level Above

The 2023 edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, managed to raise its own high bar, setting a precedent that will be a challenge to surpass in the years to come. As it celebrated its 20th anniversary, it reminded us that some things, like fine wine and classic cars, truly get better with age.

In the dizzying rush of Monterey Classic Car Week, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering stood as a sanctuary of quiet luxury and sublime sophistication, capturing the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to step onto its sacred greens. From the grandeur of its setting to the rarity of its attendees and exhibits, The Quail is undeniably a jewel in the crown of the automotive world.

To stay up-to-date with the Monterey Car Week schedule and make the most of your experience, check the Monterey Car Week Guide. Explore the upcoming events and auctions, and immerse yourself in the world of automotive excellence that Monterey Car Week 2024 has to offer.