By Ben Freeman
  • Copy link to share with friends

An engrossing spectacle unique to Europe, Monaco is a bubble of fashion, luxury and V8 roars. This private principality has the ultimate extravagant parties, luxury yachts and haute couture. However, every summer Monaco lights up in an agglomeration of supercharged cars and rupturing crowds. The motorsport season turns this seaside holiday town for the wealthy into a custom racetrack for the world to see. Indeed, Monaco transforms into a motorsport haven where rare opportunities to buy, drive or marvel at the most unique and exclusive cars becomes a reality. Here, at its prestigious Top Marques Monaco event Lamborghinis and Ferraris are commonplace but the new designs from the world’s leading automotive brands are nothing short of magnificent and will certainly turn heads and rob bank accounts.

There’s nowhere else in the world that premieres luxury automotive technologies to the scale of Top Marques. Since its inception, over 100 automotive premieres have been launched here. In 2019, Top Marques presented new ventures such as the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera OHMSS; one of only 50 of this special edition that’s celebrated the 50th anniversary of James Bond. For fans of both Aston Martin and James Bond, this design was a rare find. From capturing the essence of the iconic DBA from the 1969 film to adding a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a classic has gained an additional flare. If this isn’t enough, guests likewise were privileged to experience a limited edition of the Bentley GT No.9. In celebration of Bentley’s 100th anniversary, 100 of these cars were made. Inspired by the original and iconic No.9 these vehicles feature a piece from Sir Tim Birkin’s infamous 1930 Le Mans race car. For automotive enthusiasts, this is akin to finding a Leprechaun’s pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Visitors are not only given VIP access to these exclusive exhibitions, but they are also privy to extraordinary engineering projects form luxury brands such as Greubel Forsey, Brabus and this year, the first-ever Aston Martin SUV. These extraordinary exhibitions change each year, guaranteeing guests an exciting experience. One would be hard-pressed to find another event that allows guests to walk within such close proximity to the world’s most innovative car companies. It is no wonder then, that Top Marques is the epicentre for automotive excellence.

"

"It is here that celebrities, professional racers and car collections gather together to revel in some of the finest innovation and technology that the automotive industry has to offer."

The event takes place in the Grimaldi Forum, an architectural masterpiece comprised of 35000m2 space just outside of the heart of Monaco. A behemoth of modern architecture that mirrors the innovation and environmental consideration that is required by the industry in this current climate. With a consideration for the future, each year the show focuses on the need for sustainability in the automotive industry. With technology rapidly expanding, revolutionist ideas in the automotive world are now centred around electric cars. Here, experts are constantly accelerating torque to produce some of the fastest cars ever seen, whilst showing consideration for the planet. Companies, such as X Shore, the creators of the first-ever 100% electric boats, now include a modular design to allow for its unique customization. These designs are on the market here at Top Marque, and one can purchase knowing they can travel without harming the environment. This installs a great sense of liberty and harmony for any purchasing at Top Marques. This is just one of a number of leading automotive brands representing and encouraging eco-friendly designs in the automotive world. It is this innovation taking place in the industry that makes Top Marques a must-see event each year. 

Here, guests can also pursue the latest in luxury style. Although it is predominantly a supercar show, there are multiple areas within Top Marques that allow visitors to explore different parts of the automotive industry. For timepiece connoisseurs, Top Marques will offer the chance to see and buy collections from some of the most exclusive watch brands; from the traditional Swiss watchmakers of Buvet to the futuristic timepieces on offer at URWERK. These watches are revolutionizing the way one views timepieces, striving to harmonize the balance between the classic Swiss design with the popular digital components. This is a watch that’ll be turning everyone’s heads, especially due to their innovative concept to fill the space between the glass and the clockface with oil. This idea has eliminated the issue of viewing distortion from any angle and makes this watch a limited edition. Along with the incredible commodities on the market at Top Marques, hotels and flights are also offered to guests to allow for a truly unique excursion. For the most luxurious hotel stay, the Fairmont Monte-Carlo hotel provides idyllic views of the Mediterranean coastline while providing a birdseye view of the famous Fairmont Hairpin of the F1 course.

A further alluring aspect for top marques is the Avant-garde opening cocktail party for VIP guests. After a VIP welcome with champagne and canapés, one will discover the premiere world of supercars, ground-breaking innovations, and iconic classic cars from the 50s to the 90s. This is an ideal opportunity to take a more in-depth look at some of the most exclusive cars and technology in a quieter atmosphere. During the evening, guests have the chance to win a number of prestigious prizes in a tombola. There’s a sense of excitement and an adrenaline rush for those in attendance as there’s a high possibility your night will be a whirlwind of unexpected experiences.

To add to this enthralling atmosphere, VIP passes allow guests to take in the day’s events in sumptuous luxury. This exclusive experience gives one the opportunity to get away from the hum drum of the proceedings and included in these tickets is the opportunity to relax and dine in the serine VIP lounge. Luxury lends itself here, especially as one’s gourmet meal is enjoyed by the company of a personal hostess who is on hand to make sure one has everything they need. In addition, these VIP tickets allow guests to enjoy unlimited drinks and access to an exclusive terrace in the Grimaldi Forum, giving one a respite while observing the day’s proceedings.

Top Marques provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to view Monaco’s stunning scenery or buy from some of the most prestigious names in the automotive industry. It is here that celebrities, professional racers and car collections gather together to revel in some of the finest innovation and technology that the automotive industry has to offer, making it an event one shouldn’t miss.

Ben Freeman

Ben Freeman is a freelance writer based in London. His adventures in London and abroad seek out events and destinations that few have heard of but that you’ll be dying to go to. With a keen eye for fine foods and cultural experiences Ben looks to unearth the hidden gems of a destination.