Ten Years of the Quail sets the standard in 2012.

The Quail a Motorsports Gathering is not just a car show. It’s a series of events surrounding some of the finest automobiles on the planet. Last year I said it was the best I’ve ever been to. This year I was trying to figure out how to define “The Best” in a repeatable way.

Bugatti, McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Koenegsigg. These are some of the fastest, most expensive and exclusive cars in the world all in one perfectly sized display area. Then bring in Post-War race car greats, a gathering of Iso’s, and manufacturers such as Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Audi, Porsche, BMW. Many of them show new or upcoming models or concepts.

Surround the cars with complimentary (part of the $450 ticket) delicious gourmet foods of various ethnicities and drinks, it’s now an event. But wait; add numerous live music groups, jewelry and other vendors (no knock-off sunglasses here!), helicopter rides, a CHP motorcade escorting Shelby Cobras from Laguna Seca and manufacturers test rides, a fireside chat with Sir Stirling Moss and Alan de Cadenet and now it’s a phenomenon.

Finally, two military personnel (i.e. “studs”) from the Naval Post Graduate School parachuted into the middle of the event. It is now a chart topper. Categories in the show were the following: Pre-War Alfa Romeos, 50th Anniversary of Iso Automobili, Bizzarini, Revolutionary Designs, Pre-War Sports and Racing, Post-War Sports, Post-War Racing, Super Cars , The Great Ferraris and Sports and Racing Motorcycles.

The only part needing improvement was the cars parked too close together for the Iso and Great Ferraris displays. On the grounds was the Bonhams jewelry auction and near the parking lot entrance is the Bonhams Automobile auction. Big attractions included a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR long tail race car and a pedigreed 1966 Ford GT race car Parking was absurdly easy since entry is limited to 3,000 people and some of the vehicles in the parking lot are equal to the entrants in desirability.

The competing show on the other side of the mountains that day isn't comparable, making a drive over Laureles Grade Road unnecessary. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of The Quail made for a wonderful and memorable experience. Every year there are new models and concept cars leaving nearly all to speculate that they’ll never see it in person in their lifetime. The Quail provides that opportunity.