Monterey Car Week is a prestigious event that showcases some of the world’s most eye-catching cars and debuts from leading manufacturers. In its 20th year, the event celebrated with over 200 entrants, but it was the 1956 Ferrari Superamerica “Superfast 1” that stole the show. Owned by Anne Brockinton Lee, this exceptional vehicle was awarded the coveted title of “Best in Show” at the 2023 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
A True One-of-One Example
The 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Superfast 1” is a remarkable vehicle that recently underwent a multi-year restoration. Chassis 0483SA boasts a unique body design featuring futuristic tail fins, making it a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This exceptional car also features a one-off engine, further solidifying its exclusivity. It is the only 410 Superamerica equipped with a 4.9-liter Lampredi V12 engine, complete with twin ignition and an astounding 24 spark plugs. This engine is believed to have played a significant role in the development of the long-distance Ferrari racing 410 Sports. Notably, it is one of just four special-bodied prototypes for the 410 Superamerica and the only 410 Superamerica prototype designed by Pininfarina.
The 410 Superamerica Superfast was designed by Pininfarina and was powered by a 4.9-liter V12 engine that produced 340 horsepower. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a top speed of 175 mph.
The car was first shown at the 1956 Paris Motor Show, and it was immediately met with critical acclaim. It was praised for its sleek design, powerful engine, and luxurious interior.
The 410 Superamerica Superfast was owned by a few different collectors over the years, and it was eventually sold to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. It is now on display in the museum’s permanent collection.
The 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Superfast 1” is a truly special car. It is a rare and beautiful example of Ferrari’s engineering and design prowess. It is also a reminder of the golden age of Italian sports cars.
Here are some of the key features of the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Superfast 1”:
- Pininfarina-designed body
- 4.9-liter V12 engine
- 340 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
- 175 mph top speed
- One of only three examples built
- Currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – Celebrating Automotive Excellence
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is an annual event held on the golf course of the renowned Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California. This exclusive gathering brings together car enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate automotive excellence. In its 20th year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering has become one of Monterey Car Week’s most luxurious and sought-after events. Showcasing a wide range of automobiles, the event also provides a global platform for cutting-edge automotive technology and design.
A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology and Design
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is not only a celebration of classic and vintage cars but also a showcase of the latest advancements in automotive technology and design. This year’s event featured 17 unveils from both legendary and emerging brands, providing attendees with a glimpse into the future of the automotive industry. One of the highlights was the debut of the Lamborghini Lanzador electric 2+2 concept car, a high-riding, exotic vehicle that combines luxury and sustainability. The global premier of the Maserati MCXtrema track-only electric race car also took place at The Quail, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to electric mobility.
Unveiling the Future of Luxury and Performance
Bugatti, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance, unveiled two remarkable vehicles at The Quail. The Chiron Super Sport “Golden Era” is a tribute to the golden age of automotive design, combining timeless elegance with cutting-edge engineering. Another highlight was the W16 Mistral, a masterpiece that showcases Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Rolls-Royce also made its mark at the event with the U.S. debut of the Spectre ultra-luxury electric super coupe, a vehicle that redefines luxury and performance in the electric vehicle market.
Electric Mobility Takes Center Stage
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering provided a platform for several brands to showcase their commitment to electric mobility. Acura, a brand known for its performance and innovation, introduced its first all-electric SUV, the ZDX. This vehicle combines Acura’s signature design language with zero-emission performance, offering a glimpse into the brand’s electrified future. Automobili Pininfarina, renowned for its exquisite design and engineering, unveiled two electric vehicles at the event. The B95 electric “hyper-barchetta” race car and the PURA Vision electric SUV concept demonstrate the brand’s dedication to sustainable luxury and performance.
Debut of Iconic Brands and Future Concepts
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering also witnessed the global debut of the Lotus Type 66, an all-electric SUV that combines British engineering with sustainable mobility. Additionally, the event featured the debut of the all-electric Eletre SUV, showcasing the latest advancements in Italian automotive design and technology. These premieres and unveilings exemplify the diverse range of vehicles and concepts that were showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
A Culinary and Cultural Experience
In addition to the automotive showcases, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering provided attendees with a culinary and cultural experience. Five culinary pavilions, each representing a different culture and cuisine from a Peninsula property, served extraordinary food paired with the finest wines, champagne, and assorted beverages. This gastronomic experience complemented the automotive displays, creating a truly immersive and memorable event.
Honoring Automotive Heritage and Craftsmanship
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is not only a celebration of innovation and technology but also a tribute to automotive heritage and craftsmanship. This year’s event featured several classes that showcased iconic vehicles and design eras. The 50th Anniversary of the 1973 RS Carrera class displayed variations of the iconic vehicle known for its innovative aerodynamics. The Porsche 959 class highlighted one of the most technologically advanced road-going sports cars, setting the stage for future turbocharged and all-wheel-drive models. The Eyes on Italian Design class celebrated the prototypes, one-offs, and production cars conceived by renowned Italian designers. Lastly, the Early Bentley 1950s R-Type Coupe class paid homage to the mid-century craftsmanship of one of the most seminal British automakers.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The 20th anniversary of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering marked a significant milestone for the event. As it looks towards the future, The Quail aims to continue providing a world-class experience for its passionate international audience and esteemed partners. The event has become a true standout during Monterey Car Week, attracting car enthusiasts, industry professionals, and automotive brands from around the world. With each passing year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering solidifies its reputation as a premier event that showcases the best of automotive innovation, design, and heritage.
