As you walk along the fairways of The Bridge, a fantastic water-view golf course with a spoke-shaped modern clubhouse, you may hear the ghostly roar of engines and wheels speeding around curves. Invited guests treated to The Bridge VIII, presented by Richard Mille, had the opportunity to see a carefully curated display of cutting-edge, rare, and classic automobiles displayed on the greens, some of which actually raced on this property when the Bridgehampton track was a preeminent circuit in the ’50s and ’60s. As Paul Newman said on his first ride of the track with Mario Andretti, “I thought I’d have a better chance of surviving Custer’s last stand than this.” Luckily at the event the biggest danger was to women with stiletto heels who didn’t get the flats memo.
Mostly on this beautiful day, among a sophisticated crowd with music playing and champagne flowing, there was a sense of automotive reverence, of past, present, and future playing out where a car is so much more than a car.
Around the Hamptons, I too often see what looks to me like silver Lego trucks that seem to be a boyhood fantasy. But hey, I have to admit that if I could find me a tricked-out Barbie Camper I could drive to a witch’s circle in the woods, I probably wouldn’t say no. (It is a reminder the same way when I object to the smell of cigars to think of all the men who have been subjected to Opium perfume in elevators over the ages.)
At this haute event for men and women enthusiasts, it is rarified air for the four-wheeled specimens, and those in the know appreciate the provenance. One of the great features of this afternoon soiree is that the enthusiasts are willing to share knowledge. My neophyte shows when I ask how does it drive in the snow.
I was drawn to the KARMA Kaveya Electric Souper Coupe made in California, not only for its long range and #CantYouSeeMyTiara red carpet arrival potential but its literal wings which come up depending on the speed you travel. Like a fine Hermès saddle, each of the limited editions is numbered.
For the “car-nnoisseurs,” straight from Italy is the newly designed Eccentrica. Think Lamborghini Diablo meets La Dolce Vita, and you have a sexy homage where a classic design past meets modern comfort and drive. Instead of folding yourself into the chassis, the driver’s side can be customized to his or her height for ease of entrance and exit. The name in Italian means both non-linear and sparkling, and such is the probable owner who is lucky enough to get one of the sleek 19, V12 editions. As one handsome gentleman explained of the refinement, “As Italians, it is in our DNA of design. When your ancestors are Michelangelo and Da Vinci, how can you make a mistake?”
My own past came up as I swooned over the Revology Cars navy blue ’60s-style Mustang convertible with cream interiors. I explained that this was exactly the car I dreamed of instead of the Kelly green, therapy-inducing Pinto (a lesser horse) I was forced to drive. It was actually someone who worked at Ford Motor Companies, Founder Tom Scarpello, who came up with the idea of bringing to life the classic model with cutting-edge engineering. “Restomod” is where older designs are being given new life and hardware. (This is now my new self-description.) You can custom-create your interiors and wheels in an order which takes about six months. I am convinced this car will make me a better person, one of whom Nancy Drew would be proud.
While it is ultimately metal, rubber, and pistons, it is often not the car but the life that comes with the car that fulfills the dream. The Bridge event is literally the field of dreams connecting our past, present, and future. Gentlewomen, start your engines.
