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VINTAGE: Motorsports At The Quail
The 10th annual Gathering brings top-drawer cars, food and people together in one of Monterey’s most-exclusive events.
Wouter Melissen  | http://www.ultimatecarpage.com  |  Posted September 03, 2012   Carmel, CA
An Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring Coupe, part of the pre-war Alfa Romeo group, takes its turn on stage. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)
Now in its tenth year, The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering stands out from all other events on the Monterey Peninsula both in approach and atmosphere.

Restricted by the size of the venue, access is strictly limited to 3,000 guests, which, combined with the relatively expensive tickets, makes it one of the most exclusive events of the action-packed week.

More than a dozen Isos representing nearly every model made were part of the marque's 50th anniversary celebration. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)
The reason these pricy tickets sell out literally within minutes is that The Quail caters to every automotive enthusiast's needs. While about 180 cars and motorcycles take center stage, they are complemented by a choice of fine food and drinks supplied by local establishments and lovingly prepared by noted chefs.

The Quail also stands out for selecting themes that are not quite run of the mill. For the event's 10th edition, these included Iso Automobili's Golden Anniversary and Pre-War Alfa Romeos.

Another unique feature is The Quail Run, which boasts a selection of racing cars that travel from the nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca across Laureles Grade pass road. This year's parade starred a fabulous selection of Cobras and was headed by the prototype Cobra, while the line was concluded by the Ford Mustang GT500 Cobra built as a tribute to the late Carroll Shelby.

Having covered a majority of the previous 10 editions, we were of course on hand for the 10th running. The result is this sparkling 140-shot gallery.


Iso Automobili's Golden Anniversary
In a year dominated by the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra and Ferrari 250 GTO, the Golden Anniversary of Iso Automobili has been overlooked at every other major event. Fortunately, that was not the case at The Quail, for which noted journalist and marque expert Winston Goodfellow brought together an unprecedented collection of Isos and the closely related Bizzarrini 5300 GT.

Piero Rivolta (left), the son of Iso company founder Renzo Rivolta, chats on stage with journalist and Iso specialist Winston Goodfellow. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)
Son of company founder Renzo Rivolta, Piero was the event's special guest. From his own collection he brought the unique Varedo concept car that was first shown in 1972. From the same era was the Iso Marlboro Formula 1 racer that was flown in from Germany especially for the occasion. Following its retirement from contemporary racing, this chassis served as a show car until it was restored back to full working order in 2011.

Among more than two dozen Isos on display were almost every model type built by the Italian manufacturer between 1962 and 1974, including the first and last Grifo, a rare Grifo Targa and one of just five Daytonas built.

Pre-War Alfa Romeos
For many enthusiasts, the pre-war Alfa Romeos rank as some of the finest cars ever constructed. Based on the all-conquering competition cars, the road-going Alfa Romeos really were the Ferraris of their day.

A spectacular Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Spider was a standout of the pre-war Alfa Romeo display. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)
Fundamental changes in the industry forced the Milanese manufacturer to reset its bearings soon after the War. An indication of what could have been was provided by David Smith, who brought a freshly rebuilt Alfa Romeo powered by one of just two V8 engines built immediately before the War. Although tested in a 6C chassis, they ultimately did not enter production.

Following Alfa Romeo's example, Smith combined a 6C chassis with one of these very rare engines and clothed it in a striking 8C 2900 Touring Spider-inspired body.

An original example of this model was also in attendance. This particular car first starred at the 1938 Olympia Show and many moons later won the Best of Show Trophy at the second Quail, a Motorsports Gathering.

Rarest of all Alfa Romeos present was Neville Crichton's G1 from 1921, which is believed to be the oldest example still in existence.
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Wouter Melissen

UltimateCarPage.com

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