The Concours at Wynn Las Vegas: America’s New Global Supercar Mecca
The definition of a “concours d’elegance” traditionally refers to a showcase or competition where vehicles and their adornments are evaluated primarily for their aesthetic perfection and presentation. Yet, as the luxury automotive landscape evolves, the very essence of what defines the ultimate automotive event has begun to shift.
In the elite circles of automotive connoisseurship, the perennial question inevitably arises: Which event reigns supreme? For decades, the benchmark has been the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The “Pebble Concours,” more broadly understood as the entirety of Monterey Car Week, represents a decadent convergence of high-value, vintage, and iconic automobiles, culminating on Sunday in what many consider the zenith of the concours d’elegance tradition. However, the modern automotive aficionado often finds themselves debating whether the venerable traditions of Pebble can truly capture the fervor of contemporary automotive achievement.
We are frequently asked if the Goodwood Festival of Speed—with its dynamic displays of automotive history in motion—surpasses Pebble. Or perhaps the Goodwood Revival, the Audrain Concours, or Moda Miami? Does the historic allure of Retromobile in Paris still hold the crown? Every year, as the global community of discerning collectors and enthusiasts convenes to appreciate automotive masterpieces, we are asked if Pebble remains the undisputed sovereign of the concours world.
The truth is, Pebble Beach maintains its kingship in the realm of traditional concours. However, a formidable contender has emerged to challenge the legacy of both Pebble and its long-reigning heir apparent, The Quail. In the heart of the Las Vegas desert, the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has ascended to a new echelon, quickly transforming into arguably the most significant supercar event on the planet.
The Evolution of The Quail
For years, The Quail (officially named The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering) served as the quintessential prelude to the main event at Pebble Beach. In fact, a growing segment of the automotive community had already begun to regard The Quail as the superior experience, particularly for those enthusiasts captivated by the latest generation of supercars and hypercars. Countless friends in the car world make the pilgrimage to Monterey but depart early Sunday morning, having no interest in viewing “a bunch of old cars.”
The sudden demise of the Geneva International Motor Show left a gaping void in the global supercar calendar—a void that The Quail attempted to fill. We witnessed the Lamborghini Aventador’s public premiere in Geneva in 2011, followed by the exclusive Veneno in 2013. The Aventador’s successor, the Revuelto, arrived via an online unveiling. However, the Temerario (the Huracán’s successor) made its first public appearance at The Quail in 2024. This pattern continued with the seven-figure Fenomeno, which debuted at the 2025 Quail. While Bugatti unveiled the Chiron in Geneva in 2016, its successor models, the Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022), were both premiered at The Quail. This trajectory suggests that The Quail has, for some time, been the premier venue for unveiling the world’s most exclusive hypercars.
Until Halloween of this year, I believed The Quail’s status as the undisputed leader in the hypercar arena was unassailable. Then I attended the 2025 Las Vegas Concours. The experience fundamentally shifted my perception of what constitutes a world-class automotive exhibition. To provide context, I had attended the 2024 Vegas Concours as well. While enjoyable, that event felt regional, if not provincial. The displays consisted largely of familiar models, and had it not been for a project with Czinger that brought me as their guest, I likely would not have attended in 2025. However, my decision to return proved to be one of the most illuminating automotive experiences of the year.
The Scale of the Vegas Spectacular
The Wynn Las Vegas lawn was transformed into a surreal landscape this year, featuring no fewer than 48 Bugatti Veyrons. To grasp the magnitude of this feat, consider that of the 450 Veyrons ever produced and the 100 originally sold in North America, 48 were present in Vegas. If one includes the beautiful white Vitesse Super Sport brought by Bugatti to celebrate the Veyron’s 20th anniversary, alongside a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming 18-cylinder hybrid Tourbillon, the total reaches 49. Displaying more than 10 percent of the entire production run of the Veyron in a single location remains a mind-boggling achievement.
And what of the Lamborghini enthusiasts? The 2025 Vegas Concours was the largest gathering of Lamborghinis ever assembled. While I did not conduct an exact count, the consensus among attendees estimated the figure to be around 230. That represents a staggering 46 percent of the 600 vehicles displayed on that Saturday. The collection included a Veneno Coupe (one of only three sold to the public, with the factory retaining the fourth), a Sesto Elemento (one of only 10), a Centenario Coupe and Convertible (each one of 20), and a Reventón (one of 21). The last time all these limited-production models—what Lamborghini now terms “few-offs”—were seen together in one place was at the factory’s museum. It was an unbelievable spectacle of precious, high-horsepower Italian metal and composite construction.
To attempt brevity, I will omit the detailed descriptions of the extensive Koenigsegg display, the Gumpert Apollo, the Czingers, the Nilu, the McLaren Project Endurance race car debut, all the vehicles that were officially judged (including a former 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer, the winner of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours prewar Best of Show), the HWA EVO, the Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. This just scratches the surface of what constitutes one of the most impressive car shows ever conceived.
The Unexpected Shift in Global Priorities
Two primary themes dominated conversations among fellow attendees at the Wynn Las Vegas Concours. The first, and most prevalent question, was: “How on earth are they going to top this next year?” The answer remains elusive, but one must admire the ambition of the Wynn organizers. The second question, however, was far more intriguing and profoundly consequential for the future of automotive events. It was posed repeatedly by automotive manufacturers: “Should we even bother attending The Quail next year?”
This question, while provocative, is entirely justified. Should we prepare to bid farewell to The Quail?
Rethinking The Value Proposition
To truly appreciate the transformative impact of the Vegas Concours, one must examine the cost-benefit analysis from the perspective of the manufacturers. Last year, a single ticket for The Quail cost $1,300 for “legacy” holders and $1,600 for first-time attendees. These prices are staggering, but the primary cost is borne by the manufacturers. Setting up a stand at The Quail costs approximately $400,000 for a mere six hours.
In stark contrast, the Las Vegas Concours charges approximately one-twentieth of that amount. Entrance tickets cost a mere $100 per person. Imagine, paying roughly $2 per Bugatti Veyron on display—a fraction of the cost associated with legacy events. I spoke with three different manufacturers who openly questioned the necessity of ever attending The Quail again. They mused whether Las Vegas and Moda Miami might now offer a more compelling experience.
For attendees, the logistical and financial burdens of the legacy events become clear. One cannot simply book an affordable hotel; instead, friends reported paying over $1,100 per night at a motel near Pebble Beach, with a five-night minimum commitment. Navigating the infamous Monterey traffic is an exercise in pure frustration. Moreover, securing dinner reservations is a Sisyphean task. Las Vegas, by its very design, is built to accommodate large gatherings efficiently. It is easier to dine in Las Vegas than in the charmingly intimate—and often overwhelmed—communities of Monterey and Carmel.
What seems far-fetched today was unimaginable just a few years ago. The Geneva International Motor Show was once the undisputed epicenter of the supercar world. While predicting the future is impossible, I can assure you that the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has earned its place on my personal list of must-attend events. It is a list you should add it to as well.
Would you like to explore the future of global automotive exhibitions or compare the luxury experiences of The Quail and the Concours at Wynn?
The Concours at Wynn Las Vegas: America’s New Global Supercar Mecca
The definition of a “concours d’elegance” traditionally refers to a showcase or competition where vehicles and their adornments are evaluated primarily for their aesthetic perfection and presentation. Yet, as the luxury automotive landscape evolves, the very essence of what defines the ultimate automotive event has begun to shift.
In the elite circles of automotive connoisseurship, the perennial question inevitably arises: Which event reigns supreme? For decades, the benchmark has been the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The “Pebble Concours,” more broadly understood as the entirety of Monterey Car Week, represents a decadent convergence of high-value, vintage, and iconic automobiles, culminating on Sunday in what many consider the zenith of the concours d’elegance tradition. However, the modern automotive aficionado often finds themselves debating whether the venerable traditions of Pebble can truly capture the fervor of contemporary automotive achievement.
We are frequently asked if the Goodwood Festival of Speed—with its dynamic displays of automotive history in motion—surpasses Pebble. Or perhaps the Goodwood Revival, the Audrain Concours, or Moda Miami? Does the historic allure of Retromobile in Paris still hold the crown? Every year, as the global community of discerning collectors and enthusiasts convenes to appreciate automotive masterpieces, we are asked if Pebble remains the undisputed sovereign of the concours world.
The truth is, Pebble Beach maintains its kingship in the realm of traditional concours. However, a formidable contender has emerged to challenge the legacy of both Pebble and its long-reigning heir apparent, The Quail. In the heart of the Las Vegas desert, the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has ascended to a new echelon, quickly transforming into arguably the most significant supercar event on the planet.
The Evolution of The Quail
For years, The Quail (officially named The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering) served as the quintessential prelude to the main event at Pebble Beach. In fact, a growing segment of the automotive community had already begun to regard The Quail as the superior experience, particularly for those enthusiasts captivated by the latest generation of supercars and hypercars. Countless friends in the car world make the pilgrimage to Monterey but depart early Sunday morning, having no interest in viewing “a bunch of old cars.”
