Written by David Raffa, Kerry Stratton, and Zach Segal

The sound of high revving exotic cars filled the city of West Palm Beach this weekend. Speeding blurs resembling red ponies and yellow bulls could be seen passing through nearly every intersection. This could mean only one thing: Palm Beach Supercar Weekend had returned for 2009. As in years past, exotic cars from all over had made the voyage to Palm Beach, Florida for the three-day event consisting of expensive cars, beautiful women, and trendy parties. Rewind a month: When John Temerian, Co-Founder of the event invited us this year to cover the event, how could we say no? It’s hard to beat looking at some of the finest exotic and luxury vehicles in the world in beautiful seventy degree weather right on the water.

There were of course Ferrari 360’s and F430’s, Lamborghini Gallardo’s and Murcielagos, BMW M cars and Mercedes AMG’s; but in this crowd of diamonds in the rough there were a few even more spectacular vehicles on display. The vehicle catching the most attention this year being the Ferrari P4/5 owned by James Glickenhaus. This beautiful one-of-a-kind creation began life as an Enzo, the last remaining unsold Enzo in the world at the time. Glickenhaus purchased this car and brought it straight to the masterminds at Pininfarina to have it transformed into a modern day Ferrari P3/4. This brought the price of the car to a staggering $5 million. Also on display was a beautiful blue Koenigsegg CCX attracting quite the crowd consisting of those in love with the car (such as myself) and those that had no idea what it was.

Now what would a car event be without vendors showing off their latest products? My personal favorite vendor display was that of 360 Forged. They had a beautiful display of vehicles lining the waterway of Flagler Drive including a few Corvette Z06’s, a Porsche 997 Turbo, A Ferrari F430 on Carbon Fiber Wheels, and my personal favorite, a CLS63 AMG. All of them of course adorned with the latest and greatest in aftermarket wheels. VQ Motoring also had a stunning brigade of vehicles – a highly modified Nissan GTR, a Porsche 997 Twin Turbo, and a modified Audi TT. It’s unfortunate that the opposing display was that of what may be the ugliest car I have ever seen. A Renntech built Mercedes Benz GLK350 Spec R Hybrid. At first glance I thought I was looking at a Scion xB but upon closer inspection I realized that it was in fact a Mercedes with a gigantic wing and enough extra sheet metal screwed onto it to build a small airplane. I’ve been told this was supposed to be a rally car replica but that doesn’t change my opinion of its looks. Sorry Renntech, I still love your work on the rest of the Benz lineup.

Luckily I was able to wash the bad taste of this car out of my mouth with the free champagne being served in the VIP tent we visited next. Amongst free refreshments we were also offered an air conditioned trendily decorated retreat complete with a great DJ. In true VIP fashion the area was kept exclusive to those holding passes, allowing us to escape the huge crowds and take a break in a relaxing environment.

Supercar Weekend brought an incredible crowd together. I had the chance to meet Anthony Carbone and Vinay Menone of MadWhips and Carzi. It also just so happens that Matt Farah of the popular online video show Garage 419 was filming with his crew. We chatted for a little while and I had some pictures snapped which are below the photo gallery.

As the event winded down the sounds of the cars yet again filled the air and echoed off the surrounding skyscrapers as everyone returned home to get ready for the eagerly awaited VIP rooftop after-party at Two City Tower. We pulled up to the building and were greeted by a number of eagerly awaiting valet parkers and event organizers. After a quick name check and a short elevator trip we arrived on the top deck. This exclusive affair was complete with several bars, our beloved DJ as seen earlier in the VIP tent, gorgeous models displaying the latest in fashion from Emilio Pucci, and a breathtaking view of the surrounding city. It was a beautiful event and a great way to end an even greater weekend. The organizers of this event deserve a lot of respect as they have, once again, pulled off something spectacular for the 4th year in a row! The team here at Exotics&Luxury looks forward to attending Supercar Weekend again in 2010.

Anthony Carbone of Carzi.com and MadWhips.com

Zach & Matt Farah From Garage419

Palm Beach Supercar Weekend Commercial

Scott Levinson & John Temerian

Head over to Carzi to view additional pictures and Anthony & Vinay’s review of Supercar Weekend 2009. If you want to see more pictures of the infamous Sharpie Lamborghini Gallardo, head over to Automotive Addicts.