With its military parade and patriotic get-together to sing the National Anthem, ‘The Quail’ could only be an American event. For 11 years, Hong Kong native Sir Michael Kadoorie has welcomed guests to the golf course of his Quail Lodge resort in the heart of Carmel Valley. Evil tongues suggest that the classics which gather here are not up to the rigourous demands of the Pebble Beach jury, but it seems some owners in fact prefer to showcase their machines in The Quail's more relaxed atmosphere.

As with most events this year, the anniversaries of Lamborghini, Aston Martin and the Porsche 911 brought out some rare treasures – including a DB4 GT Zagato and a gorgeous Miura S (which went on to win the Lamborghini class). However, standing out from its 125 peers to take the ‘Best of Show’ award was Larry Miller’s 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé. Some would argue bias from the homeland, but its rarity (one of six), pedigree (wins at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring and Goodwood) and unmolested condition spoke for themselves.

In the world of two wheels, an MV Agusta 125 GTL-S Carenata took the award for best bike of the show – and rightly so. Oozing with class, it was a perfect demonstration of why historic motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular with collectors. For further proof, one had to look no further than the USD 100,000 paid for a Vincent at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction.

Photos: Cathy Dubuisson