From McLaren F1s to Ferrari F40s, this private Hamptons event remains the best-kept secret in the automotive world.
There is simply no car event like The Bridge. It is an occasion so special that I hesitate to even write this; after nine years, it still feels like the best kept secret in the automotive space. The Bridge is an invite-only experiential masterpiece that stands out in a league of its own, and for good reason. The scenic location, history, and curation create a weekend that is so beautifully crafted that it is hard to describe with words.
As you step off the shuttle and onto the plush green grass, you are greeted by the McLaren F1 and Gordon Murray S1 LM sitting side by side, and this is only the beginning. The event is divided into three days of perfectly curated automotive events. The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Collector’s Reception, an elegantly low-key introduction that sets the tone for the following days. Saturday is the main event: the exhibition of over 300 classic cars that you are unlikely to see anywhere else. The Bridge IX takes place on the former Bridgehampton Race Circuit, which is now a breathtaking waterfront golf course. Spread throughout the different fairways are some of the rarest cars in the world, from Jerry Seinfeld’s personal 1970 Porsche 911 S/T to a row of Ferrari F40s. The cars are artfully placed throughout the field; any place you stand offers a totally new perspective on the automotive excellence splayed across the perfectly cut grass. Collections of different shades of green Ferraris and yellow Porsches create an undeniably photogenic scene. And it’s this attention to detail that makes The Bridge IX unparalleled in the automotive space.
One of the things that makes The Bridge so successful is the seamless integration of its many sponsorship and vendor partners. This year’s presenting sponsor was Mercedes-Maybach, who took over one of the clubhouses, surrounding it with their latest and greatest models. This allowed the guests to immerse themselves in a world of Mercedes-Maybach without feeling like they’re entering a booth where they’ll be hounded by sales people. As you walk around the other side of the event, you’d notice companies like Merrill inviting you into their extraordinary set-up with couches and games, as well as Royal Enfield’s launch of the new Flying Flea with an exceptionally thoughtful display. The motorcycles were displayed on stands that were draped with vintage military parachutes, evoking memories of the Royal Enfields used by paratroopers in World War II. Each brand, from Volvo to our friends over at FariCars, integrated themselves into the event in such a classy way that each attendee couldn’t help themselves from wanting to learn more, which is something that I’ve only seen executed perfectly once, and it was here at The Bridge.
Shamin Abas and her team are first-class. Their efforts make this weekend so special every year, but it would not be possible without the other two co-founders, Bob Rubin and Jeffrey Einhorn. They are responsible for hand selecting each of the 300 cars and placing them along the fairways, greens, and tee boxes. Unlike many other events, The Bridge never feels too busy or crowded and allows you to organically discover each section, each new theme. As the sun sets over the show and you hear the roar of V12 Ferraris making their way underneath the iconic Bridge sign, you get the unmistakable feeling that the best show of the year has come to an end once again.
The weekend begins to wrap up with Sunday’s Cars and Coffee, where Daniel Arsham’s Safari 911 was parked alongside Ronnie Fieg’s BMW M1 and two back-to-back manual V12 Vantages––an unbelievably rare grouping. The final event of the weekend is set at Topping Rose House, presented by Chopard, where Jean-Georges Vongerichten carefully prepared a brunch that was served in the hotel garden. We enjoyed the meal while surrounded by an array of incredible classic cars.
The Bridge is my favorite automotive event of the year. The location, cars, and people are some of the best the world has to offer, and I can’t wait to see what Shamin, Jeff, and Bob have in store for next year.
Photography by Esteban Larrañaga