For the 16th year 235 internationally-acclaimed cars adorned the Californian lawns of The Quail Lodge & Golf Club for The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. As the sun set on this annual automobile extravaganza, it was the exceptional 1953 Lancia Aurelia PF200C Spider which gained admission into the Rolex Circle of Champions having been voted the ‘Rolex Best of Show’. The Swiss watch brand honours the excellence and dedication of this outstanding event as the Official Timepiece of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering since 2005.
Truly encapsulating the spirit and beauty of the day, the 1953 Lancia sealed its place in ‘The Quail’ history with its futuristic Pininfarina design and distinctive jet-engine style front grill. Upon entering the Rolex Circle of Champions, its owner, Anne Brockinton Lee, said: “I’m so excited to have won and to have received a Rolex watch, this is in memory of my late husband who was a big car collector. I have a great team who have worked very hard on this outstanding car and I’m very proud.”
Nestled against the Santa Lucia mountain range, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is a highly anticipated feature of Monterey Classic Car Week, combining elegance with notable vehicles and the most exquisite culinary flavours from around the world. Every year, over 6,000 classic car aficionados, collectors and gourmets, enjoy an unparalleled retrospective of motoring excellence, featuring some of the finest vintage and modern automobiles. Rolex shares this commitment to the past, appreciating how history continues to shape the present and future of the motor car.
This year, ‘The Quail’ recognized Porsche’s heritage, honouring 70 years of the iconic and popular Porsche 356 – the German manufacturer’s first production car – while The Alois Ruf Reunion showcased the high-performance CTR Yellowbird, based on the Porsche 911. Illustrious and renowned automobiles representing the Pre-War Sports and Racing cars, Custom Coachworks, Supercars and The Great Ferraris graced the fairway, adding style and panache to the charming garden party atmosphere. Anticipating future trends, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, made its public debut in the US, and the all-electric Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero took headlines as they both enchanted and intrigued spectators.
Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart said: “While celebrating the rich history of the automobile, every year The Quail offers something new and exciting. Seeing these wonderful cars and hearing their unique stories always gives me a sense of nostalgia and allows me to reflect on my journey, especially this year as I celebrate 50 years with Rolex. Cars and watches go hand in hand and both have played – and continue to play – an incredibly important part in my life.”
