The Standard Definition of “Concours d’Elegance” is “a Show or Contest of Vehicles and Accessories in Which the Entries Are Judged Chiefly on Excellence of Appearance and Turnout.”
When one spends enough time immersing oneself in the world of high-end luxury automobiles, the inevitable question arises: Which of the many premier automotive gatherings is truly the best? While the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is globally recognized as the pinnacle event, the annual Monterey Car Week—comprising numerous gatherings leading up to the Sunday event—is widely considered the most significant weekend for the affluent automotive aficionado. This convergence of luxury, technology, and history culminates in one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind.
The debate often centers on whether other events can challenge Pebble Beach’s dominance. Prominent contenders include the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival, Amelia Island, Moda Miami, Retromobile, and the Audrain Concours. Yet, regardless of where luxury automotive enthusiasts and discerning collectors congregate, the question remains: Is Pebble Beach still the undisputed champion?
Our analysis suggests that while Pebble Beach remains the king of concours events, there is a strong contender for the crown. The Quail, officially known as The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, has long served as a prelude to the main event. However, for a growing segment of the automotive community, particularly those interested in late-model supercars and hypercars, The Quail has already surpassed Pebble Beach. Many attendees of Monterey Car Week depart after The Quail, having no interest in the historical vehicles featured on Sunday. Furthermore, the decline of the Geneva International Motor Show left a void in the supercar calendar that The Quail has skillfully filled.
For instance, the Lamborghini Aventador debuted at Geneva in 2011, and the ultra-exclusive Veneno followed in 2013. The Aventador’s successor, the Revuelto, made its initial public appearance through an online unveiling. However, the Temerario, the replacement for the Huracán, was first showcased at The Quail in 2024. Similarly, the Fenomeno, priced at seven figures, made its world debut at the 2025 Quail. Bugatti unveiled the Chiron in Geneva in 2016, but both the Bugatti Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022) were first shown to the world at The Quail. These examples illustrate that The Quail has evolved into the premier destination for showcasing the latest advancements in high-performance automotive engineering.
Until recently, I believed The Quail’s position in the global automotive hierarchy was secure. However, my experience at the 2025 Las Vegas Concours (officially known as Concours at Wynn Las Vegas) has made me reconsider. I attended the 2024 Vegas Concours and found it to be somewhat regional, if not provincial, despite having some impressive vehicles. If not for a project I was working on with Czinger, which invited me as a guest, I likely would not have attended. However, I am grateful that I did, as the event was truly remarkable.
What Is the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas?
The 2025 Las Vegas Concours was defined by its exceptional collection of vehicles. This year, the Wynn featured 48 Bugatti Veyrons, a staggering number considering the total production run of 450. Of the 450 Veyrons ever built, 100 were sold in North America, meaning nearly 11% of all Veyrons were present at the Wynn. Furthermore, Bugatti displayed a pristine white Vitesse Super Sport to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Veyron. The Bugatti presence also included a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a concept model of the upcoming Tourbillon, an 18-cylinder hybrid slated to succeed the Chiron. Presenting more than 10% of all Bugatti Veyrons ever produced in a single location was truly unprecedented.
The fascination with Bugatti was matched by an equally impressive display of Paganis. Although the exact number was not recorded, it exceeded 40 vehicles. Among them were several Zondas, including a Zonda Revolution (one of only five ever produced), dozens of Huayras, numerous Utopias, and, perhaps most notably for The Quail, the debut of the Huayra Codalunga Speedster. Pagani plans to produce only ten of these vehicles, each with an estimated price of $7 million before taxes and tariffs. The striking mint-green specimen at the Wynn was reportedly owned by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Even if extroverted, carbo-titanium machines are not your preference, the significance of the 2025 Las Vegas Concours is undeniable. It was the largest gathering of Paganis in North America, and the fact that Horatio Pagani (who was honored for his contributions to automotive design) and his team chose this event to introduce a new vehicle speaks volumes about the show’s growing stature.
The Lamborghini display was equally astonishing for those who appreciate these high-performance vehicles. The 2025 Wynn Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest assembly of Lamborghinis ever recorded. While I did not count the exact number, the figure being discussed was approximately 230 vehicles, out of the 600 cars present that Saturday. This concentration of Italian exotics was simply mind-blowing. The collection included a Veneno Coupe (one of only three sold to the public; the factory retains the 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 I witnessed all these limited-edition models, which Lamborghini now refers to as “few-offs,” in the same location was at the factory museum. It was a spectacular showcase of precious, high-horsepower Italian engineering and design.
In an effort to maintain brevity, I have omitted a comprehensive list of all the cars present. However, attendees were treated to displays of Koenigseggs, the Gumpert Apollo, Czingers, Nilu, the McLaren Project Endurance race car debut, and the vehicles that were actually judged. The judged display included a restored 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer 26/120/180, which had previously won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours—a testament to the quality of the Las Vegas Concours. The show also featured the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. It truly was an extraordinary gathering of automobiles.
What Could Possibly Come Next?
Two recurring themes emerged during conversations with fellow attendees at the Wynn Las Vegas Concours. The primary question was: “How on earth are they going to top this next year?” While I do not have the answer, I wish the organizers the best of luck. The second, and perhaps more intriguing, question came from the OEM manufacturers: “Should we even bother attending The Quail next year?” That is a pertinent question. Perhaps it is time to bid farewell to The Quail.
Things you may not know about The Quail: A single ticket cost $1,300 last year. This reduced price was offered as a courtesy to past attendees, referred to as “legacy ticket holders.” For first-time attendees, the cost was $1,600. This price may seem expensive, but it costs manufacturers approximately $400,000 to display a car at the event. For just six hours of coverage.
The Las Vegas Concours charges about one-twentieth of that price, and tickets for attendees cost only $100. That is roughly $2 per Veyron displayed. I spoke with three different manufacturers who openly questioned the need to attend The Quail again. They mused that perhaps Las Vegas and Moda Miami are sufficient. Furthermore, for attendees, the exorbitant hotel costs associated with Pebble Beach are not a concern. One friend mentioned paying $1,100 a night for a motel near Pebble, with a five-night minimum stay. Additionally, navigating the soul-crushing traffic that plagues Monterey and making dinner reservations is easier in Las Vegas, a city designed to accommodate large gatherings.
While this may sound far-fetched, only a few years ago, Geneva was the epicenter of the supercar world. 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.
In my experience as a collector and industry observer over the past decade, I have witnessed a significant shift in the automotive landscape. The rise of hypercars and limited-edition production vehicles has redefined the concept of a “concours” event. While the traditional concours continues to celebrate the craftsmanship of classic automobiles, modern gatherings like The Quail and the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas cater to a new breed of collector. This shift is driven by technological innovation, global connectivity, and a desire to witness automotive history in the making.
One of the most significant trends I have observed is the integration of digital experiences with physical events. For example, The Quail has embraced virtual reality to provide a more immersive experience for those who cannot attend in person. This allows a broader audience to appreciate the beauty of these machines and engage with the event. Additionally, many luxury automotive brands use these events as a platform to launch their latest models, creating a sense of excitement and exclusivity.
Another key aspect of modern concours events is the focus on sustainability and electric vehicles. While some collectors still favor gasoline-powered vehicles,
