The Bridge IX: Where Automotive Art Meets Exclusivity

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.

A display of automotive art unfolds at The Bridge IX, where several luxury sports cars rest on a green lawn at sunset, drawing a crowd eager to experience such exclusivity.

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.

A silver sports car, an icon of automotive art, is parked on grass with people gathered in the background on a sunny day.

A silver sports car with a rear spoiler and quad exhaust is parked on grass at The Bridge IX, showcasing automotive art amid an exclusive gathering of people and vehicles.

A red Ferrari F40, a true icon of automotive art, is parked on grass while several people stand and chat in the background on a sunny day.

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.

A yellow sports car, showcasing true automotive art, is parked on grass next to a red car, with a person standing in the background under a clear sky.

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.

Rear view of a dark BMW M1 showcasing automotive art and exclusivity, with New York license plate, Kith and BMW logos, parked on grass at Bridge IX amid people and other cars.

A white Porsche with "Dior" and "arsham studio" branding, colorful racing stripes, and a "HOTWHLS" license plate embodies Automotive Art at The Bridge IX, parked on grass at an exclusive outdoor event with people in the background.

Close-up of a black Porsche car door with gold "993 aimé PORSCHE" lettering, reflecting grass and part of a nearby vehicle—an example of Automotive Art spotted at The Bridge IX, celebrating exclusivity and style.

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.