For collectors of the automotive elite, an abundance of Concours events celebrate the exhibition of these cars around the country. The setting is largely ubiquitous—early morning sun rising over a manicured golf course as prestige wanders the grounds.

 

Pebble Beach set the standard and has 70 years of experience, while events like Amelia Island and Greenwich have followed in its path. In its infancy, The Bridge was an event shaping up to be referred to as the “East Coast Pebble Beach.” But after its fifth installment, that may not be giving it enough credit.

 

Sure, The Bridge takes place on a golf course just like all the others seem to. But it wasn’t always a golf course—it was the home of the Bridgehampton Race Circuit. Bridgehampton hosted Can-Am, World Sportscar Championship, Trans-Am and IMSA GT before yielding to mostly amateur events through the 1970s, then shutting down permanently in 1999. Now, it is an exclusive golf club which retains some of the landmarks of the original circuit, including the iconic Chevron bridge, corner marshal stations and guardrails. Upon arrival to the event, the ambience is already more authentic than even its most prestigious contemporaries.

 

Even arriving to the event is special in itself with the main event being invite only. Since its inaugural event in 2016, The Bridge has showcased some of the rarest and most desirable sports cars in the world from the greatest collections and manufacturers. Post-war sports and competition cars dominate the field, complementing the historic nature of the course and reliving its glory. Accentuating the cars is some beautiful late-summer lighting; The Bridge takes place into the evening instead of first thing in the morning.

 

Take any of these features and you’ve got a wonderful event, but The Bridge uniquely captures it all. After taking 2020 off, it was highly anticipated for its fifth showing and once again it became clear that it’s becoming a frontrunner for go-to automotive events—of course, if you can get in.

 

There are no “featured” classes or marques at the event allowing for a wide variety of exhibited vehicles. From brand new pre-production models on pedestals, to off-roaders ditched in bunkers, to just about every make and model of distinguished collector car scattered about the fairway, the event encourages visitors to go for a walk and see everything, and stop at the various gourmet food stations along the way.

 

Though no brand is favored more than others, Porsche’s rich history enticed dozens of collectors to showcase their cars ranging from original 356s, to rally 911s, to the Carrera GT, to modern GT cars and a handful of contemporary “restomods.” Lining the perimeters of the greens and deep down the middle of the main fairway, Porsche’s most collectable road and racing cars helped tell a comprehensive story in a setting where many legacies were fulfilled in period.

 

After five editions of The Bridge, it’s no longer worth questioning if an event can live up to the standards of an event like Pebble Beach. It’s now time to wonder if an event can rise to the level of The Bridge.