By Uthman Ray
By far, The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering is the most dynamic and revered event during Monterey Car Week. Here, you will uncover the finest in design, performance, and advancement from Audi and Aston Martin to Acura and Bugatti.
During Monterey Car Week, enthusiasts, car collectors, media, and influential VIPs returned to The Quail Golf Club for its 23rd annual celebration of automotive distinction, where a 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testarossa was named “Best of Show.” Owned by Bruce Meyer, the winning vehicle was selected from a curated field of more than 200 entries and was noted for its exceptional design, craftsmanship, and historical relevance. The Ferrari was inducted into the prestigious Rolex Circle of Champions, an esteemed tradition celebrating the pinnacle of automotive achievement, and its owner received a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 presented by Luca Bernasconi, president and CEO of Rolex USA.
This year’s other prestigious award winners announced at The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering include:
- Spirit of The Quail, 1965 Porsche 911, owned by Marc Davidian
- Hagerty Drivers Foundation Award, 1962 Lincoln Continental, owned by Richard Plavetich and Susan Denton
- Magneto Editor’s Choice Award, 1994 Lamborghini Diablo VT JOTA, owned by Caretakers Collection
Continuing its tradition as a foremost destination for automotive advancement and culture, The Quail by The Peninsula featured an extraordinary collection of vehicles, manufacturers, designers and collectors from around the world. This year’s event showcased 22 debuts from OEMs and specialty manufacturers worldwide.
“The Quail By The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering embodies our approach to elevated hospitality, creating an experience where remarkable automobiles, thoughtful details and a common passion for motoring come together in a truly distinctive setting,” said Benjamin Vuchot, CEO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited.
Distinguished vehicles from this year’s five featured classes also took center stage throughout the event. Celebrating the history, innovation, and cultural contribution of the automobile, the 2026 featured classes included the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, the Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, the Ferrari F40, and The Bruce Meyer Collection.
Throughout the day, guests experienced the unique atmosphere that has made The Quail by The Peninsula one of the most anticipated events of Monterey Car Week. The celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 brought together enthusiasts to honor the history, adventure, and spirit of the legendary highway. A memorable moment took place as the center of the show field was celebrated with a synchronized thunder of engines from vehicles in the Legacy of the Japanese GT Class, including a Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Diablo, and Custom Coachwork, creating an unforgettable display of automotive passion across the show field.
The 2026 event also marked the first year of Broad Arrow Auctions serving as the official auction partner of The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering. Bringing its proficiency and love for exceptional collector vehicles to the event, Broad Arrow Auctions introduced a new phase in the long-standing tradition of celebrating motor vehicle excellence.
Beyond the vehicles on display, guests enjoyed a world-class culinary experience led by Peninsula Chef David Bizet, featuring specialties inspired by the distinctive cuisines of The Peninsula Chicago and The Peninsula Beverly Hills, which celebrated their 25th and 35th anniversaries, respectively. Complemented by a selected assortment of wines and champagne, extraordinary hospitality, engaging conversations, and unforgettable automotive experiences, the event once again brought together the best elements of Monterey Car Week at The Quail By The Peninsula.
