The microstate of Monaco is known for being one of the most illustrious locations in the world for all things luxury. Few destinations rival the sun-drenched Monégasque coastline that continually proves to be the ideal stomping ground for supercars. The organizers at Top Marques Monaco are aware of this, and since 2004 have used the principality to hold arguably the preeminent and most exclusive car exhibition on the planet.
This year, the 17th iteration of Top Marques saw the event return in all its glory after a two-year Covid-induced sabbatical. For the first time, Top Marques also opened its doors to more than 40 of the most iconic classic cars dating from the 1950s to the 1990s.
For those looking for the latest innovations from the rapidly moving automotive industry or wanting to step back in time with some classic cars, Top Marques Monaco was the place to be.
Here Elite Traveler has complied some of the highlights from this automobile extravaganza.
Aston Martin Valhalla
This soon-to-be-released hybrid supercar is definitely one to watch / ©Top Marques Monaco
With its name deriving from Norse mythology, it’s clear from the start that the Aston Martin Valhalla is going to be a special car. However, the Valhalla is not just fit for Odin and Thor but also Her Majesty’s Secret Service as it was recently teased inside a Q Branch laboratory in the latest James Bond film.
The mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar is planned to enter production in 2023, but there have been prototypes since 2019. The Valhalla is positioned to be a toned-down more road-capable version of the Aston Martin flagship the Valkyrie, before it was announced insiders even referred to it as the “Son of Valkyrie”.
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Yet the all-wheel drive, 935hp four-litre twin-turbo V8 will absolutely pack a punch. The Valhalla wowed visitors at Top Marques as it was displayed as part of the supercar show. This soon-to-be-released hybrid supercar is definitely one to watch.
Pininfarina Battista
The Italian styling of the Battista links it to historic Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina S.p.A. / ©Top Marques Monaco
The Pininfarina Battista is an all-electric sports car from luxury manufacturer Automobile Pininfarina. Although headquartered in Germany, the name combined with the Italian styling of the Battista gives away the ties to historic Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina S.p.A.
Named after the original Pininfarina founder Battista Pininfarina, it is a very close relative of the jaw-dropping Rimac Nevera. This all-electric monster is powered by a 120kw/h battery pack supplied by Rimac who have also shared the Nevera’s powertrain.
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The $2.5m hypercar has a claimed 310-mile range and is expected to be able to do 0-60 in under two seconds. It’s no wonder this statistic-busting battery-powered marvel managed to turn heads as it was displayed at Top Marques Monaco, with 1,874hp it is the most powerful Italian car in history. We think this king of speed is perfectly suited to the streets of Monaco.
Maserati MC20
It’s Maserati’s shot at making a fully focused sports car / ©Top Marques Monaco
Maserati is known for its relaxed GT cars. Think cruising around the French Riviera with sublime elegance playing Matt Monroe out the stereo with the roof down. It’s a niche Maserati has stuck to and it has served them well.
The Maserati MC20 breaks this tradition. It’s their shot at making a fully focused sports car and they have succeeded. Under the hood, you find a three-liter V6 that is capable of producing 630hp and is packed full of technology that has been derived from F1. The MC20 is capable of 0-62mph in less than 2.9 seconds, partly due to the fact it’s the first Maserati in history with a carbon fiber monocoque.
Based in Modena, Italy, the Maserati headquarters are less than 200 miles from Monaco, so Top Marques is practically Maserati’s home turf. With the MC20 at the forefront, the once famed grand tourer manufacturer finds itself ready for the racetrack.
McLaren Artura
The Artura boasts 0-60mph in less than three seconds / ©Top Marques Monaco
McLaren is a manufacturer that needs no introduction. As one of the preeminent super and hyper car companies — and one that has its own showroom in the principality — an appearance at Top Marques is an annual occurrence.
This year was no different with the McLaren Artura on full display. At Elite Traveler, we have been following the Artura with a keen eye and its release is just around the corner. It’s the first in a new generation of hybrid McLarens that brings an electric edge to its sports models.
The Artura boasts 0-60mph in less than three seconds and possesses the ability to drive in all-electric mode. You can already picture it silently cruising around the winding streets of Monaco in blissful silence, before changing mode as it leaves the principality and initiating a deafening roar.
The Artura represents the first step for McLaren as they add hybrid power to more of their vehicles, expect to see more about the Artura from Elite Traveler soon.
Magnifica Motorbike
The Magnifica brings luxury, craftsmanship and exquisite materials together / ©Top Marques Monaco
Top Marques Monaco is home to some of the world’s fastest cars, however, this year several motorbikes also made an appearance. A particular highlight was the R18 Magnifica, which was unveiled for the first time at the event.
An extravagant customization of the BMW R18, the Magnifica brings luxury, craftsmanship and exquisite materials together in a two-wheeled package. Produced by custom bike builder Radikal Chopper — which is led by Andrea Radaelli — this stylized R18 is practically unrecognizable.
Inspired by the vintage motorbikes from the first half of the 20th century, the Magnifica has been built from the ground up using materials like brass, aluminum and wood. Almost every component on this custom cruiser is completely handmade further adding to its luxury feel. If you’re looking for some old school styling along with the freedom of two wheels the Magnifica is the way to go.
For more information on future shows, tickets and exhibitors, visit topmarquesmonaco.com
