From 7 to 11 May 2025, the Grimaldi Forum hosted the twentieth edition of the Top Marques Monaco show. We visited the world’s most luxurious motor show to enjoy the incredible models on display as well as to talk to the founder of this event. Lawrie Lewis, the man who created Top Marques Monaco, shared his thoughts on the evolution of the show and spoke about the special features of this year’s event.
This year, Top Marques Monaco welcomed guests with the charming Junkers A50 Junior aircraft, gracefully displayed at the entrance of the Grimaldi Forum. This small, vintage masterpiece not only honours the rich legacy of aviation while setting a classic tone for the event and giving it a timeless elegance, but the Junkers A50 Junior is also available for purchase at the show.
Once inside, attendees were greeted by an impressive showcase of supercars, featuring remarkable models from prestigious brands like McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. Highlighting innovation at this year’s event, Venturi presented the FLEX 3 lunar vehicle, selected by NASA for its journey to the Moon. Celebrated manufacturers such as GMK, Laffite Automobili, and others displayed their masterpieces, drawing the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Among the highlights were Boutsen Classic Cars’ stunning Ferrari 250 Spyder California, valued at €14 million, and Group Segond Automobiles’ striking green Lamborghini Temerario. The latter, designed as a replacement for the old Huracan, boasts a V8 engine with electric assistance, delivering an exhilarating 920 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Laffite Automobili showcased its extraordinary 1,000hp, street-legal hypercar inspired by LMP1 racers, made entirely of carbon fiber. This vehicle features a 3.9-litre, twin-turbo hybrid V-8, capable of reaching 220 mph, with only 25 units available at €2.8 million.
This year’s exhibition not only highlighted these breathtaking supercars but also included a selection of rare classic cars, custom motorcycles, luxury watches, and beautiful jewellery, offering a truly exceptional experience for everyone. In addition to the supercars and luxury items, the presence of iconic classic vehicles underscored the event’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. The fusion of these elements created a captivating atmosphere where guests could appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that define these timeless treasures.
Within this luxurious setting, the blend of classic elegance and modern innovation was clear, reflecting the essence of Top Marques. Each vehicle and creation presented told a story, inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty of both tradition and progress in the automotive world.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Top Marques, it’s important to acknowledge the visionary behind this renowned exhibition—Lawrie Lewis. We had the pleasure of speaking with him about the evolution of the show and what attendees can expect this year.
HelloMonaco: Thank you for speaking with us, Lawrie. It’s an honour to talk with the person behind such a remarkable event. How has Top Marques changed over the years?
Lawrie Lewis: It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we launched Top Marques. When we started, it was all about passion—passion for cars and the excitement of driving them. Over the years, the event has grown into a top destination for supercar lovers.
HelloMonaco: What motivated you to create Top Marques back in 2004?
Lawrie: My journey began in the world of car exhibitions with the Moscow International Automobile Salon. After moving to Monaco, I wanted to bring something fresh to the automotive scene—an event where people could see, touch, and drive supercars right then and there. That’s how Top Marques came to life—a place where dreams and horsepower meet.
HelloMonaco: How do you decide which cars are featured at the show?
Lawrie: The manufacturers play a crucial role. I’ve built strong relationships with key players in the industry. When talking to brands, I focus on the unique experience we offer—test drives right at the event. The excitement often leads to a sale, and it’s that simple and effective: See it, Drive it, Buy it!
HelloMonaco: Test drives seem to be at the heart of the experience. Can you share some memories from past events?
Lawrie: Absolutely! In the early days, we had our challenges. I remember a test drive on the Formula One TM circuit that raised a few eyebrows with the local police. But once they understood what we were doing, everything fell into place. We even had celebrities like Ringo Starr come by. Moments like those made it all worthwhile.
HelloMonaco: As the industry changes, how do you see the future of car exhibitions?
Lawrie: The automotive world is changing fast, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. While we face challenges like speed regulations, we keep our focus on showing the physical experience of driving. We want to create an environment where visitors can really connect with the cars.
HelloMonaco: How does Top Marques reflect the luxury lifestyle here in Monaco?
Lawrie: Top Marques is a celebration of Monaco’s spirit—it’s not just about the cars. It’s a gathering that includes classic cars, luxury yachts, watches, and everything that defines high-end living. It provides an experience that reflects Monaco’s luxury lifestyle.
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Honouring 20 years of Top Marques, it’s clear that Lawrie’s vision has been crucial to the exhibition’s success from the beginning. After being awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de Saint-Charles by Prince Albert II for his outstanding contributions to Monaco through Top Marques, Lawrie has turned his focus to new ventures. He is now the Chairman of his family office, SARL Lewis Investments, based in Monaco, specializing in property and finance. This venture is a collaborative effort with his two sons, Maximilian and Christopher Lewis, continuing a legacy of ambition, vision, and family values.
