2018 Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend


 

The third annual Bal Harbour Collectors Weekend event took place at the posh Bal Harbour Shops in Bal Harbour, Florida November 3-4 kicking off the South Florida Autumn/Winter motoring season in style after another long hot Summer.

Under threat of predicted rain throughout the weekend which saw chances as high as 80% at one point early in the week to as low as 30% making organizers and participants nervous leading up to the rain or shine event.  Fortunately, the forecasted rain gracefully fell lightly Friday and Saturday evenings so participants and shoppers did not require rain gear but some of the cars got wet requiring quick wipe downs in the morning.

Events kicked off on Saturday with the Luxury Showcase featuring selected exotic and collectible cars from notable South Florida dealers such as Curated, Motorcar Gallery and Prestige Imports on display.  The cars that were available for sale were situated in show central set among the many palm trees and carefully manicured hedges for collector buyers to inspect at the main entry to the high-end shopping and dining destination north of Miami Beach.

With the expected influx of cars scheduled to arrive Sunday morning either driven, trailered or as part of a rally from Prestige Imports, the venue was organized by manufacture or genre, so there were rows filled with Porsches, Ferraris, Paganis and Lamborghinis.  Other rows were filled with classic collectibles such as Aston Martin DB6, Maserati Mistral, Shelby GT500, Ferrari 365 GTB/4, Alfa Romeo Giuletta and still more rows featuring Supercars and Hypercars, eclipsing the anticipated seventy plus cars total.

Overnight rains on Saturday cleared out in time for a beautiful South Florida Sunday morning sunrise and the day did not disappoint.  Sorry to weather forecasters but there was a happening at Bal Harbour Shops that was not going to be derailed.

The Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend event is display only, no judging but more of a relaxed “run what you brung” event with the cars set up in the main parking area with easy access to the many shopping and dining venues inside the mall which showcases the world’s top fashion, jewelry, watch and department stores along with several top restaurants to suit any taste.

In an event best described as low-key in its first two versions, the 2018 Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend has evolved into one of the new not-to-miss automotive happenings in South Florida this year with participants and shoppers mingling among the very impressive display of exotic and collectible cars in the beautiful setting. 

As attendees noted, it wasn’t just the quantity but the quality of the entries throughout which included some rather important cars highlighted by the former Eddie Van Halen 1970 Lamborghini Mirua S in brilliant red shown by Curated, the special one-off Pagani Huarya L’ Ultimo entered by Prestige Motors and the ever popular “Kreepy Krauly” Porsche-March 84G GTP car entered by noted South Florida collector Vince Vento.

For Supercar aficionados, the 2018 version of the Bal Harbour Collector’s Weekend added a few new elements such as the Rally from Prestige Motors and a VIP brunch in Le Zoo.  The event also featured the Pagani Huayra L’Ultimo, a completely new Hypercar.  This special new Huayra was created through a collaboration between Pagani of Miami’s Brett David and Pagani Automobili SpA.  The Huayra L’Ultimo, is a perfect example what is possible through Pagani’s new virtual technology, which allows clients to customize their cars in a virtual 3D realm.

The Pagani Huayra L’Ultimo was inspired by five-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton and includes various elements of the Huayra evolution, including the track-oriented BC and Wind God oriented Tempesta.  AMG sourced their 6.0-litre V12 Bi-Turbo tuned to deliver 789BHP and 811 foot pounds of torque plus the Tempesta’s carbon front splitter, panels, downforce inducing skirts and rear diffuser creating Pagani’s incredible new offering which drew superlatives from spectators and participants alike.

With such a large field of quality entries, it was difficult to pick a favorite so fortunately, no one is officially tasked with finding the best as it would have been a near impossible task.  The whole point is to enjoy the vibe, see old friends, meet new ones gathered around the cars, do some shopping in one of the many high end boutiques and have lunch in one of the great restaurants such as Le Zoo, Carpaccio, Makoto or upstairs at the The Grill, all of which were packed throughout the day as South Floridians shook off the effects of the long Summer to enjoy a full day outdoors in near perfect, sunny conditions.

Curated rolled out the hugely impressive Lamborghini LM002 which seemed to be hauling an equally impressive Lamborghini Countach 5000S on a trailer, the cheeky display was set square in the middle of show central creating a great visual impact.

The field of entries was the most impressive seen at Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend so far.  Collectible luxury marquis were represented by Lamborghini, Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, Aston Martin, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, AMG,

Ford GT, Bugatti, Dodge Viper and Pagani with examples representing classic and the latest models lined up in their designated rows with two Mokes from Moke USA which were part of Gwyneth Paltrow’s wedding in the Hamptons the previous weekend on display.

“We are blown away by the entry and attendance at this years Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend” event organizer John Temerian, Jr. remarked.  “Thanks to everyone who brought cars out, our friends from Bal Harbour Shops, Prestige Motors, Pagani of Miami and all of the amazing spectators who helped make this a truly spectacular event, we will be back next year!”

Report & Images: Barton Workman