Jay Leno discusses the new Bugatti Veyron. Photo credit: Rolex / Tom O’Neal
Starting off the festivities was the official Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 19, initiated by a fly pass by four CJ6 Aircraft, military trainer planes originally designed in 1958 that are still used in ten countries around the globe today. Roaming Mariachi bands set the scene as event host the Honourable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Owner of the Quail Resort and Golf Course, and event champagne provider Louis Roederer, took to the stage at 10:00 to welcome the crowd.
“As I look out over the lawn, I see you are here not only with your passion, but also in larger numbers at this time of the day than I have ever seen before,” said Sir Michael Kadoorie. “You have some wonderful cars around you, I welcome you to enjoy our garden party and make sure that you drink plenty of champagne!”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is known as one of the most prestigious parties of the Monterey Classic Car Week. The limited number of high-end tickets sold out months in advance, yet inside the crowd flowed with ease on the green. Celebrities like TV personality Jay Leno, driving legend Derek Bell and AC/DC front man Brian Johnson mingled among the crowds, conducting interviews and admiring the vehicles on display.
Amongst the automobiles were five dining areas set up for tasting pleasure, each with a geological theme designed to transport the taste buds: Carmel Valley, Italy, Spain, Mediterranean and France. Each culinary corner had fitting live music and respective colour themes to mark the occasion. As the people moved through the food, jewellery and vendor tents, the cars set up on the green acted as the common denominator for almost all conversation.
Groups included “The Great Ferraris”, “Pre-War Sports and Racing”, “Super Cars&rdquo”, “Bugatti Veyrons” and “50th Anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type,” among others. The cars were in immaculate condition, and with no details left unattended one could imagine they looked as good as, if not better than, the day they were originally produced.
Some cars also came over from the Mazda Raceway where they are participating in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. A police escort led the cars onto The Quail field and participants joined the party for lunch before heading back to the track in the early afternoon.
Other highlights of the day included Bonhams & Butterfields Auctions and the ever-important prizegiving ceremony, which awards multiple prizes including the coveted Rolex Best of Show. This award is chosen by the entrants for the automobile that best distinguishes itself in both design and presentation. This year’s Best of Show Award went to a 1955 Ferrari 375 America owned by Jack Thomas of Missouri, and Rolex Watch U.S.A. CEO Stuart Wicht presented Mr. Thomas with a Rolex Timepiece along with his event trophy. Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering since 2005.
This is one garden party that continues to grow every year, going above and beyond expectations for the type of classic gathering one has come to expect during the weeklong festival of vintage motorsports on the Monterey Peninsula.
For more photos and info on the event, visit www.caracingnews.com