When the first concours d’elegance was held in late-19th century France, it judged horse-drawn carriages on style, build quality, and presentation. As automobiles appeared in the early 20th century, the competitions shifted to motorcars, assessing chassis, coachwork, mechanical originality, and documented history. By the 1920s and 1930s, these events had spread across Europe, creating a formal framework for evaluating cars that went beyond performance to reward precision, craftsmanship, and heritage.
Nearly a century later, concours remain the ultimate benchmark in the classic car world. Entry alone marks a car as historically significant, while a top prize can cement its status among collectors. These gatherings set standards for restoration, mechanical authenticity, and historical importance. Here are five of the world’s most renowned concours that continue to define which cars are worth preserving and celebrating in the motoring world.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Pebble Beach, California, USA
Pebble Beach is widely regarded as the benchmark for collector car events. Since 1950, it has been held on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, attracting rare and historically important cars from around the world. Cars are judged on mechanical originality, coachwork accuracy, and documented history. A Best of Show at Pebble Beach can permanently raise a car’s profile, and the event also anchors Monterey Car Week, one of the busiest periods in the classic car calendar.
Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally
New Delhi, India
Founded in 1964, the Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is India’s oldest and most enduring classic car event. Held annually in New Delhi, the rally brings together pre-war and post-war automobiles, vintage motorcycles, and coachbuilt classics from across the country. While less formal in judging than European concours, its emphasis lies in preservation, originality, and regular use. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in keeping India’s historic vehicles roadworthy rather than museum-bound.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Lake Como, Italy
First held in 1929, Villa d’Este is one of the oldest and most exclusive concours in the world. Set on the grounds of the historic Villa d’Este hotel, it hosts around 50 of the rarest and most historically significant cars each year. Judges focus on build quality, originality, and historical relevance. The event also includes a public vote, the Coppa d’Oro, which allows enthusiasts to recognise standout cars, while the main awards remain strictly judged by experts.
Oberoi Concours D'Elegance
Udaipur, India
Launched in 2023 at The Oberoi Udaivilas, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance marked a turning point for concours culture in India. With international judges, tightly curated entries, and class structures aligned with global standards, the event brought India into the modern concours conversation. Automobiles and motorcycles were assessed on originality, restoration accuracy, and provenance, placing Indian collections alongside some of the finest global examples in a setting that echoed the country’s royal motoring heritage.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Amelia Island, Florida, USA
Founded in 1996, Amelia Island has grown into one of North America’s most respected concours. Held each March at The Ritz-Carlton, it showcases over 250 vehicles across more than 30 classes, from pre-war classics to landmark endurance racers. Judging emphasises documented history, mechanical authenticity, and preservation standards. Amelia Island also supports local charities, linking the classic car world with community initiatives.
Cartier Travel with Style Concours d'Elegance
Rajasthan, India
Held in the early 2000s, Cartier Travel with Style remains one of the most significant concours ever staged in India. Set against royal palaces in Rajasthan, the event combined international judging standards with a celebration of India’s historic relationship with luxury automobiles. Many cars shown had direct provenance linking them to princely states, making the concours as much about cultural history as mechanical excellence. Though no longer active, it established a benchmark for luxury automotive events in the country.
ICE St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland
The International Concours of Elegance (ICE) St. Moritz is held on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz, creating a rare and highly visible platform for historic cars. Launched in 2019, it quickly gained recognition for the combination of static display and on-ice demonstrations. Cars are judged on mechanical accuracy, coachwork quality, and historical importance. The Alpine setting adds a challenging element, as vehicles must be in perfect running condition to be driven safely on ice.
Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace
London, United Kingdom
Since 2012, the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace has become Britain’s leading collector car event. Around 60 of the rarest and most historically significant cars are invited each year. Judges assess mechanical originality, bodywork, and documented provenance. The palace backdrop highlights the historical aspect of the vehicles rather than the spectacle, reinforcing the concours’ focus on cars as cultural and mechanical artifacts.
In the world of classic motoring, these concours remain the ultimate measure of mechanical authenticity, heritage, and significance.
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