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!

by Bernard Martin

Concours d'Elegance, which translates to "Competition of Elegance," originated in 17th-century France as a parade of horse-drawn carriages among the aristocracy. These events were held in parks and gardens, where wealthy participants showcased their luxurious and ornate carriages. As the automotive era began in the early 20th century, these competitions evolved into exhibitions of high-end automobiles, celebrating their craftsmanship, design, and innovation.

Concours d’Élégance de Dinard
The modern Concours d’Elegance began in the 1920s, blending automotive design with high fashion in sophisticated settings. The Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Époque (FFVE) recognizes the Concours d’Élégance de Dinard, held on September 4, 1921, in the chic resort town of Dinard on France’s west coast, as the first official Concours d’Elegance.

This landmark event attracted over 100 vehicles for the rally, with 30 cars competing in the Concours itself. It was not merely a showcase of luxury automobiles but also a celebration of the latest fashion trends, as prominent personalities from the arts, industry, and fashion sectors, including André Citroën, founder of the Citroën automobile company, gathered to enjoy the spectacle. The glamorous seaside resort provided a fitting backdrop for this marriage of style and innovation, setting the tone for the elegant and exclusive Concours events that followed.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
One of the earliest examples of a Concours d’Elegance is the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, originally known as the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este. This prestigious international competition for motor cars was first held on September 1, 1929, just two months before the Wall Street Crash. It was a collaborative effort by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, and the Comitato di Cura di Como, taking place at the opulent Villa d’Este hotel on Lake Como, Italy.

From its inception, the event became a celebrated showcase of elegance and cutting-edge automotive technology, attracting affluent collectors, designers, and manufacturers. After a hiatus of several decades, the Concorso was revived in 2009, with the BMW Group partnering with the Villa d’Este hotel to organize the event. Since then, it has continued to draw international attention and acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the most distinguished automotive exhibitions in the world.

The Three Pillars of a Concours d’Elegance
Not only did automakers and coachbuilders use the Concours d’Elegance as a prestigious platform to debut and promote their latest models, but fashion houses seized the opportunity to showcase their designs, often creating ensembles that complemented the cars on display. These events became a theatrical blend of artistry and innovation, where automobiles and haute couture were inextricably linked. To elevate the glamour, renowned stars and socialites were invited to present the cars, embodying the sophistication of both the vehicles and the fashion.

A Concours d’Elegance brought together the “three Cs”

• Constructor - the carmaker
• Carrossier - the coachbuilder
• Couturier - the fashion designer

Each contributed to the spectacle, with the car’s design reflecting modern engineering and style, the coachwork highlighting craftsmanship and creativity, and the attire emphasizing elegance and trend-setting fashion. These synergies elevated the Concours beyond a mere car show, transforming it into an immersive celebration of luxury, design, and cultural refinement. It was a place where cutting-edge automotive innovation met the artistry of bespoke tailoring, creating an aspirational lifestyle that continues to define the spirit of Concours events today.

Post-World War II, the focus shifted to showcasing restored vintage and classic cars, emphasizing preservation and historical significance. Today, these events are prestigious gatherings of automotive connoisseurs, blending art, luxury, and heritage.

The partnership between luxury resorts and Concours d’Elegance events has been a defining factor in elevating these exhibitions to global prominence. Two of the most renowned examples--Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance—demonstrate how these collaborations blend breathtaking settings with unmatched elegance and refinement.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance began in 1950 as a complement to the Pebble Beach Road Races, an event aimed at showcasing post-war automobiles. Organized by the Del Monte Properties Company, which owned the Pebble Beach Resort, the Concours quickly became synonymous with sophistication, held on the iconic 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Over time, the event expanded to feature immaculately restored vintage and classic cars, drawing elite collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. The seamless connection between the event and the Pebble Beach Resort remains central to its prestige, offering participants and spectators an experience that merges automotive artistry with the natural beauty of the California coastline.

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Similarly, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, founded in 1996, owes its success to a strategic partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. When the resort approached Bill Warner, a seasoned automotive photographer and enthusiast, the vision was clear: create a premier event that would position Amelia Island as a luxury destination. Warner delivered by blending motorsports history with the charm of rare and exotic automobiles. The Ritz-Carlton’s lush oceanfront lawns provided an exquisite backdrop, and its dedication to providing a world-class experience became integral to the Concours’ rise to global acclaim. This collaboration highlights how a resort’s elegance and hospitality enhance the overall prestige of a Concours.

The bottom line: Top-tier Concours d’Elegance thrive on their ability to integrate luxury, art, and history within a resort setting. The venues provide more than just scenic beauty; they create a framework of exclusivity that attracts the world’s most discerning collectors and connoisseurs. By incorporating elements of high fashion, fine dining, and cultural sophistication, these events elevate themselves beyond automotive exhibitions, offering a glimpse into an aspirational lifestyle.

This synergy of resort partnerships, artistry, and heritage is what sets the most prestigious Concours apart, making them not only celebrations of automotive excellence but also sophisticated cultural events.

Concours d’Elegance events have evolved into more than just exhibitions of rare and exquisite automobiles; they are immersive experiences that celebrate the intersection of art, design, and luxury.

From the historical significance of Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach to the innovation of modern events like Chantilly and Audrain Newport, each Concours brings a unique blend of heritage and contemporary sophistication.

As these prestigious gatherings continue to inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide, they remain a testament to the enduring allure of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural refinement in the world of classic and modern automobiles.