The Standard for Automotive Excellence: An Expert’s Take on Concours d’Elegance in the Digital Age
Main Keyword: concours d’elegance
Core Ideas: The article discusses the changing landscape of concours d’elegance events, specifically positioning The Quail as a growing competitor to the renowned Pebble Beach Concours. It analyzes the factors contributing to this shift, including the appeal of modern supercars, the high cost of attending, and the emergence of new events like the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The author emphasizes that The Quail has become a crucial platform for major automakers to unveil new models and that the Las Vegas event has demonstrated significant potential for expansion and growth in the luxury automotive segment.
The Standard for Automotive Excellence: An Expert’s Take on Concours d’Elegance in the Digital Age
In the ever-evolving world of high-end automotive culture, the term \”concours d’elegance\” has become a benchmark for excellence, representing a gathering where vehicles are judged primarily on their aesthetic beauty and historical significance. For enthusiasts who follow these exclusive events, the annual discussion always returns to one fundamental question: how does a specific concours d’elegance measure up against the legendary status of Pebble Beach?
The iconic Pebble Beach Concours is, by all accounts, still the undisputed king of the automotive circuit. However, its long-held position is facing a stiff challenge from an increasingly compelling contender: The Quail. This elite event, part of the broader Monterey Car Week, has long been considered an essential appetizer to the main spectacle. Yet, for a growing segment of the car world, The Quail has already surpassed the prestige of Sunday’s main event. This shift is particularly evident among collectors and enthusiasts who prioritize cutting-edge supercars and hypercars over classic automobiles. Many are increasingly hesitant to make the significant investment of time and money to attend Car Week if it primarily features historical vehicles.
Moreover, the demise of the Geneva International Motor Show has left a premium gap in the calendar for supercar launches. The Quail has masterfully filled this void, transforming into a critical venue for automakers to debut their latest innovations to an audience of discerning buyers. Over the past decade, several game-changing vehicles have been unveiled at The Quail, cementing its status as the premier global platform for these types of exclusive machines.
For instance, the Lamborghini Aventador made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, followed by the groundbreaking Veneno in 2013. However, the unveiling of the Aventador’s successor, the Revuelto, was an online event. Yet, when Lamborghini introduced the Temerario, the successor to the Huracán, it was first presented to the world at The Quail in 2024. Similarly, the million-dollar Fenomeno made its grand entrance at The Quail in 2025. While Bugatti unveiled the Chiron in Geneva back in 2016, the Divo (2018) and the Mistral (2022) were both first revealed to the public at The Quail. These examples, and many others, demonstrate that The Quail has established itself as the world’s foremost show for luxury modern vehicles.
For years, I assumed The Quail’s dominance in the automotive landscape was secure. However, that perspective changed following my attendance at the 2025 Las Vegas Concours, also known as Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. To be frank, my previous visit to the Vegas Concours in 2024 had been enjoyable but ultimately underwhelming, feeling more regional than international. The vehicles were certainly impressive, but they largely consisted of the usual suspects. Had it not been for a project I was collaborating on with Czinger, which invited me as their guest, I likely would have skipped the 2025 event. I am incredibly grateful that I attended, though, as the experience redefined my understanding of what a concours d’elegance can be.
What the Las Vegas Concours Means for Modern Automotive Enthusiasts
To truly grasp the significance of the 2025 Las Vegas Concours, one must understand the scale and ambition behind the event. This wasn’t just another show; it was a statement. The Wynn Las Vegas transformed its lavish grounds into a showroom that featured one of the most spectacular collections of Bugatti automobiles ever assembled in North America. The sheer volume of Veyrons on display was staggering. The factory produced only 450 Veyrons in total, with a mere 100 sold in the North American market. Yet, an astonishing 48 of these limited-edition hypercars were present in Las Vegas.
The display included an additional Vitesse Super Sport in a beautiful white finish, marking the 20th anniversary of the Veyron. The Bugatti contingent was further bolstered by the presence of a Bolide, a Centodieci, a Chiron Super Sport, a Divo, a Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming Tourbillon, the 18-cylinder hybrid that will replace the iconic Chiron. Presenting more than 10% of all Bugatti Veyrons ever produced in a single location is a feat that is difficult to fully comprehend and continues to impress even today.
The impact of the Las Vegas Concours isn’t limited to Bugatti enthusiasts. The event successfully drew in a younger generation of collectors who favor Pagani automobiles. Attendees witnessed one of the largest gatherings of Paganis ever seen in North America, with over 40 models on display. While an exact headcount was elusive amidst the overwhelming display of automotive artistry, the presence of several Zondas—including a rare Zonda Revolution, one of only five ever produced—was breathtaking. Dozens of Huayras, numerous Utopias, and the highly anticipated debut of the Huayra Codalunga Speedster were also featured. With only 10 units planned for production at a price of approximately $7 million each before tax and tariffs, this unveiling represented a significant moment for the brand. The mint green model showcased in Las Vegas, reportedly belonging to Apple’s Tim Cook, added to the exclusivity of the moment.
Even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward these carbon-titanium extroverts, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest Pagani collection ever in North America, and that the founder, Horatio Pagani, was honored onstage by emcee Justin Bell for his lifetime contributions to automotive design, speaks volumes about the event’s growing influence. This level of attention from a marque as prestigious as Pagani underscores the strategic importance of this concours.
The Lamborghini display was equally mind-blowing for those who appreciate cutting-edge Italian automotive engineering. The 2025 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas featured the largest gathering of Lamborghinis ever assembled. While a precise count was difficult to ascertain amid the throngs of attendees, the number was estimated to be around 230 cars, representing roughly 600 of the total vehicles on display that Saturday. This density of high-performance vehicles was simply incredible. The exhibition included a Veneno Coupe, one of only three sold to the public (the factory retains the fourth unit), a Sesto Elemento (one of 10), a Centenario coupe (one of 20) and convertible (one of 20), and a Reventón (one of 21). The last time such a comprehensive collection of these \”limited runs\” (as Lamborghini brands them) was brought together was at the factory’s official museum. It was a flabbergasting spectacle of precious, high-horsepower Italian metal and composites.
While this report highlights only a selection of the most notable marques, the event’s depth was further evidenced by the inclusion of Koenigseggs, the Gumpert Apollo, the Czingers, the Nilu, the McLaren Project Endurance race car debut, 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 also earned top honors at the Vegas show—the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. In short, the 2025 Las Vegas Concours was a hell of a car show.
What Could Possibly Be Next in the Concours Landscape?
During the event, two specific conversations dominated my interactions with fellow attendees. The first and most immediate question was: “How are they possibly going to top this next year?” To be honest, I have no idea, but I wish the organizers at Wynn the very best of luck. The second question, and frankly the one that resonated far more deeply, was posed by representatives from OEM car manufacturers: “Should we even bother attending The Quail next year?”
This is a crucial question with significant implications for the future of the luxury automotive industry. The cost of attending premier automotive events has become a major factor in OEM decision-making. A single ticket to The Quail last year cost $1,300 for returning attendees and $1,600 for first-time visitors. While these prices might seem reasonable for an exclusive luxury experience, they pale in comparison to the cost faced by automakers. Companies typically spend approximately $400,000 to secure a display booth at The Quail for just six hours.
In stark contrast, the Las Vegas Concours charges approximately 1/20th of that amount to feature a vehicle. For attendees, ticket prices are a mere $100 per person, which translates to about $2 per Bugatti Veyron on display. This cost differential has prompted several car manufacturers to question the necessity of continuing their participation in
