The Concours at Wynn: A New Supercar Powerhouse
The world of exclusive car events is often defined by tradition, history, and a certain je ne sais quoi that separates the extraordinary from the merely exceptional. For decades, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has reigned supreme, setting the standard for automotive refinement and judging excellence. It is the crown jewel of Monterey Car Week, a week-long celebration of all things automotive that draws the world’s wealthiest collectors and the most coveted automobiles. But as the landscape of car culture evolves, so too must the hierarchy of its premier events. The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, traditionally the sophisticated appetizer to Pebble’s main course, has long been the darling of the contemporary supercar crowd. Yet, something monumental has occurred, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics of the haute couture automotive scene.
The arrival of the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas—and specifically the 2025 iteration—has sent shockwaves through the industry. This is not just another regional car show; it is a declaration of intent from one of the world’s most opulent entertainment destinations. The Wynn has positioned itself as a new heavyweight challenger, aiming to usurp The Quail as the must-attend venue for the latest hypercar debuts and the most extreme automotive engineering.
The Genesis of a Global Spectacle
The term “concours d’elegance” traditionally implies a competition focused on elegance, historical significance, and meticulous restoration—an association that typically brings to mind classic coachbuilt masterpieces and historically significant racing cars. However, the definition has broadened to encompass the cutting edge of modern automotive design. This shift has been driven by the rise of hypercars—machines that blur the lines between road-legal vehicles and orbital-bound spacecraft.
For many enthusiasts, particularly those who favor modern high-performance machines, The Quail has long superseded the Sunday concours at Pebble Beach. The Quail’s primary allure lies in its focus on the latest and most extreme new supercars. The demise of the Geneva International Motor Show left a significant void in the supercar calendar, and The Quail has masterfully filled it. The Lamborghini Temerario, the predecessor to the Huayra, made its world debut at The Quail in 2024. Similarly, the seven-figure Fenomeno was first unveiled there in 2025. While Bugatti introduced the Chiron in Geneva in 2016, the Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022) both debuted at The Quail. These examples are merely the tip of the iceberg. The Quail has solidified its reputation as the premier showcase for these cutting-edge machines.
Until the recent Halloween celebration, I had believed The Quail’s standing was unassailable. My attendance at the 2024 Wynn Concours was enjoyable, though it felt somewhat provincial. It showcased interesting cars, but mostly the usual suspects. Had I not been working with Czinger, I might not have attended the 2025 event. But I am eternally grateful that I did. The Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has reached a level that has left me questioning The Quail’s dominance in the global automotive landscape.
The Scale of the Spectacle: A Quantum Leap in Automotive Gatherings
One cannot speak about the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas without addressing the sheer scale of the collection. The number of vehicles present was staggering, particularly when looking at specific marques. The Bugatti Veyron was the most eye-opening example. The Wynn proudly displayed 48 Bugatti Veyrons on the lawn. Given the total production of 450 units and only 100 sold in North America, having 48 present is a feat in itself. Bugatti also provided a beautiful white Vitesse Super Sport to celebrate the Veyron’s 20th anniversary, alongside a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a model of the upcoming 18-cylinder hybrid Tourbillon. To assemble more than 10% of all the Bugatti Veyrons ever built in one location is a testament to the logistical prowess of the Wynn and the organizers.
The younger generation of enthusiasts certainly appreciates Pagani, and the Wynn delivered spectacularly in this regard. While the exact number wasn’t officially released, it’s estimated that over 40 Pagani vehicles were present. This included several Zondas, including a Zonda Revolution (one of only five ever built), dozens of Huayras, a collection of Utopias, and—a significant development for The Quail—the debut of the Huayra Codalunga Speedster. Pagani plans to produce only 10 of these specialized machines, each carrying a price tag of $7 million before taxes and tariffs. (The mint green example present under the covers is reportedly owned by Apple’s Tim Cook.) Even for those who might not favor these carbon-titanium extroverts, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours hosted the largest gathering of Paganis in North American history is significant. Furthermore, Horacio Pagani, who was honored onstage by emcee Justin Bell for his contributions to automotive design, and his team chose this venue to introduce a new model, signaling a major endorsement. To put 40+ Paganis in perspective, this is more cars than the factory produces in an entire year.
The Lamborghini display was equally mind-blowing for enthusiasts of this iconic brand. The 2025 Wynn Concours hosted the largest gathering of Lamborghini vehicles in history—a truly unprecedented achievement. Although the exact count was not provided, the prevailing figure was around 230. This means that 230 of the 600 vehicles present on the lawn that Saturday belonged to Lamborghini. To understand the magnitude of this, consider the types of vehicles on display. There was a Veneno Coupe (one of only three ever sold to the public, with the factory retaining a fourth), a Sesto Elemento (one of only 10), a Centenario Coupe (one of 20) and Convertible (one of 20), and a Reventón (one of 21). The last time all these rare models, which Lamborghini now refers to as “few-offs,” were together in the same place was at the factory’s museum. It was a spectacular display of precious, high-horsepower Italian metal and composite materials.
In the interest of brevity, I will leave out the extensive collections 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 stunning 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer 26/120/180 that had previously won Pre-War Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours), the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. This is what constitutes “not talking about” the event. It’s an absolute car show that has to be seen to be believed.
What Could Possibly Come Next?
Two recurring themes dominated conversations among attendees at the Wynn Vegas Concours. The first was the question, “How on earth are they going to top this next year?” No one seems to have an answer, but I wish the Wynn the best of luck. The second, and frankly more intriguing, question from the OEM carmakers was, “Should we even bother with The Quail next year?” That is a pertinent question. Perhaps I should offer my best wishes to The Quail as well.
There are a few facts about The Quail that you may not know. Last year, a single ticket cost $1,300. This was the “legacy ticket” price for returning attendees. For first-time visitors, the cost was $1,600. This is expensive, but OEMs spend about $400,000 to exhibit a car at The Quail, and that’s for only six hours. The Vegas Concours charges about one-twentieth of that amount. And if you want to attend, tickets are only $100 each. That’s about $2 per Veyron. I spoke with three different car manufacturers who openly questioned the necessity of ever returning to The Quail. They mused that perhaps Las Vegas and Moda Miami are sufficient. Furthermore, attendees won’t be paying heart-attack-inducing prices for hotels (one friend paid $1,100 a night for a motel near Pebble, with a five-night minimum stay) nor dealing with soul-crushing traffic while rushing from one event to another. Booking dinner reservations is also simple because Las Vegas is designed to handle large gatherings.
The above may sound far-fetched, but just a few years ago, Geneva was the center 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 consider adding it to yours as well. This new event offers a refreshing alternative to the established circuits, blending the elegance of a concours with the modern dynamism of the supercar era.
Where the Supercar Scene is Headed
The shift in the automotive landscape has been gradual but undeniable. The allure of the traditional concours is fading for younger collectors, who are more interested in the latest advancements in engineering, performance, and design. The Quail has successfully captured this segment, but the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has taken it to a new level. The sheer volume and rarity of the vehicles present suggest a commitment to establishing this as a long-term competitor to The Quail, and potentially, even Pebble Beach.