In the heart of New York City, a captivating exhibition awaits those with a passion for rare cars, design, and art. The Winter Surf exhibition seamlessly blends these three elements, offering an immersive experience like no other. Inspired by the visionary mid-20th-century vehicle design, this car show, in collaboration with Meyers Manx, showcases an array of extraordinary vehicles.

Uniting Rare Cars and Art in a Winter Wonderland

Showcasing Iconic Vehicles from the 20th Century

If you're a fan of rare cars, design, or art, the Winter Surf exhibition in New York offers enough of all three. Inspired by visionary mid-20th-century vehicle design, the car show, presented in collaboration with Meyers Manx, will feature Steve McQueen’s Meyers Manx from the Thomas Crown Affair, among other vehicle icons and prototypes. The Winter Surf exhibition is taking place from December 15, 2024, to January 28, 2025, at Morton Street Partners in Manhattan. This specialist car dealership and art advisory amalgamation presents the immersive show in a gallery setting. The aim is to highlight the inventive vibe of the vehicles designed in the 1940s to the 1960s with a beach theme to offset winter during the festive season. There are some truly special pieces lined up for show visitors, including outlandish off-road prototypes, a range of unique, early-conceived dune buggies, and the major highlight, the remarkable Meyers Manx buggy that Steve McQueen drove in The Thomas Crown Affair. Viewers will appreciate the American ingenuity and European influences. The exhibition organizers, Morton Street Partners and Meyers Manx, envisioned a multi-sensory experience that showcases the engineers' craftsmanship and innovation and the risk-taking designs of the time. The show encapsulates the imaginative spirit of the time and highlights how vehicle aesthetics embodied the spirit of freedom and the notion of unbridled adventure. On the European end of the showing is a French off-road prototype called “The Shake” designed by Bertone and a fun, quirky Citroën Méhari. A 1960s Bultaco motorcycle that could be converted into a snowmobile was also secured for gallery visitors to marvel at. But it's not purely about the art. The show has another, more introspective target, and that's to stimulate thought and discussion about the effects of technology on how we interact and exist with the organic world.

The Meyers Manx: A Symbol of Adventure

The Meyers Manx, the fun and adventurous dune buggy from The Thomas Crown Affair, was developed by Bruce Meyers in 1964. Considered ground-breaking for its time, it was hailed for its superb performance and inventive conception, inspiring a new strain of “entertainment” vehicles. The Manx shot into fame as a Californian and beach icon in 1967, driven by music hotshots like Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys. It set time and speed records in the Baja 1000 race along the Baja Peninsula from California to Mexico and won the first-ever Mexican 1000 in the same year. It remained a pillar of pop culture throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Phillip Sarofim, Chairman of Meyers Manx, expressed his excitement about the show and the endurance of the brand: “The Meyers Manx has always been a symbol of joy, simplicity and purity. It’s the solution to the complexity of life. Continuing the legacy of the Meyers Manx connects us with the optimism of the 1960’s California culture, an optimism we all can share.”

Morton Street Partners: Niche Vehicle Hosts

Morton was founded by Ben Tarlow and Jake Auerbach and specializes in connecting collectors and institutions with unique and elusive automotive gems. Although Morton Street Partners doesn't operate like a traditional car dealership, they do sell cars typically in the six-figure to $2 million range. They don't operate like an art gallery either, yet they exhibit art. Examples of two of their rare finds, usually sourced from private collections, are the Dino Berlinetta Aerodinamica and Zaha Hadid’s Z car. Tarlo and Auerbach consider themselves art advisors who educate and match the buyer with the vehicle to their unique tastes. If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind vehicle-for-art piece or just want to look at some and dream, then Morton Street Partners over the festive period is the place to go.

As a lifelong car enthusiast, attending the SEMA show has always been a dream come true. This year, I finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand and it was an absolute blast. From the incredible builds to the passionate people, SEMA is truly a one-of-a-kind event.

Uncover the Future of Enthusiasm at SEMA

SEMA - An Annual Trade Show with a Big Impact

The Specialty Equipment Market Association primarily focuses on helping industry professionals do their jobs to the best of their ability. Despite the many uncertainties the industry is facing, SEMA is alive and doing well. With 160,000 people in attendance this year and more than 2,400 vendors, it has officially surpassed pre-COVID numbers. It's not just an annual trade show; it's a celebration of car culture and innovation. 1: SEMA serves as a platform for aftermarket brands to showcase their latest and greatest products. Surrounded by amazing builds and attended by all the biggest influencers and celebrities in the space, it has a unique charm. The exclusivity of being a business-to-business affair makes it even more desirable. 2: Mike Spagnola, the SEMA CEO, emphasizes that no matter what type of vehicle - EV, internal combustion engine, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels - the industry will continue to push the envelope. This shows the adaptability and resilience of the automotive industry.

Hank O'Hop - Meeting with Companies and Making Connections

As The Drive's commerce editor, part of my job is meeting with companies to evaluate products. At SEMA, I had the opportunity to shake hands with reps and CEOs from various companies, pitching The Drive's brand. It was a busy but exciting experience. 1: Every day was filled with meetings and discussions about different products and collaborations. From impact wrenches to independent front suspension systems, I got to see the latest offerings in the automotive aftermarket. 2: The response from some big-name companies was overwhelming. We made some great connections and laid the groundwork for some exciting projects in 2025. It was a great start to the year.

Taking It All In - The Amazing Builds

There is no shortage of amazing builds to look at at SEMA. As a Mopar nut, I was particularly taken by the sudden rise in appreciation for classic Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars. 1: Everywhere I looked, there was a second-generation Charger that made my heart skip a beat. The Joe Dirt replica at the ACES Fuel Injection booth served as a benchmark for my own Charger. It made me realize that I need to step up my game. 2: The Ringbrothers' 1970 Plymouth Barracuda dubbed Infected was an absolute sight to behold. Their insane skill and attention to detail were on full display. And the Grand National, INVADR, with its detuned V6 producing over 1,200 horsepower and capable of 1,800 horsepower on full boost, was the talk of the show.

In the Right Place - Surrounded by Passion

Perhaps the most incredible thing about the SEMA show is the sense of passion and energy in the air. Everywhere you look, there are celebrities signing autographs, people showcasing amazing builds, and suppliers talking about game-changing technology. 1: I felt like I was in the right place when I saw familiar faces in the crowd. Surrounded by icons and heroes, I realized the impact they have had on me and the industry. It was a moment of profound self-enlightenment. 2: Watching Tanner Foust work his magic in a professional drift car reminded me that even I need to loosen up and have more fun with my car. SEMA is not just about cars; it's about the community and the love for all things automotive.