The Modern Arena of Automotive Exclusivity: Why Pebble Beach Is No Longer the Only Show in Town
The term “concours d’elegance” originates from the French expression meaning a showcase or competition centered on automotive aesthetics and presentation. While once synonymous with exclusive, black-tie affairs reserved for historic masterpieces, the landscape of elite automotive gatherings has undergone a radical transformation in the last decade. Today, the world of classic car appreciation converges with the frontier of cutting-edge hypercar engineering, creating a new hierarchy of events where digital debuts are often secondary to physical introductions.
The annual Monterey Car Week in California, centered around the historic Pebble Beach Golf Links, has long been the undisputed king of the concours circuit. The week is a multi-day spectacle of prestigious auctions, historic races, and a myriad of meticulously prepared vehicles from the early days of motoring to the modern era. Yet, as the definition of “luxury” shifts from patina and provenance to raw power and technological innovation, the old guard is facing a formidable new challenger.
For a growing demographic of collectors, often dubbed the “younger” or “modern” collectors, The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering has long been the main attraction of Monterey Week. However, a recent resurgence of innovative events has begun to blur the lines of what constitutes the premier automotive showcase. From the neon-drenched exclusivity of South Beach to the digital-first presentations of new models, the rules are changing, and The Quail is no longer the only heir to Pebble Beach’s throne.
This article explores the evolution of these prestigious gatherings, comparing the traditional allure of Pebble Beach with the rising prominence of The Quail, the innovative spectacle of the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, and the evolving definition of what makes a car event significant in the 21st century.
Why The Quail?
For years, The Quail has served as the sophisticated appetizer to the main course of the Pebble Beach Concours. Typically held on the Friday before the Sunday grand finale, it has cultivated a reputation for exclusivity, meticulous curation, and a focus on late-model and brand-new supercars and hypercars. This strategic focus has successfully captured a segment of the automotive world that is no longer captivated by vintage machines, but by the latest creations from Maranello, Sant’Agata, and Woking.
The death of the Geneva International Auto Show as a premier launching pad for new automotive technology has left a significant void in the global automotive calendar. It was in Geneva where groundbreaking vehicles, once the pinnacle of engineering and design, were first unveiled to the public. However, The Quail has stepped in to fill this void, effectively becoming the new home for the “unveiling” moment in the luxury car world.
Consider the recent history of model debuts: the Lamborghini Aventador first graced the world stage in Geneva in 2011, followed by the exclusive Veneno in 2013. While the Aventador’s successor, the Revuelto, was revealed online, the Lamborghini Temerario (the future replacement for the Huracán) debuted at The Quail in 2024. Similarly, the seven-figure Fenomeno was first seen at the 2025 Quail. Even legacy brands are turning to the West Coast. While the Bugatti Chiron debuted in Geneva in 2016, the Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022) were both unveiled at The Quail. Dozens of other marques have followed this trend, solidifying The Quail’s position as the world’s leading showcase for cutting-edge hypercars.
This shift represents a fundamental change in the market. For many collectors, the value lies not in the history of a car, but in its future. These buyers are looking for the next milestone, the next piece of automotive history that has yet to be written. For this group, The Quail has surpassed Pebble Beach as the primary destination, offering a preview of the vehicles that will define the future of automotive engineering and design.
The Las Vegas Challenger
Until this past Halloween, it was hard to imagine a significant challenger to The Quail’s standing as the premier showcase for new supercars. However, the 2025 Las Vegas Concours (officially Concours at Wynn Las Vegas) proved that the future of automotive luxury is not confined to the manicured lawns of Pebble Beach. It’s also taking place in the deserts of Nevada, with a focus that is both broader and deeper than any single marque.
The previous year’s Las Vegas Concours, while enjoyable, struck me as largely regional, featuring the usual suspects in the high-end collector circuit. Had it not been for a project with Czinger, I likely wouldn’t have attended. However, I can say with certainty that I am incredibly grateful that I did. The scale, scope, and ambition of the 2025 event were unlike anything I have witnessed in years.
A Spectacle of Unprecedented Scale
The sheer magnitude of the 2025 Las Vegas Concours was evident from the moment I entered the grounds. The Wynn had an astonishing 48 Bugatti Veyrons on display—a mind-boggling feat, considering only 450 were ever produced, with just 100 sold in North America. Adding to the spectacle, Bugatti showcased a stunning white Vitesse Super Sport to commemorate the Veyron’s 20th anniversary, alongside a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming Tourbillon, the 18-cylinder hybrid set to replace the Chiron. The ability to gather more than 10% of all Veyrons ever built in one place is simply unprecedented.
But the Bugatti contingent was not the only highlight. The younger collectors also have a significant fascination with Paganis. There were more than 40 of them, including several Zondas, among them a Zonda Revolution (one of only five built). Additionally, dozens of Huayras, a collection of Utopias, and the highly anticipated debut of the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster were present. This limited-edition model, intended for production of only 10 units at a price point of $7 million each (before taxes and tariffs), further cemented the event’s importance. (The mint-green prototype on display belongs to Apple CEO Tim Cook.) While these high-performance machines are certainly extroverted, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours was the largest Pagani gathering ever held in North America is significant. Furthermore, Horatio Pagani, who was honored onstage by emcee Justin Bell for his contributions to car design, chose this event to introduce a new vehicle, suggesting a renewed commitment to this location. To put the numbers in perspective, there were more Paganis gathered at this event than the factory produces in an entire year.
The Lamborghini presence was equally staggering. The 2025 Wynn Vegas Concours was the largest gathering of Lamborghinis ever, with approximately 230 vehicles out of the 600 total cars in attendance. This sheer volume is astounding. Among the highlight vehicles were a Veneno Coupe (one of three public-sale cars, with the factory 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” vehicles were gathered in the same place was at the Lamborghini Museum. It was a breathtaking display of precious, high-horsepower Italian metals and composites.
The Impact of Scale and Technology
While an in-depth analysis of the judging criteria for The Quail is complex, the focus of that particular event often leans towards aesthetics and presentation. However, the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has taken a different approach. Instead of simply judging pre-existing vehicles, the event has become a launchpad for new automotive technology. This focus on the “next” generation of vehicles rather than just the “best” of the past aligns with the priorities of a younger generation of collectors and manufacturers seeking a global platform to showcase innovation.
In an attempt to summarize, I’ll leave out many of the other incredible vehicles that were on display, including the Koenigseggs, the Gumpert Apollo, the Czingers, the Nilu, the debut of the McLaren Project Endurance race car, all the vehicles that were actually judged (including a former and insane Pebble Beach Concours-winning 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer 26/120/180 that won prewar best of show there, too), the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. It was a truly breathtaking car show.
What Could Possibly Be Next?
Throughout the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, two dominant conversations emerged among the attendees. The primary question on everyone’s mind was, “How in the world are they going to top this next year?” The organizers face a significant challenge in matching the scale and ambition of the 2025 event. We can only wish them luck in their endeavors. However, the second, frankly more intriguing query, came from several OEM carmakers: “Should we even bother doing The Quail next year?”
This question is becoming increasingly relevant as the automotive landscape shifts and new events emerge that offer different value propositions for manufacturers and collectors alike.
The Cost of Tradition
To understand the challenge facing The Quail, one must consider the immense cost of participation. Last year, a single ticket cost $1,300, and this price was offered as a
