The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returned for its 22nd year on the manicured lawns of The Quail Golf Club, where a 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1 claimed the coveted Best of Show title. Owned by noted collector Art Zafiropoulo, the F50 GT1 rose above a curated field of more than 200 entrants, recognized for its groundbreaking design, craftsmanship, and historical significance.
The winning Ferrari was inducted into the Rolex Circle of Champions, a revered tradition honoring the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Zafiropoulo also received a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, presented by Luca Bernasconi, president and CEO of Rolex USA.
A Rare Ferrari Prototype
The 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1 remains one of Maranello’s rarest and most extreme creations. Conceived to bring the F50 into GT1 racing, chassis number 001 is the only factory-assembled prototype. It features a 750-horsepower evolution of Ferrari’s 4.7-liter V12, integrated into a carbon-fiber monocoque with purposeful aerodynamics and Formula 1-grade race hardware.
Though built for the international GT1 class, Ferrari ultimately shelved the program in 1997, leaving the prototype as the lone example. With its raw carbon bodywork, black Speedline wheels, and striking proportions, the F50 GT1 has become a holy grail among Ferrari enthusiasts.
Other Award Highlights
In addition to the Best of Show winner, 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 full list of award winners can be found through The Quail’s official channels.
Global Debuts and Featured Classes
As always, The Quail served as a stage for the future of the automotive industry. Eighteen of the world’s most notable manufacturers and designers presented global debuts, including:
· Corvette CX Concept and CX.R Gran Turismo Concepts
· Corvette ZR1x Silver Quail Edition
· Gordon Murray Automobiles GMSV Le Mans GTR and GMSV S1 LM
· Ringbrothers 1971 Aston Martin DBS
This year’s four featured classes brought special celebrations to the show field:
· 30th Anniversary of the Ferrari F50 – winner: 1995 Ferrari F50, Museo Carde
· 60th Anniversary of the Shelby Mustang GT350 – winner: John Dwyer’s 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R #98
· 60th Anniversary of Iso Grifo – winner: Peter Wilde’s 1963 Iso Grifo A3/L Prototype
· Liveries of F1 – winner: J.R. Amantea’s 1997 Ferrari F310B
Eight traditional classes further showcased icons spanning decades, brands, and design movements.
The Quail Experience
“From esteemed collectors showing the rarest vehicles in the world on the field to sponsors debuting the latest in automotive art and technology, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is the epicenter of automotive culture,” said Kai Lermen, Senior Vice President of The Peninsula Signature Events. “The diversity of our show field, our focus on offering a fun, garden party atmosphere and the incredible number of global debuts that make this event truly unique. We thank our sponsors, guests, and the motoring community for their continued support making The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering the most exclusive impactful event of Monterey Car Week.”
This year also marked an unprecedented reunion of IROC legends. More than 20 historic IROC cars and a lineup of champion drivers – including Jeff Gordon, Jenson Button, Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Danny Sullivan, Ken Schrader, Bill Elliott, Zak Brown, and Bruce Canepa – took part in a celebratory parade lap and fan showcase.
Guests also enjoyed five distinctive culinary pavilions, award-winning wines, and Live entertainment. The annual Fireside Chat featured comedian and car collector Adam Carolla, while Bonhams hosted the 28th edition of The Quail Auction, Monterey Car Week’s longest-running and most prestigious sale.
Looking Ahead To 2026
The Quail continues to define the standard for automotive excellence, blending heritage, innovation, and exclusivity in one extraordinary gathering. Next year’s event is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2026, promising another celebration of the world’s most important cars and collectors.
Photo Credit: Kahn Media, MitoKino