THE QUAIL: A CELEBRATION OF PASSION!

When it comes to displays of exceptional vintage and modern street and competition cars, few venues can match The Quail’s Motorsports Gathering.
For the past eleven, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering has proved one of the most significant attractions during Monterey Classic Car Week. And yesterday’s event certainly proves that. The event took place at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley. Surrounded by spectacular cars, participants and guests enjoyed exceptional world-class cuisine in a sumptuous setting.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is much more than just a presentation of automotive splendor. It has a competitive edge – the Gathering started with “The Quail Run,” as a selection of rarely seen Corvette racing cars, above, traveled from the nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to the Quail Lodge & Golf Club.

The day ended with the much-awaited Rolex “Best of Show” presentation: the top prize of the event was awarded to a ‘64 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, top, owned by the Miller family and designed by Peter Brock, the illustrious automotive designer whose extraordinary work was a feature at this year’s event. Stewart Wicht of Rolex Watch USA presented the Rolex “Best of Show” winner with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, with the special engraving of the Quail logo. “My cars have received many recognitions in the past, but today is a very special first – being recognized here is truly unique,” said Peter Brock.

This year’s event comprised the usual impressive array of remarkable marques and individual vehicles. Spectators were able to immerse themselves in 100 years of Aston Martin, and marveled at some of its legendary models such as the ‘65 DB5, universally regarded as
the original “Bond Car.” Another classic on display was the ‘60 DB4GT, the first
sports car to achieve 0-100 mph in 20 seconds.

No event of this caliber would be complete without the presence of “cavallino rampante,” Ferrari’s iconic prancing horse symbol. Amongst the extraordinary display on the lawn of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, a ‘50 166 Inter Berlinetta considered the brand’s first road car, and a ‘69 365GTS, one of its most successful luxury models were lined up alongside a ’50 250 Testa Rossa, top, ‘06 P 4/5 by Pininfarina and a ‘09 P 4/5 Competizione, above.

The Gathering also featured a Porsche exhibit highlighting 50 years of the 911 and a retrospective of Automobili Lamborghini, celebrating 50 years of the marque. Plus a display
of competition Corvettes, above.

The Quail’s founder, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, saluted and thanked all participants, guests and sponsors: “This event is a dream of excellence. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the great joys of motorsports and our passion with you and all our friends. It is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of all the people who share the same vision. I hope to see you all next year.”

PHOTOS: Tom O’Neal

The 12th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, will take place on Friday, August 15, 2014. For more information about The Quail events, please visit http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/