The Top Concours d’Elegance in the World

by Bernard Martin

As a follow up on our article a few months ago, the History of Concours d'Elegance, we've been getting questions about what are the top concours in the world right now.  That can be a tough question to answer, especially if you hope to continue to get press credentials, but I'm giving it a go here.

The world of Concours d’Elegance represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry, luxury, and historical significance. From the shores of Lake Como to the scenic fairways of Pebble Beach, these events showcase the most exquisite and rare automobiles, blending elegance, innovation, and cultural heritage. Each Concours offers a unique experience, whether through its iconic setting, exclusive entries, or integration of art and fashion.

In this article we rank the top Concours d’Elegance globally, exploring their stories and what makes them stand out in the automotive world.  You may agree or disagree with the list and we do welcome your comments!

1. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (United States) Held on the scenic 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, this prestigious event began in 1950 as a complement to the Pebble Beach Road Races. It is now the pinnacle of automotive exhibitions, showcasing rare vintage and classic cars in a luxurious coastal setting. Universally regarded as the pinnacle of Concours events, Pebble Beach sets the standard for elegance, exclusivity, and historical significance. It attracts the rarest cars, top-tier collectors, and global media attention, making it the most prestigious event in the world.
   
2. Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (Italy)
   Established in 1929, it takes place at the luxurious Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. Its roots, combined with its stunning setting and association with high fashion and design, cement its reputation as the most elegant European Concours. Known for its timeless sophistication, the event’s small scale and exclusivity further enhance its appeal, showcasing some of the world’s most exclusive classic and concept cars. There are some that say that because BMW is the main sponsor that the show is top heavy on BMW. 
3. Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (United States)
   Founded in 1996 in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, this Concours blends motorsports history with rare and exotic automobiles, offering a unique mix of luxury, art, and automotive culture on Florida’s scenic coast. Its affiliation with The Ritz-Carlton elevates its profile, and it’s considered the second most prestigious Concours in the U.S. after Pebble Beach.
4. Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille (France)
   Established in 2014, it is held on the picturesque grounds of the Château de Chantilly, blending automotive elegance with high fashion and historic art. This breathtaking showcase of culture and luxury has quickly risen to prominence, thanks to its distinctive cultural cachet, innovative approach, and stunning historic setting.
5. Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival Concours (United Kingdom)
   Created in 1993 by the Duke of Richmond, this event is a celebration of historic racing and classic cars. Held on the Goodwood Estate, it blends modern automotive innovation with nostalgic charm. Goodwood’s focus on historic racing and classic cars, coupled with its broad appeal to motorsports enthusiasts, makes it a globally significant event. Its long-standing reputation and unique celebration of motorsport heritage solidify its place in the top tier.
6. Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance (United Kingdom)
   First held in 2006 at Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is renowned for its luxurious atmosphere, fine dining, and a stunning display of both classic and contemporary vehicles. This event blends luxury, fine dining, and a wide array of classic and modern vehicles. Its emphasis on elegance and exclusivity makes it one of the UK’s premier Concours.
7. Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace (United Kingdom) - Held at the historic Hampton Court Palace, this event is renowned for its regal setting and exceptional collection of rare and historic automobiles. Established in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it quickly gained recognition as one of the most prestigious Concours events in the world. The event showcases around 60 of the finest cars, handpicked from private collections across the globe, offering attendees an unparalleled glimpse into automotive history. Its combination of elegance, exclusivity, and a royal backdrop makes it a fitting addition to the top 10 Concours list.
8. Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week (United States) Held in Newport, Rhode Island, this event combines the charm of historic mansions with a world-class display of classic and modern vehicles. Established in 2019, it has quickly risen to prominence, attracting top collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Its unique blend of elegance, history, and contemporary innovation makes it a standout in the Concours world.
9. The Eyes On Design Concours (United States) - Held annually at the historic Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, this unique Concours celebrates the artistry of automotive design. Founded in 1987, it focuses on innovation, aesthetic excellence, and future trends in design. Proceeds from the event benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, adding a philanthropic dimension to its prestige. It mirrors most closely the original meaning of a concours with regard to the latest in design.
10. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (United States) - Founded in 2003 by the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, it is a cornerstone of Monterey Car Week. This exclusive event showcases high-performance vehicles and vintage classics in an intimate and luxurious setting. With its gourmet dining, limited attendance, and carefully curated atmosphere, it has become a favorite among collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.
    

How We Ranked the
Top Concours

1. Historical Significance
   Events like Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este naturally take the top spots because of their rich histories and their foundational roles in shaping the Concours tradition.
2. Prestige and Exclusivity
   The more exclusive the event—think limited entries, VIP access, and rare vehicles—the higher it ranks... to a point.  There should be an element of permitting the public and the next generation to be exposed to these designs and whet their appeitite to be inspired.  High-profile collectors and vehicles also add to the allure.
3. Setting and Partnership
   Iconic locations, especially those tied to luxury resorts or hotels, elevate an event's status. The right setting adds sophistication and reinforces the event's elegance.
4. International Recognition and Media Coverage
   Events with a global reach, like Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, benefit from widespread media attention and international acclaim, making them more prestigious.
5. Innovation and Impact
   Creativity matters too. Events like Chantilly and The Quail that blend automotive culture with art, fashion, and motorsport stand out for their unique and innovative approaches.

Concours d’Elegance events represent the perfect fusion of automotive craftsmanship, history, and luxury. From the timeless elegance of Villa d’Este to the innovation of The Quail, each event on this list offers a unique experience, reflecting the evolving spirit of these prestigious showcases.

Whether through their historic roots, exclusive entries, or breathtaking settings, these Concours continue to inspire and captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world, solidifying their place as cultural and artistic landmarks in the automotive industry.

What are your thoughts??