1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A. Photo by: Trevor Freeman
One of the highlights of Arizona’s automotive calendar is the annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance, which brings together an impressive display of rare, historic, and significant automobiles from across the country.
The eighth edition of the event took place on January 18, 2026, at the Scottsdale Civic Center, where more than 100 collector vehicles were on display throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds.
The theme for this year’s Concours was Sculpture in Motion, a fitting description for an event that celebrates the artistry, engineering, and craftsmanship found in some of the world’s finest automobiles. Vehicles were organized into 14 judged classes covering a wide range of automotive history, from early brass-era machines to modern supercars and specialty vehicles.
Collage of Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the 2026 Arizona Concours d’Elegance. Photos by: Trevor Freeman
One of the featured classes for 2026 highlighted 140 years of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering. The display offered visitors a unique opportunity to trace the evolution of one of the world’s most influential automobile manufacturers, beginning with the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and extending all the way to the cutting-edge 2025 Mercedes-AMG One hypercar.
Featured Class: 140 Years of Mercedes-Benz Design and Engineering
⦁ 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG One
⦁ 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen
⦁ 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Cabriolet
⦁ 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
⦁ 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300d “Adenauer” Sedan
⦁ 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300d Convertible
⦁ 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “Pagoda” Hardtop Convertible
⦁ 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
⦁ 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB “Grosser”
⦁ 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SC AMG
The Mercedes-Benz class included an impressive variety of vehicles representing different eras of the company’s history. Luxury automobiles, sports cars, grand touring models, and race cars were all represented on the lawn. This display of significant Mercedes-Benz automobiles showcased the company’s long tradition of luxury, engineering, and innovation.
This 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster is No. 3 of 6 ever built, and is valued at approximately $10 million. Photo by: Trevor Freeman
Additional Mercedes-Benz highlights elsewhere on the show field included a 1952 Mercedes-Benz W194 race car and the exceptionally rare 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster.
While the Mercedes-Benz display was one of the major attractions, another crowd favorite was a special class called Sun, Sand, and Surf. This class featured a variety of fun and colorful open top vehicles intended for the beach and other outdoor adventures.
Among the vehicles on display were a Meyers Manx dune buggy, a Vespa 400 Jolly, a Volkswagen 23-window Microbus, a Volkswagen Thing, an Amphicar, a Fiat 110D Transformabile, and a Willys Jeepster Phaeton. The class provided a lighthearted contrast to some of the more formal concours entries and attracted plenty of attention and smiles from spectators.
These colorful cars captured the crowd’s attention with the Sun, Sand, and Surf special class. Photos by: Trevor Freeman
As with any concours event, the judges present class awards, as well as the coveted Best of Show awards. Taking home Best of Show (Prewar) honors was a stunning 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet, one of the most prestigious and desirable luxury automobiles of its era. Best of Show (Postwar) was awarded to a 1955 Jaguar D-Type, a legendary race car that remains one of the most significant competition cars ever produced.
Beyond the vehicles themselves, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance serves a higher purpose. Proceeds from the event benefits local charities including Scottsdale Arts and Make-A-Wish Arizona, helping to support both arts education as well as programs for children facing critical illnesses.
The combination of world-class automobiles, beautiful surroundings, and charitable fundraising makes the Arizona Concours d’Elegance one of the premier automotive events during Arizona Car Week. The 2026 Concours event showcased everything from the earliest days of motoring to modern automotive technology, while providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience some truly remarkable vehicles in person.
To learn more, visit: https://arizonaconcours.org/
