In the competitive world of luxury automobiles, the term “concours d’elegance” is defined as a competition where the primary judging criteria focus on the aesthetics and presentation of both the vehicles and their accessories. Within the industry, this definition often sparks debate, particularly regarding the comparison between these gatherings and the legendary Monterey Car Week.
Monterey Car Week, centered around the iconic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is a prestigious and internationally recognized event known for its exclusive atmosphere and high-profile attendees. The combination of events held during this week—culminating in the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours on Sunday—represents the pinnacle of luxury automotive events, bringing together the wealthiest and most sophisticated enthusiasts and collectors globally.
The question that frequently arises among industry professionals is whether other events, such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Revival, Amelia Island, Moda Miami, Retromobile, or Audrain, can rival Pebble Beach in terms of prestige and influence. While Pebble Beach has historically been considered the undisputed leader, The Quail, a dedicated motorsports gathering that serves as an appetizer to the main event, has emerged as a serious competitor.
For a growing segment of the automotive community, The Quail has long surpassed the Pebble Beach Concours. This preference stems primarily from a fascination with late-model and brand-new supercars and hypercars. Many automotive enthusiasts travel to Car Week primarily to witness these cutting-edge vehicles, often expressing a lack of interest in vintage automobiles. The closure of the Geneva International Auto Show also created a void in the supercar calendar, which The Quail has effectively filled.
Notable examples include the debut of the Lamborghini Aventador in 2011 and the Veyron Veneno in 2013. Even more recently, the successor to the Aventador, the Revuelto, was unveiled online rather than at a traditional show. However, the Lamborghini Temerario, the replacement for the Huracán, was first presented at The Quail in 2024. The same applies to the Fenomeno, a million-dollar hypercar that debuted at the 2025 Quail event. Similarly, Bugatti unveiled the Chiron in Geneva in 2016, but the Bugatti Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022) were both launched at The Quail. Numerous other brands have followed suit, making The Quail the premier venue for showcasing the latest developments in supercar and hypercar technology.
Until recently, I considered The Quail’s position in the automotive world to be secure. However, attending the 2025 Las Vegas Concours (officially the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas) has led me to question that assumption. To provide context, I also attended the 2024 Vegas Concours. While I enjoyed the event, I found it to be somewhat provincial and focused on more conventional luxury vehicles. If it weren’t for an ongoing project with Czinger, who invited me as their guest, I might not have attended this year. However, I am grateful that I did.
Understanding the Las Vegas Concours
The Wynn showcased 48 Bugatti Veyrons this year, a truly astonishing sight. Given that only 450 Veyrons were ever produced globally, with 100 sold in North America, having 48 of them gathered in Las Vegas is remarkable. Adding to the display was a stunning white Vitesse Super Sport, marking the Veyron’s 20th anniversary. The exhibit also featured a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming 18-cylinder hybrid successor to the Chiron, the Tourbillon. Gathering more than 10% of the entire production run of Bugatti Veyrons in one place left me breathless.
The Supercar Showcase
The interest in Paganis is just as strong. More than 40 of these iconic hypercars were on display, including several Zondas—notably a Zonda Revolution, one of only five ever built—dozens of Huayras, multiple Utopias, and, notably, the debut of the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, a limited edition of ten units priced at $7 million each before taxes and tariffs. The mint green prototype of this model belongs to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Even if these high-performance carbon-titanium exotics are not your primary interest, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest Pagani gathering in North America to date, and that Horatio Pagani was recognized for his contributions to automotive design, is highly significant. Mr. Pagani and his team chose this venue to introduce a new model, which speaks volumes about the event’s growing prestige. A total of more than 40 Paganis were present, exceeding the annual production volume of the entire brand.
Lamborghini’s Stunning Display
The Lamborghini showcase was equally spectacular for those who admire these vehicles. The 2025 Wynn Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest gathering of Lamborghinis ever, with estimates ranging around 230 vehicles out of the 600 total cars present that Saturday. The exhibition included several limited-production models, such as a Veneno Coupe (one of only three sold to the public, with the manufacturer retaining a fourth), a Sesto Elemento (one of ten), a Centenario Coupe (one of 20) and Convertible (one of 20), and a Reventón (one of 21). The last time all these limited-production “few-offs,” as Lamborghini now calls them, were seen together was at the factory’s museum, a stunning display of rare, high-horsepower Italian engineering and composite materials.
Other Remarkable Showcases
In the interest of brevity, I am omitting the extensive displays of Koenigseggs, the Gumpert Apollo, the Czingers, the Nilu, the debut of the McLaren Project Endurance race car, all the vehicles that were formally judged (including a former 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer that had previously won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours), the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. This collection alone represents one of the most impressive car shows in recent memory.
The Future of Automotive Exhibitions
Two common themes emerged during my conversations with attendees at the Wynn Vegas Concours. The primary question was, “How on earth will they top this next year?” While I don’t have the answer, I wish the Wynn the best of luck in their efforts to do so. However, a more intriguing question came from the OEM car manufacturers: “Should we even bother attending The Quail next year?” This is a valid concern. Perhaps it is time to wish The Quail success as well.
Comparing Automotive Event Costs and Attendee Experience
It’s worth noting some key differences between these prestigious gatherings. Last year, a single ticket to The Quail cost $1,300 for legacy attendees (those who have attended in the past), and $1,600 for first-time attendees. While these prices are expensive, the cost for OEMs to set up a booth at The Quail is approximately $400,000 for just six hours. In contrast, the Las Vegas Concours charges about one-twentieth of that amount. Attendees can purchase tickets for around $100, meaning each Veyron on display costs the manufacturer only about $2. Three different car manufacturers openly questioned the necessity of attending The Quail in the future, suggesting that perhaps Las Vegas and Moda Miami are sufficient alternatives.
Furthermore, attendees at the Las Vegas Concours do not have to endure exorbitant hotel prices. I recently learned of a friend who paid $1,100 per night for a hotel near Pebble Beach, with a mandatory five-night minimum stay. Navigating the soul-crushing traffic and trying to secure dinner reservations are also significant challenges. In Las Vegas, however, making dinner reservations is easy because the city is specifically designed to accommodate large gatherings.
While these comparisons might seem far-fetched, Geneva was the center of the supercar world just a few years ago. I cannot predict the future, but I can assure you that the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas is now on my must-attend list. You should add it to yours as well.
The Financial Impact of Premium Automotive Events
When comparing these high-end automotive events, the financial differences are substantial. For manufacturers, the cost of displaying a vehicle at The Quail can reach $400,000 for a six-hour period. This investment represents a significant marketing expenditure that must be justified by the potential return. Conversely, the Las Vegas Concours offers a more cost-effective alternative, with tickets costing only about $100 per person, making it a more accessible option for both attendees and exhibitors.
Strategic Insights for Luxury Automotive Investments
For collectors and enthusiasts, attending these events is not just a recreational activity; it can be a strategic financial decision. The Quail serves as a platform for manufacturers to introduce new limited-edition vehicles, such as the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, which is priced at $7 million. Investing in these rare vehicles can yield significant returns in the secondary market, but it requires careful consideration of market trends and long-term value.
Mistakes to Avoid in Luxury Automotive Investments
One common mistake investors make is overlooking the financial implications of attending these events. The cost of tickets, hotels, and transportation can add up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Another mistake is focusing on short-term gains rather than long-term value. While some limited-
