The invitation to a winter party in Palm Beach, Florida, is very seductive: 28° Celsius in late January, accompanied by a soft, balmy breeze, is a wonderful change from the bitter cold of Europe.

This is the 20th Cavallino Classic – an event which ran from 18 to 23 January and celebrated the American Ferrari scene. It’s one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of classic cars, comparable only to the likes of Monterey, Goodwood or Villa d’Este but, unusually, is limited solely to Ferraris. The event, which usually expects to see an extraordinary 400 Ferraris assemble in Palm Beach for the six-day convention, is hosted by the renowned Cavallino Magazine, The Journal of Ferrari History.

The activities are centred around The Breakers Resort Hotel. Situated right on the ocean, The Breakers boasts five pools, six gourmet restuarants, two golf courses, ten tennis courts and – most importantly of all, of course – secure parking for a great many Ferraris.

The Cavallino Classic claims to be the first and only automotive gathering held in Palm Beach and hence the first to take place at The Breakers Resort Hotel and, nearby, at Donald Trump’s private club, The Mar-a-Lago. Since its inception, the Classic has also hosted the U.S. public presentation of all new Ferraris.

The first major event on the 2011 schedule took place at Palm Beach International Raceway. The prestigious Florida Trophy is a two-day track meeting, held this year on Thursday and Friday, January 20 and 21, with more than 120 competition Ferraris reviving memories of past and present glories.

There is also much pleasure to be taken from the luxury boats moored in the marina. The prices, however, are far from modest. “It says here $784,500. Honey, is that the price of the boat?” “No darling, that’s the weekly rent.”

On the Saturday of Cavallino week, however, is the high point of the whole event: the Concorso d’Eleganza, held on the front lawn of The Breakers Resort Hotel. Here, 150 immaculate Ferraris are scrutinised by a panel of expert judges, who assign class awards and the major trophies, including The Cavallino Cup for Best in Show.

For more information on the Cavallino Classic, please visit www.cavallino.com.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Karin Kaschel-Raupp & Günther Raupp