In the elite echelon of automotive gatherings, where high-caliber machinery is showcased and judged for its sartorial excellence and overall presentation, the term “concours d’elegance” is commonly defined as a competitive exhibition of vehicular artifacts and accessories assessed primarily on aesthetic merit and refined styling.
For enthusiasts immersed in the rarefied domain of luxury and sports cars, the inevitable inquiry that arises is whether any particular concours surpasses the fabled Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This latter event is typically understood to encompass the entirety of the annual Monterey Car Week, a spectacular aggregation of exclusive happenings culminating on the final Sunday with arguably the zenith of the concours calendar. Indeed, these synchronized events constitute an ostentatious spectacle of the world’s most expensive and sought-after automobiles. Nevertheless, the perennial question persists: Is the Goodwood Festival of Speed superior to Pebble Beach? What about the Goodwood Revival, Amelia Island, Moda Miami, or the renowned Retromobile in Paris, or the burgeoning Audrain Concours in Newport, Rhode Island?
Across the global landscape of exclusive automotive exhibitions, wherever the discerning collector and the fashionable elite congregate to admire peerless vehicular specimens, the question invariably arises: Is Pebble Beach still the undisputed sovereign? The incontrovertible reality is that Pebble Beach retains its regal standing within the concours hierarchy. However, the esteemed heir apparent to the Pebble throne—namely, The Quail—now faces a formidable challenger.
The Strategic Imperative of The Quail
The Quail, officially designated as “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering,” has historically served as the preliminary offering to the main event, the Sunday Pebble Beach Concours. However, for a progressively growing segment of the automotive aficionado community, The Quail has long surpassed its predecessor in significance. This demographic typically harbors a fervent enthusiasm for contemporary or brand-new supercars and hypercars. I have lost count of the number of automotive acquaintances who travel to Monterey Car Week solely to bypass the Sunday event, expressing no interest in observing what they refer to as “just old cars.” Furthermore, the demise of the Geneva International Auto Show left a conspicuous void in the global calendar for supercar unveilings—a deficiency that The Quail has successfully filled.
To illustrate this point, consider the official public debut of the Lamborghini Aventador, which occurred at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, followed by the introduction of the ultra-exclusive Veneno in 2013. The successor to the Aventador, the Revuelto, was unveiled via a digital presentation; however, the Temerario—the planned replacement for the Lamborghini Huracán—was first showcased at The Quail in 2024. A similar precedent was set with the unveiling of the seven-figure Fenomeno, which made its debut at The Quail in 2025. Although Bugatti revealed the Chiron in Geneva in 2016, the Bugatti Divo (2018) and the Mistral (2022) were both publicly introduced for the first time at The Quail. This pattern extends to dozens of other vehicles, firmly establishing The Quail as the premier venue for these types of ultra-high-performance machines on a global scale.
Until the most recent Halloween observance, I considered The Quail’s position within the global automotive hierarchy to be unassailable. However, my attendance at the 2025 Las Vegas Concours—officially known as the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas—has compelled me to reassess this assumption. It is essential to note that I also attended the 2024 iteration of the Las Vegas Concours; while it was an enjoyable experience, it felt more localized than world-class. The selection of vehicles was respectable but largely comprised the usual suspects. Indeed, had it not been for a collaborative project I was undertaking with Czinger, which granted me attendance as a guest, I likely would not have participated this year. Regardless, I am profoundly gratified that I made the effort to attend.
A Comprehensive Assessment of the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas
The Wynn Las Vegas exhibition featured an astonishing array of 48 Bugatti Veyrons on the lawn. This number is indeed remarkable. Of the 450 Bugatti Veyrons produced in total, and the 100 units sold in North America, precisely 48 were displayed at the Las Vegas event. In reality, there were 49 specimens, as Bugatti also presented a stunning white Vitesse Super Sport to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Veyron. Furthermore, the display included a Bolide, a Centodieci, a Chiron Super Sport, a Divo, a Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming Tourbillon, the 18-cylinder hybrid engine destined to succeed the Chiron. However, the aggregation of more than 10% of all Bugatti Veyrons ever manufactured at a single venue has profoundly impacted my perspective on automotive exhibitions.
Beyond the esteemed Bugatti marque, the event catered to enthusiasts of Pagani vehicles as well. An estimated 40+ Paganis were present, though an exact headcount was elusive due to my personal fascination with the Veyron displays. The collection included several Zonda models, notably a Zonda Revolution (one of only five ever built). There were also dozens of Huayra models, a substantial cohort of Utopias, and—a development that undoubtedly concerns The Quail—the public debut of the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster. Pagani intends to produce only ten examples of this exclusive model, with an anticipated price tag of approximately $7 million each before taxes and import duties, should one be interested in acquiring one. (The mint green variant displayed at the Las Vegas event, housed under wraps, is owned by Apple CEO Tim Cook.) Even for individuals who do not favor these carbon-titanium extrovers, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours hosted both the largest gathering of Pagani vehicles ever assembled in North America and the official launch of a new model by Horatio Pagani himself (who was honored on stage by host Justin Bell for his substantial contributions to automotive design) speaks volumes. Returning to the topic of the more than 40 Paganis, this represents a quantity exceeding the total annual production volume of the factory.
The Lamborghini display was equally astonishing for those who appreciate these particular vehicles. To begin with, the 2025 Wynn Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest assembly of Lamborghini vehicles ever recorded. Once again, precise figures were not formally released, but the prevalent estimate suggested approximately 230 units. This represents a significant proportion of the total 600 vehicles present on that Saturday, which is frankly awe-inspiring. Among these 230 Lamborghinis were a Veneno Coupe (one of only three sold to the public; the manufacturer retained a fourth unit), a Sesto Elemento (one of only ten), a Centenario coupe (one of twenty) and convertible (one of twenty), and a Reventón (one of twenty-one). The last time I witnessed such a comprehensive collection of these “limited-edition” models, as Lamborghini now refers to them, was at the factory’s official museum. It was a breathtaking panorama of precious, high-horsepower Italian metal and composite materials.
Cost Analysis and Investment Viability of Specialty Vehicles
For prospective buyers or collectors considering the acquisition of these limited-edition supercars, the financial outlay is substantial. For example, the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster commands a staggering price tag of $7 million. These figures necessitate careful consideration of market value and return on investment.
Key Decisions Facing Owners and Enthusiasts
Investment Strategy: Given the escalating value of these limited-production hypercars, they are increasingly viewed not just as vehicles but as tangible assets that appreciate over time.
Acquisition Costs: Prospective buyers must factor in the high purchase price, taxes, and potential import duties, which can significantly inflate the total investment.
Market Volatility: While demand for these vehicles often outpaces supply, the market remains susceptible to fluctuations. Investors must conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.
What This Means for Automotive Enthusiasts in 2026
The current market conditions suggest a dynamic landscape for collectors. While prices for top-tier marques remain high, the burgeoning popularity of these events offers unprecedented access to automotive history and innovation. The decision of whether to purchase, wait, or rent/invest depends on individual financial capacity and market analysis.
Cost Breakdown and Pricing Impact
The financial implications of participation in premium concours events are considerable. Attending The Quail in 2025 incurred a cost of $1,300 for legacy ticket holders and $1,600 for first-time attendees. For automakers, exhibiting at The Quail costs approximately $400,000 for a six-hour display. In contrast, the Las Vegas Concours charges significantly less—about one-twentieth of that cost. Tickets to the Las Vegas Concours are priced at $100 per person, equating to approximately $2 per Veyron on display. This cost differential has prompted several manufacturers to question the necessity of continuing to attend The Quail, musing whether Las Vegas and Moda Miami might suffice. Moreover, attendees at the Las Vegas Concours benefit from significantly lower accommodation costs, avoiding the exorbitant rates found near Pebble Beach, as well as avoiding the soul-crushing traffic and the difficulty of securing dinner reservations in the latter area. Las Vegas, by design, is better equipped to handle large gatherings.
The above observation may appear unconventional, but it is grounded in precedent. Only a few years ago, the Geneva Motor Show was the epicenter of the supercar world. While I cannot definitively predict the future, I can assure you that the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas
