On August 16th the 17th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering welcomed 6,000 enthusiasts into a world that can only be described as an automotive paradise. Whether you are a automotive executive, Motorsports legend, celebrity, or just someone who loves cars, the Quail is the place to be every August during Monterey Car Week.
The unique thing about the Quail is that the atmosphere is chic yet completely conducive to pleasant conversation with perfect strangers. Most of the attendees at the Quail are always ready to jump at the opportunity to indulge in a conversation on just about anything automotive. We imagine that hundreds of great cars, wonderful gourmet cuisine, and the warm California sun brings out the best in all of us.
Philip Kadoorie with Mark Webber 
Hannah Elliott with Alex Hirschi
The Peninsula Signature Events team, who are responsible for the event, put together several “Fireside Chat panels” to entertain guests. The most notable panel was a discussion between Philip Kadoorie and two-time Monaco Grand Prix winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion Mark Webber. Additionally, Alex Hirschi (AKA Supercar Blondie) was interviewed by automotive journalist Hannah Elliott.
Laid out across the greens of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, this year’s festivities highlighted three particularly special classes. Most importantly was the “100 Years of Bentley Motors” class which honored the marque with the the North American unveiling of the EXP 100 GT concept car and the new Flying Spur sedan. Secondly was the “The 25th Anniversary of the McLaren F1,” which was honored with the presence of an iconic one-of-10 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail. Finally, the third class was “A Tribute to the Electric Car Movement” which highlighted electric vehicles over the decades with a very special 1965 Volkswagen Beetle Zelectric Sedan electric car prototype.
“Our 17th annual event has been an incredible success,” said Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the world-class guests at our panels, the beautiful atmosphere and, most of all, the enthusiasm and love of our amazing automotive community, this event has continued to grow and improve year after year. We already can’t wait to see what 2020 brings!”
Several major anniversaries and vehicle debuts were celebrated at this year’s event for the likes of Lotus Cars, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Bentley Motors, Acura, Pagani Automobili, Singer Vehicle Design and Drako Motors. Some the most noteworthy was the debut of the all new and highly limited Centodieci from Bugatti, the 1200 horsepower Drako Motors sedan, and the EXP 100 GT concept car from Bentley. Outside of the typical automotive sponsors, was Burgess Yachts with some stunning small scale models of Oceanco like M.Y. Barbara which is currently available for sale. On the aviation side of things, Pagani showcased their unique take on the design interior of an Airbus A320 Corporate Jet in a virtual reality simulation by KIP Creating.
Centodieci 
Centodieci 
EXP 100 GT concept 
EXP 100 GT concept 
The GTE Drako Motors sedan
The 1931 Bentley 4-Litre 
The 1931 Stutz DV 32 Convertible Victoria by Le Baron
Capturing the highly coveted “Best of Show” award was a 1931 Stutz DV 32 Convertible Victoria by Le Baron owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini of New Jersey. The Stutz competed against nearly 300 entrants for the prestigious title. The Spirit of The Quail was awarded to a 1957 Ferrari 335S owned by Cavallino Investments of Ohio; whereas the Octane Choice was awarded to a 1952 Nash Healey Le Mans Prototype Racer owned by Jose Fernandez of Connecticut. The FIVA award was bestowed upon a 1931 Bentley 4-Litre owned by Terry & Darlene Larson of Arizona.
However, one of our favorite awards is one which does not take itself too seriously. The Car Park Concours de Quailegance award presented by Philip Kadoorie is selected based on the most interesting vehicle in the event’s car park. This year the winner was a well loved 1953 Aston Martin DB2 DHC owned by Jeffrey Long of Hawaii.
The 1957 Ferrari 335S
The 18th Annual The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering is scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2020. For more information please visit the Peninsula Signature Events website.
Photos Courtesy of: Kahn Media
Image Credit: Photographer Adam Swords
