Top Marques Monaco: What to Expect at the World’s Most Exclusive Auto Show

With any auto show, there is always a risk that it will be more about sales than exhibition—that the event is an excuse for car dealerships to shine up their models and do their best to sell, sell, sell. In recent years, automakers have resorted to bringing large simulator rigs to keep people occupied in their section.

Then, there is the display of luxury and quality that is Top Marques Monaco. This annual car show and products expo takes place in the beautiful Grimaldi Forum in the Principality of Monaco. Prepare to see the finest of everything, from cars, planes and yachts to jewelry, gadgets and so much more.

A Timeless Location

 

Luxury cars displayed at Monaco's casino

A place where supercars and hundred-foot yachts are commonplace and nearly a third of the population are millionaires, Monaco is a natural setting for a luxury event. The reigning monarch, billionaire Prince Albert II donates a quarter of the show’s proceeds to his charity, the Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP).

Monaco is also home to one of the oldest Formula 1 racing tracks still in use. Lucky VIP guests at Top Marques may take to the circuit to test drive the vehicles on display at the show. Weaving effortlessly around the iconic harbor in the supercar of your dreams is truly a memorable experience for any automotive aficionado.

The Latest Innovations

 

Close up of luxury cars in Monaco

Top Marques has been home to debuts of some inspiring technological breakthroughs, from electric motorcycles to jet surfboards. In 2015, Top Marques showcased the AeroMobil 3.0, a two-seater roadster prototype that can convert into a plane. At the show, coachbuilders such as KLASSEN re-envision otherwise ordinary vans and SUVs as luxury homes on wheels. Finishing touches include on-board home theaters, full leather and wood-grain finish and much more.

Going Beyond the Finished Product

 

Vintage luxury cars Mitsuoka Himiko and Weissmann in Monaco

Supercar manufacturers such as Lamborghini and McLaren pride themselves on bringing innovative materials and parts to automotive design. In addition to hosting a variety of boutique supercar makers including FV-Frangivento and Keating Supercars, Top Marques also invites participation from many high-end parts manufacturers and tuning companies.

Remember when you needed a key to get into your car? At Top Marques, wristwear manufacturer Senturion shows off its wristbands, which are both collectors items and the keys to your ride.

Top Marques Monaco keeps breaking admissions records every year, with over 40,000 patrons attending the four-day show in 2016. It showed 80 vehicles, ten motorcycles, four bicycles (including the fastest electric bike in the world), five superboats, 12 watch brands, the world’s first personal jetpack and more.

If you ever find yourself in the gorgeous south of France or north of Italy in springtime, be sure to stop by and enjoy everything Top Marques Monaco has to offer. For more information about the event and this year’s dates, visit the Top Marques Monaco website.

Looking for more automotive inspiration? Read about five more top auto shows, or learn how to start a vintage car collection. Rather take the the waves? You may want to pay a visit to the Yacht Club de Monaco, one of the most exclusive yacht clubs in the world.

Photo credits: S-F / Shutterstock, Inc., S-F / Shutterstock, Inc., Drozdin Vladimir / Shutterstock, Inc.

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Top Marques Monaco: What to Expect at the World’s Most Exclusive Auto Show
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