The 24 Heures du Montauk is the secretive rally you’ve never heard of…and one of the greatest events I’ve ever been to.
Originally organized as an invite-only, small gathering of collectors enjoying the roads of the Hamptons around the weekend of The Bridgehamptons, this rally is now in its fifth year of running – with the same MO.
A hand-selected group of drivers were chosen to join the fifth annual iteration of this beautiful seaside rally. Starting at a scenic location announced 48 hours before the start time; some of the world’s greatest cars come together for a quick breakfast and agenda before driving 40 miles east, to lunch in Montauk.
Think “Test Drive Unlimited” meets the New York Hamptons, put together by co-founders Rory Tait and Hootie Rashidifard, along with Anthony Jebran, and sponsored by 1600 Veloce.
This year’s line-up included a Pagani Zonda S roadster, two Ferrari F40s – one with a custom LM/GTE conversion, a pair of RUFs, and not only a Mercedes CLK63 Black Series, but a CLK DTM Convertible, too.
As if that wasn’t enough, there was also a Ferrari Daytona SP3, and the Singer boys brought out their latest Turbo Classic. A 1957 Ferrari 250 GT was the cherry on top.
My chariot of choice, you ask? A Speed Yellow Porsche 996 C2 Cabriolet, that was sent to Gemballa in the 2000s to become a widebody, twin-turbocharged, rear-wheel drive animal with an engine built by Lotec…the ultimate Y2K top-down cruiser.
Owned by my good friend Dan, this 996 was a complete stroke of luck, found only a couple of weeks before the rally. Even though on paper a 996 Cabriolet may have stood out, it actually fit right in..
Making all the right noises from the Lotec-built flat six, we ripped through the Hampton roads alongside a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Ferrari 599 GTO, Ferrari 296 Challenge car…on the street and more.
Starting from the Sagaponack Farm Distillery in the morning, the incredible route was strategically laid out to enjoy the best backroads of the area, making a seaside pit stop and ending at Dive Bar Pizza (a superb spot, I must say).
Being my first time, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was an absolutely incredible experience. I could not be more thankful to the team for inviting me. It’s always nice to see cars like these gathered together, but it’s always better to see them being driven.
Described best by Hootie, this event is a “Relaxed day set around cars.” No booths or displays – just real car collectors, gathered together to drive.
The perfect single word to describe The 24 Heures du Montauk isn’t exclusive, it’s curated. Even though it may seem like a pretentious car meet being invite-only, thanks to events like these, a lucky group gets to experience legendary vehicles being enjoyed – as intended.
It’s a bittersweet feeling not to have shot too many rollers due to being at the wheel, while juggling digital and film photos too, but take my word for it… you’d better start looking for an invite for next year.
The cars on display are on a different level!