Events: The Quiet Quail
August 1, 2005
In the beginning, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance shared its weekend with the Pebble Beach Road Races. After the last races were run on a circuit near the Del Monte Lodge in 1956, the Concours stood on its own until 1974, when the first Monterey Historic Automobile Races were held at Laguna Seca Raceway. Since then, new events have transformed a once-relaxed weekend into a nonstop three-day smorgasbord of races, exhibitions, and auctions.
The predominant theme is competition: competition among the racers at the track, among the entrants at Pebble Beach, among exhibitors at the more recent Concorso Italiano, and among the auctioneers. Tensions can run high as enthusiasts vie for checkered flags, trophies, and the occasional eight-figure auction lot.
None of this pressure is evident at the Quail. Now in its third year, the Quail offers guests an opportunity to see exclusive automobiles displayed in an environment that is relaxed, friendly, and beautiful. Each of the 110 to 120 machines arrayed on the lawn of the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley is there by invitation, chosen either because it represents the best of its breed or because it is an appropriate match to the theme established for each year’s event.
This year’s Quail honors the cars that competed in La Carrera Panamericana, but the very nature of that great series of races in the early 1950s limited the number of survivors–many were claimed by accidents on the hazardous roads of Mexico, and more were simply destroyed by the pounding meted out by endless miles of poor pavement. Nonetheless, a number of veteran Carrera racers are slated to appear, and others that have vanished will be represented in spirit by a few replicas of those historic machines built to run in the modern La Carrera re-creation.
Other cars invited will be grouped into a variety of competition- and performance-oriented classes, including pre- and postwar sports and racing cars, “great Ferraris,” and modern supercars. A few racing motorcycles will make an appearance as well. Trophies will be awarded to the owners of the best vehicles in each of the classes, with an emphasis on style and popular appeal rather than the technical aspects of restoration.
Friday’s event is complemented by fine food and wines, included in the price of admission. Those wanting a break from looking at cars will find a number of tents in which a variety of upscale products are offered. Everywhere, a relaxed atmosphere prevails; the hustle and bustle of other events on this highly charged weekend seem far away.
Tickets (at $150 per person) sell out as quickly as the rooms at the Quail Lodge and its companion Bernardus Lodge. Proceeds benefit worthwhile causes, most notably the CHP 11-99 Foundation and local schools in the Carmel area.
The Quail
877.734.4628
www.quaillodge.com
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