Summer is upon us, and while we’re still a few weeks from the Monaco Grand Prix, the principality on the glamorous Côte d’Azur is already gearing up for one of the most prestigious exhibitions on the motoring calendar. From May 7 to 11, the Grimaldi Forum will host the 20th anniversary edition of Top Marques Monaco.
Launched in 2004 with just 44 exhibitors, Top Marques Monaco has now grown to a 107,000 square feet extravaganza and attracts nearly 30,000 visitors annually. Staying true to its ‘See It, Drive it, Buy it’ philosophy, the show will continue to be a top attraction for collectors, investors, and manufacturers alike.
This year’s show is shaping up to be quite an event, bringing between 120 to 150 vehicles, and this includes 10 global debuts and three Monaco-first unveilings, under the patronage of His Sincere Highness, Prince Albert II.
Headline Premieres
Saoutchik, a classic coachbuilder, will be revived with a fully carbon-bodied grand tourer. The French atelier had to shut down operations back in 1955, and this reborn marque will unveil a hand-built grand tourer inspired by iconic shapes of classic Mercedes-Benz cars.
Spanish manufacturer Rabau is also generating a buzz, ahead of its global debut on May 7. While details remain sparse at this point, teaser images suggest a light-weight open-top vehicle evoking the DNA of the Tramontana.
But by far, the Laffite LM1 ‘Monaco Edition’ is the most anticipated launch of the event. Packing a V8 mild-hybrid powertrain with 1,000 horsepower, two examples of this track-only car in red and white livery, reminiscent of the colors of the Monagasque flag, will be on display.
Modena Automobili, another boutique manufacturer based out of, you guessed it, Modena, Italy specializing in restomodding models like Maserati Biturbo Shamal, along with Croatia-based Tedson Motors, who restomod classic 911s, will also be present.
Among the more well-known automakers, Aston Martin will showcase its new Riviera-friendly Vanquish Volante. The fastest front-engined open-top production car in the world, this British roadster is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V8, with 800 horsepower. Also expect to find the retro-classic Morgan Supersport, which was unveiled just a few months prior.
You’ll also have no shortage of aftermarket specialists with names such as Brabus, Klassen, Larte Design, Mansory, and Top Car Design exhibiting at this year’s show.
Monegasque company Venturi, which specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance electric terrestrial vehicles, should be of particular interest if you find space exploration interesting.
The Classic Car Hall, introduced in 2022, should remain a standout. Every vehicle shown here is for sale. Bousten Classic Cars will show a 1983 Porsche 956 Group C race car, driven by Belgian racing driver Thiery Bousten, a 1964 Iso Grifo AC3 Bizzarrini, and a 1977 Alpine A110, all in Concours-level condition.
The show will also feature the National Automobile Museum: Schlumpf Collection made up of an extensive variety of pre-war, vintage and classic automobiles. The Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, including rally cars and F1 cars, rarely seen outside their private collections will also be on display.
Top Marques Monaco Is So Much More Than Just Cars
One of the highlights of Top Marques Monaco is that the event extends beyond vehicles into the luxury lifestyle space, with exhibitors showcasing fine watches, yachts, jewellery, and fine art. Italian sculptor Stefano Cigana will present a monumental piece titled Le Sillage du Temps as part of the anniversary tribute.
Two decades on and a legacy of 100 global launches, Top Marques has become a proving ground for what’s next in luxury, engineering and design. Opening with an invitation-only VIP preview night on May 7, tickets for both general admission and VIP access are available through the official Top Marques website.
Source: Top Marques Monaco
