I have attended The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering since its inception. Over the years it has moved with the collector car world, often being ahead of the curve with new trends and reflecting new ideas and interests in the hobby. Initially created as a show for older cars, it has morphed into equal parts collector car show, new car showcase, and incredible social event. The Quail has also been ahead of emerging trends in the collector car hobby, becoming the first top-tier event to welcome Japanese cars, motorcycles, and modified European cars such as Singer 911s, followed more recently by manufacturers such as Kimera.

This year, The Quail has raised the bar with enhanced displays, an even more impressive culinary experience, additional seating, and one of Monterey Car Week’s most extensive gatherings of collector cars. Classes included a celebration of the Ferrari F40, a spectacular Skittles-colored Lamborghini display, and a celebration of the Alfa Giulietta.

The Quail is known for its pageantry, including an annual tradition of honoring a prominent collector. This year the honor went to Bruce Meyer, best known as the founding chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In addition to receiving his award from Sir Michael Kadoorie — Peninsula Hotel Group Chairman, car collector, and The Quail founder — Meyer displayed a number of amazing cars from his collection, including a So-Cal Speed Shop land speed record car, 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Shelby Cobra, and a Brumos Racing Porsche 911.

The incredible cars are only a part of The Quail, though. There are food and drink offerings from some of the finest restaurants in the Monterey area — all included in the ticket price. Unlike in previous years, there was a lot more seating available. If you attend next year, my advice is to take a seat wherever you can and don’t hesitate to share a table as you never know who might be sitting beside you. Several years ago, I found myself sharing a table with F1 racing great Michael Schumacher, proving that a chance encounter can become one of the most memorable moments of the event.

At the entrance to the event this year was a tribute to Route 66, which featured cars that fit the theme and displays of Mother Road memorabilia. A Route 66 Cafe and a Route 66 Bar added to the fun.

It was difficult to keep up with the number of reveals from manufacturers this year. I made it to presentations from Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and BMW Alpina. There were more than 10 others throughout the event, but I opted not to race from one to the next every 10 minutes. The atmosphere really does recall the press days of old-school auto shows, but with the focus exclusively on higher-end manufacturers.

And then, of course, there is the celebration of the cars themselves. This year’s highlight for me was the Lamborghini display, which featured more than 30 colorful cars expertly placed on the field by hue and model. The Quail takes the idea of a curated show seriously, and it shows in everything they do. The vintage Alfa Romeo and Ferrari F40 displays were also not to be missed.

Once again, The Quail proved that you never know who you’ll meet. I was able to spend time with McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray and discuss his new cars. It was fascinating and amazing to meet and speak with such a storied automobile designer. There were plenty of celebrities in attendance too; I also had the opportunity to chat with Pierce Brosnan’s son Paris about BMWs and, naturally, all things 007.

Yes, The Quail is an expensive event, but well worth it, in my opinion. This truly is a curated event that brings together exceptional food and drink, remarkable classic cars, first looks at the latest enthusiast vehicles, and opportunities to speak with some of the most notable figures in the automotive world. It’s difficult to put a price tag on an experience that combines all of that in one place.