Automotive Artistry Meets Hamptons Style at The Bridge

For it’s tenth edition, the exclusive car show was a celebration of heritage and engineering that transformed a storied golf course into an open-air gallery

Three vintage and modern cars displayed on a grassy lawn with a scenic background of trees and sky.
The Bridge. Photo: Robin Trajano

The Bridge stands as one of the most exclusive car shows in the country, hosted on a private golf course in Bridgehampton, New York. This site holds a special legacy—it was once the celebrated Bridgehampton Race Circuit, a legendary racetrack that played a key role in American sports-car history. Each year, more than 300 rare and exceptional marques are assembled, many boasting racing pedigrees and timeless designs. But prestige alone isn’t enough; autos are carefully chosen for their backstory, heritage, and uniqueness, rather than simply their price tags.

Unlike traditional concours or competitive car shows, The Bridge embraces a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. There are no trophies to win—just an elegant gathering where enthusiasts can appreciate automotive artistry in a garden-party setting. The vehicles are arranged thoughtfully across rolling fairways like curated art pieces in a sculpture garden. Here, visitors will find rows of stunning Ferraris, Porsches, Mercedes-Benz models, among other enviable brands. Contemporary performance cars make their appearances too, integrated gracefully amongst the classics.

Person walking by a vintage red and white car with a Prada bag, wearing white pants and striped shoes on grassy field.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Chris Jeyes
Vintage black convertible car on a grassy field with people relaxing under umbrellas in the background at sunset.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Chris Jeyes
Aerial view of a golf course with people gathering at an outdoor event, showcasing classic cars and green lawns.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Tony Laiacona

But The Bridge is more than just a showcase—it tells stories through design and history. Each vehicle is positioned with care to create conversations with its adjacent neighbors. For example, this year’s presenting sponsor, Mercedes-Maybach (the ultra-luxury sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz), debuted their 2026 SL open-top roadster alongside historic icons such as the gull-wing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, highlighting the car company’s blend of tradition and innovation. Volvo marked its 70th anniversary in America by presenting a lineup ranging from the vintage P1900 convertible to today’s all-electric EX90 models, accompanied by reimagined mid-century advertisements.

Silver convertible sports car on display at an outdoor car event with people around and Maybach building in background.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Tony Laiacona
Vintage three-wheeled car with a sleek black design on display next to a bright yellow sports car, parked on grass.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Tony Laiacona

As in year’s past, the event included a strong art component with a panel exploring the intersection of motorsport, contemporary art, and automotive design. Artist Julie Mehretu, creator of BMW’s 20th Art Car, joined BMW’s Head of Cultural Engagement, Thomas Girst. The BMW Art Car Program began in 1975 as a collaboration with renowned artists to transform BMW cars into unique works of art, showcasing the fusion of creative expression and automotive engineering. The panel included members of the female-led Driven Artists Racing Team (DART), a professional motorsports team that partners with contemporary female talents to design and race high-performance art cars. On display was a McLaren Artura GT4 featuring a custom wrap and gear by artist Mickalene Thomas.

Vintage Mercedes-Benz car with gullwing doors open displayed outdoors at an event with people in the background
The Bridge IX. Photo: Tony Laiacona
The Bridge IX. Photo: Chris Jeyes
Vintage motorcycle with a cream and chrome finish parked in front of a modern wooden slatted wall.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Tony Laiacona
Vintage blue off-road vehicle parked on a road, surrounded by tall grass, with a clear sky in the background.
The Bridge IX. Photo: Chris Jeyes