First Week-end of December

My first weekend in Monaco this past December was an experience I’ll never forget. The crisp winter air, the quiet glow of the Riviera, and the low hum of engines echoing through the streets created the perfect atmosphere for carspotting. From the moment I arrived, it felt like every corner held a surprise — and Monaco did not disappoint.

Around the Casino Square, the usual parade of supercars flowed like a moving exhibition. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens passed by with effortless elegance, each one looking like it had rolled straight out of a showroom. It was surreal to stand there, camera in hand, watching machines I’d only seen online glide through the streets as if it were completely normal.

But the highlight of the weekend stole my attention long before I even saw it. A deep, metallic roar echoed between the buildings — unmistakably special. Following the sound, I found myself staring at something truly rare: the Aston Martin Valiant, equipped with its glorious V12 engine and, even more extraordinary in today’s world, a manual gearbox. Seeing one of these in person felt like witnessing an automotive legend come to life. It moved slowly, almost ceremonially, as if aware of the awe it inspired.

And if that wasn’t enough, another gem appeared during my wanderings: a beautifully preserved Bugatti Type 35, a piece of pure automotive history rolling past like a ghost from the golden age of motorsport. The contrast between old and new, heritage and innovation, made the moment even more magical.

As the December sun set and Monaco’s lights began to shimmer, I realized I had been smiling for hours. That weekend was more than just photography or spotting rare cars — it was a celebration of everything that makes the automotive world so captivating. And crossing paths with the Valiant and the Type 35 turned it into a memory I’ll carry for a very long tim