A jewel in the crown of the Hamptons social season is The Bridge, presented by Mercedes-Maybach, now in its ninth year. There is always an enviable buzz around the special invitees who get to experience an afternoon of luxury with over 300 of the world’s most coveted autos adorning the greens of The Bridge golf course, with its dramatic Roger Ferris-designed clubhouse and Peconic Bay backdrop. Clearly, Mother Nature is also an event sponsor.
The oasis of fine wine, food, music, and interesting guests always delights (I met my financial advisor there one year over a crisp Chardonnay and a Swedish hot dog). The automotive appeal spans categories, from those just there for a tasting to a true car sommelier. Posed over the rolling fairways were both rare historic models and cutting-edge views of the future. Guests even had the chance to try the Pivotal Felix car plane, which inspired dreams for a way to literally rise above Hamptons traffic.
The Bridge is aptly named, as everyone these days is craving real connection. It’s a bridge between brand enthusiasts who ogle the Ferrari 275 GTB, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, or a prized 1975 Porsche 911 named “Jolene.” There is also the bridge between the property’s past as the Bridgehampton Race Circuit, dating back to 1957, and the present, with some of the former race cars on display. There are bridges between people, socially and professionally, with a rare air of civility. There is even a car that is literally a bridge between past and present, the 2025 Morgan Plus Four, a replica of the gorgeous 1950 design with modern features.
Still emotionally scarred as a teenager who had to drive a Kelly green Pinto, I am not well-versed in all things on four wheels. I am the girl who walks up to handsome men and asks if they would be kind enough to educate me. One was describing the way all the panels of a certain car were hand-done. I asked if this was akin to Etsy, and with his baffled expression, changed tack to suggest maybe more like the hand-crafted, individually numbered Hermès saddles (at least I am knowledgeable about the horse part of horsepower). This is usually when the gorgeous wife shows up to rescue him.
And while I am someone who only buys a car once a decade, I was extremely tempted by the super sexy, two-tone 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 convertible with a special insignia bonnet and a stunning white leather interior (no paddock boots in this car). This is guaranteed to put a smile on your face when you get behind the wheel and pretend it’s actually yours on the test drive. Cue more Instagram envy. With cars, people often pick models they see as a projection of who they want to be. I definitely want to be this car. Although I have to admit that there was a fantastic old Telefunken Porsche on display, showing all of its battle scars and age, which looked like it had lived quite a life. I felt an incredible affinity with her (are cars like boats that it is a she?) I wondered about the literal road this car had traveled and who was behind its wheel.
Reflecting, as the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the event, it was one of those moments, whether you actually owned one of these amazing cars or just had the chance to pose with one, that you formed a bridge between yourself and gratitude. You had to think, “How lucky am I!”
