The Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol 2026, organised by CAVËN under the vision of the Piëch family, celebrated a landmark edition, bringing together some of the most extraordinary creations in the global automotive industry across four days in Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
In a private format reserved for collectors, owners and invited guests, the event combined unique vehicles, driving experiences and exceptional locations, establishing itself as one of the leading gatherings for enthusiasts of collectible automobiles and high-performance cars.
The 2026 edition also benefited from the support of leading partners across different areas of luxury, design and excellence. With Bugatti as Main Partner, the event brought together, alongside the French marque companies, including Bombardier Jets, 180 Quarter, Drumelia, Hinves – Steinway & Sons, SPS, IXO Carbon and Maison Ë, organisations that share the event’s vision around design, innovation, craftsmanship and a lifestyle built around exclusivity.
The Exhibition Day brings together the world’s greatest automotive masterpieces
Under the Costa del Sol sunset, at the Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort, the Exhibition Day offered guests the opportunity to discover an exceptional selection of vehicles from some of the world’s most prestigious marques, ranging from the latest-generation hypercars to classics, one-off creations and handcrafted automobiles.
The presence of Bugatti, Main Partner of the Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol, was one of the highlights of the 2026 edition. The French marque brought together for the occasion an extraordinary selection of vehicles from different collections, including development prototypes and unique creations rarely seen together at the same event. Among them was the Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage, presented for the first time at a concours, alongside the new Bugatti Tourbillon, which made its first active appearance at an automotive event, including a road trip and a circuit session.
Bugatti’s presence was completed by special examples of its key models, including the Veyron La Finale, as well as eight development prototypes showcasing different stages of the marque’s technical evolution. Among them was a Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster with a naturally aspirated V16 engine, a secret prototype shown to the public for the first time, which served as a testbed for an engine architecture that was ultimately not introduced in the Bugatti Veyron.
The concentration of Bugatti models was one of the defining moments of the event, with many attendees sharing the same impression: “I have never seen so many Bugatti’s together in one place.”
Other leading marques, including Koenigsegg, Gordon Murray Automotive, Pagani, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche and Lamborghini, were represented alongside renowned design houses and coachbuilders such as Zagato, Isidera, Bertone and Kimera.
The Porsche Le Mans Tribute Collection from the Piëch family, featuring bespoke creations, was another major highlight, alongside exclusive one-off creations such as the Lamborghini Aventador J, Morgan Midsummer, Zagato Twintail, Spyker C8 Alieron, Porsche 996 GT1 and McLaren P1 chassis number 1.
An international jury of reference recognises the finest automotive creations
During the event, the international jury evaluated the participating vehicles, analysing aspects including design, history, engineering, uniqueness and significance within the world of collectible automobiles.
Comprising 24 leading figures from the worlds of automotive design, restoration and collecting, the jury brought together experts linked to institutions and concours events including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Hagerty, Petersen Automotive Museum, Ferrari Classiche, Italdesign and Pininfarina.
Its members included designers such as Fabrizio Giugiaro and Carlo Bonzanigo, as well as figures including Vince Finaldi, President of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; Ken Gross, former Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum; Nigel Matthews, Global Brand Ambassador for Hagerty; Gabriele Lalli, Manager of Ferrari Classiche; and Chris Kramer, international concours judge.
The awards recognised some of the most exceptional individual vehicles presented in Marbella. The Best Hypercar award was presented to the outstanding Koenigsegg Jesko entered in the competition; Best Vintage Supercar went to the immaculate Bugatti Veyron 16.4; and Best Motorsport was awarded to the valuable Ferrari 250 S Vignale ex Mille Miglia.
The Totem GT received the Best Fuera de Serie Award, while the Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII was awarded Best Pre-War. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster presented at the concours received Best Post-War and also claimed the event’s highest honour, the prestigious Best of Show award.
From the asphalt of Ascari to Gibraltar Airport: the automobile as an experience
The Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol was much more than a vehicle exhibition. Over four days, participants enjoyed a programme designed around driving and their passion for the automobile.
On Friday 2 October, owners took their vehicles to Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, where a dedicated track day was held. Some of the participating vehicles completed dynamic and acceleration tests in front of the jury, allowing judges to assess not only their design and history, but also their mechanical condition and distinctive engine character.
The third day took the event to one of its most unique locations: Gibraltar Airport, which was closed exclusively for participants and the organisation. Owners travelled in convoy from Marbella to the runway, where they were able to experience the performance of their vehicles on a 1.5-kilometre-long straight, carrying out individual top-speed runs.
The day also featured a Bombardier Global 6500 on the runway and a VIP area inside the terminal, with a private lounge, catering, and a DJ, allowing guests to enjoy the experience from different perspectives.
A Black Tie Gala to close a landmark edition
The Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held at a spectacular private villa in Marbella, where guests enjoyed a Black Tie evening in an exclusive setting.
During the gala, the winning vehicles from the different categories were recognised, and the prestigious Best of Concours award was presented, bringing to a close an edition that gathered some of the world’s most exceptional automobiles.
Beyond the participating vehicles, the event welcomed international personalities from the worlds of automotive, design and lifestyle, including Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti, and renowned creators such as Shmee150, The Stradman, Tom Claeren, Hanane Sobati, Tuesday Le Roux, Jodie Kidd, as well as Spanish automotive artist Manu Campa.
The Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol 2026 concluded an edition that combined unrepeatable automobiles, international collectors and exclusive experiences, consolidating the Costa del Sol as a privileged setting to celebrate automotive history, innovation and passion.
