A Luxe Weekend at The Bridge

Held annually at The Bridge Golf Club, on the historic site of the original Bridgehampton Race Circuit, The Bridge is a unique, invitation-only event where automotive perfection blends with the enduring charm of the Hamptons. This isn't your ordinary car show.

As someone lucky enough to experience this event firsthand, I can tell you it’s not just a celebration of cars but a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and passion.

Here, the roar of engines that once echoed around the legendary track has given way to the hum of admiration as iconic cars take their place on the rolling greens of a private golf club.

A Storied Past Meets a Glorious Present

To truly appreciate the magic of The Bridge, you must first understand its roots. The Bridgehampton Race Circuit, founded in 1957, was one of the premier motorsport venues in the United States. During its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, this track was a veritable playground for motorsport icons like Mario Andretti and Stirling Moss, attracting some of the finest cars and drivers in the world.

But, as all good things sometimes do, the track’s run came to an end, as suburban sprawl and noise concerns encroached on its borders. The land transitioned into a private golf club, and for years, the spirit of Bridgehampton’s racing heritage lay dormant. That is, until The Bridge came along.

Reviving Racing Glory, One Classic Car at a Time

Fast forward to today, and The Bridge has taken up the mantle of keeping that racing spirit alive—though, perhaps with a bit more champagne and less tire smoke. Since its inception in 2016, The Bridge has become *the* event for collectors and aficionados of post-war sports and competition cars. And when I say *post-war*, think gleaming Ferrari 250s, Porsche 550 Spyders, and Maseratis that could make even the most jaded car enthusiast swoon.

But make no mistake—this isn’t just a museum on wheels. The cars at The Bridge aren’t locked behind velvet ropes. These are machines with stories, pedigrees, and, in many cases, illustrious racing careers.

You’re just as likely to chat with a car owner who’s recently raced their stunning Aston Martin at Goodwood as you are to bump into a renowned historian with tales of Bridgehampton’s wild days.

An Invitation-Only Affair Like No Other

The Bridge is all about exclusivity, but it’s far from stuffy. Yes, you need an invitation to attend, but the vibe is laid-back luxury. Picture it: you’re walking along immaculate fairways, a glass of chilled rosé in hand, rows of jaw-droppingly gorgeous cars line the golf course landscape. The sounds of relaxed conversation, the occasional rev of an engine, and the light clinking of champagne flutes fill the air. It's pure Hamptons, but with a twist of racing history.

There’s something so special about seeing these cars in such a setting removed from the confines of a track or concours lawn, they seem almost more approachable. And speaking of approachable, the event fosters a certain intimacy that’s hard to find elsewhere.

With its tightly curated guest list, The Bridge feels more like a family reunion of passionate collectors than a grand, sprawling show. You’ll see familiar faces year after year, and everyone shares a deep appreciation for the machines on display.

Bringing Racing Heritage to Life

One of the most beautiful things about The Bridge is its commitment to preserving not just cars, but stories. Many of the vehicles showcased here either raced at Bridgehampton or would have been eligible to take on its famously challenging circuit. There’s something poetic about seeing a Ferrari GTO or Jaguar D-Type sitting where legends once roared around the very same grounds. It’s as if you can still feel the echoes of races past.

But while The Bridge is an homage to the golden age of motorsport, it’s not content to merely look back. Every year, the event draws a dynamic mix of old and new, celebrating not just the past but the ongoing love affair between man and machine.

Many of the cars on display are still driven competitively in historic racing events around the world. Yes, these beauties aren’t just there to be admired—they’re there to be driven, as they were always meant to be.

A Weekend to Remember

Of course, The Bridge is about more than just the cars. The entire weekend becomes a celebration of the finer things in life. Gourmet food stations from top Hamptons chefs? Check. Exclusive pop-ups from luxury brands? Naturally. And, in classic Hamptons fashion, you never quite know who you’ll bump into.

Elijah, the editor of Fortloc and I, explored the grounds and found it to be an absolute delight striking up conversation with friends old and new. On the green, I found myself casually chatting with Peter Nettesheim, the owner of a gorgeous classic Mercedes Benz displayed on the green.

He shared that his father’s passion for collecting Mercedes Benz cars first ignited his own interest in collecting. Peter has built an impressive collection that has gained worldwide recognition and respect within the industry. His home and museum have attracted visits from notable celebrities and motorcycle enthusiasts like Billy Joel, Jay Leno, Ryan Reynolds, and Lyle Lovett.

We also had the pleasure of chatting with the founder of Czinger! Kevin Czinger, the mastermind behind Czinger Vehicles and Divergent Technologies. He’s a super cool guy! He told us he started out building hot rods as a kid, but his love for cars quickly shifted gears when he began questioning the environmental toll of traditional car manufacturing.

After co-founding Coda Automotive in 2008, he had a lightbulb moment: making cars was worse for the planet than driving them! So, he launched Divergent 3D, revolutionizing car production with AI, 3D printing, and automation. His innovative work? Let’s just say it’s earned him Google’s coveted “Moonshot” award!

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the cars, I found myself reflecting on what makes The Bridge so special. Sure, there are other car shows, but none that so perfectly capture that blend of history, exclusivity, and genuine passion. It’s not just about the cars. It’s about the stories behind them, the people who cherish them, and the incredible history they represent.

For anyone lucky enough to receive an invitation, The Bridge isn’t just an event; it’s an experience. It’s a weekend that transports you back in time, while also reminding you why the love of cars - whether a sleek Ferrari or a classic Aston Martin - will never go out of style. So here’s to next year’s gathering, where once again, the past and present will converge on the hallowed grounds of Bridgehampton.