The Quail, a Motorsports meeting, returned for the 22nd year on the well -kept lawns of the Quail Golf Club, where a Ferrari F50 GT1 from 1996 claimed the coveted best of the show title. Owned by the well -known collector’s art Zafiropoulo, the F50 GT1 rose above a composite field of more than 200 participants, recognized for its groundbreaking design, craftsmanship and historical significance.
The winning Ferrari was included in the Rolex Circle of Champions, a respected tradition in honor of the highlight of Automotive Excellence. Zafiropoulo also received a specially engraved oestual date Just 36, presented by Luca Bernasconi, president and CEO of Rolex USA.
A rare Ferrari prototype
The Ferrari F50 GT1 from 1996 remains one of the rarest and most extreme creations by Maranello. Conceived to bring the F50 to GT1 racing, is chassis number 001 the only Factory-assembled prototype. It has an evolution of 750 hp from Ferraris 4.7-liter V12, integrated in a carbon fiber monocoque with targeted aerodynamics and Formula 1-grade racing hardware.
Although built for the international GT1 class, Ferrari finally suspended the program in 1997, leaving the prototype the only example. With its raw carbon work, black speedline wheels and striking proportions, the F50 GT1 has become a holy grail among Ferrari enthusiasts.
Other award height points
In addition to the best winner of the show, the quail recognized other exceptional vehicles:
Spirit of the quail – 1967 Shelby Exp500 Prototype Coupe, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Craig Jackson
Hagerty Drivers Foundation Award – 1967 Sunbeam MK2, owned by Richard Thompson
A complete list of prize winners can be found through the official channels of the quail.
Global debut and recommended classes
As always, the quail served as a stage for the future of the car industry. Eighteen of the world’s most striking manufacturers and designers presented global debut, including:
· Lamborghini phenomenon
· Gunnherwerks Project F-26
· Corvette CX Concept and CX.R Gran Turismo Concepts
· Corvette ZR1X Silver Quail -Edition
· Lexus Sports Concept
· Cadillac increased speed
Fast Superleggera 12
· Gordon Murray Automobiles GMSV Le Mans GTR and GMSV S1 LM
Bar
· Ringbrothers 1971 Aston Martin DBS
This year’s four recommended classes brought special parties to the show field:
· 30th anniversary of the Ferrari F50 – Winner: 1995 Ferrari F50, Museo Carde
· 60th birthday of the Shelby Mustang GT350 – Winner: John Dwyer’s 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R #98
· 60th anniversary of ISO Grifo – Winner: Peter Wild’s ISO Grifo A3/L prototype by Peter Wilde 1963
· Liveries van F1 – Winner: JR Amantea’s 1997 Ferrari F310B
Eight traditional classes also showed icons of decades, brands and design movements.
The quail experience
“From valued collectors who show the rarest vehicles in the world on the field as sponsors who debut the newest debut in automotive art and technology, the quail, a motorsport meeting is the epicenter of the automobile culture,” said Kai Lmens, Senior vice -president of the Signature Events Events Events. “The diversity of our show field, our focus on offering a fun, garden party atmosphere and the incredible number of global debut that makes this event really unique. We thank our sponsors, guests and the driving community for their continuous support to make the Quail sport that collects the most exclusive impactful event from Montereyy Car Week.”
This year also meant an unprecedented reunion of Iroc legends. More than 20 historic IROC cars and a line -up of champion drivers -including Jeff Gordon, Jenson Button, Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Danny Sullivan, Ken Schrader, Bill Elliott, Zak Brown and Bruce Canepa -participants on a famous Parade round and fan showcase.
Guests also enjoyed five distinctive culinary pavilions, award -winning wines and live entertainment. The annual fireside chat contained comedian and car collector Adam Carolla, while Bonhams organized the 28th edition of the Quail auction, the longest-running and most prestigious sale of Monterey Car Week.
Looking ahead to 2026
The quail continues to define the standard for excellence for cars, combining heritage, innovation and exclusivity in one extraordinary meeting. Next year’s event is planned for Friday, August 16, 2026 and promises a new celebration of the world’s most important cars and collectors.
Photos Credit: Warn Media, Mitoinino
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