Scottsdale hosts prestigious collector car and motorcycle event
The world’s most interesting and exciting automobiles are often referred to as Sculpture in Motion, their kinetic beauty expressing the joy and excitement of motoring.
Sculpture in Motion is the theme of the next Arizona Concours d’Elegance, a premiere celebration of superb vehicles from the past and present, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, on the parklike lawns of the Scottsdale Civic Center.
A professionally judged and curated assembly of 100 rarely seen dream cars and high-value collector vehicles, the Arizona Concours is presented in partnership with Scottsdale Arts, the organization responsible for an array of artistic services in the city.
Spectators admire cars on the show field. Photo: Trevor Freeman
The 8th edition of the Concours will display exceptional vehicles from around the world, guaranteed to impress and excite not only dedicated car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design, enjoyed in the atmosphere of a stylish garden party.
Ed Winkler, who serves as co-chairman of the Arizona Concours, along with Chuck Stanford Jr., said, “2026 is shaping up to be a great year for the Arizona Concours.
“Once again, the Concours will be an upscale lifestyle event featuring rare and fascinating vehicles arrayed on the grass, with entrants and spectators, some in period costumes, strolling the lawns under the sparkling-blue Arizona sky.”
Donald Osborne speaks with guests at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance. Photo: Michael Ross.
The Arizona Concours committee has designated 15 judged classes for 2026, including special classes that range from the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, the event’s featured marque, to a class for dune buggies and beach cruisers.
Other classes include a celebration of 125 years of Indian motorcycles, mid-century station wagons, post-war European sports/racing cars, and exotic supercars from 2000 through 2025.
Awards are presented in each class, along with a variety of special awards and the two coveted Best of Show trophies – one for pre-World War II and one for post-war. There is also an award for favorite costume.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and 2023 Bugatti Chiron SS 57 One of One. Photo: Michael Ross.
Stanford, a longtime Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, noted that 2026 is a significant year for the esteemed German car company.
“As the company that invented the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive engineering and has presented the world with extraordinary examples of voluptuous design and fierce competitiveness,” Stanford said. “I’m certain that a wide variety of Mercedes-Benz style and heritage will be on display come January in Scottsdale.”
Proceeds from the Arizona Concours benefit local artists and art programs, as well as the Concours’s longtime beneficiary, Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the national organization that grants wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
The Arizona Concours not only raises money for Make-A-Wish but gets some of the children involved in judging the cars and awarding a specially designed trophy to their favorite.
Tickets for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the Scottsdale Civic Center will be available starting August 1. For information about tickets, vehicle submissions and sponsorships, visit the Concours website at ArizonaConcours.org.
About the Arizona Concours d’Elegance
A curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of automotive design held every January. A point of pride for the region’s car community, the non-profit event supports Make-A-Wish® Arizona, as well the arts and local artists.
About Scottsdale Arts
Through its partnership with the City of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a nationally recognized, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through four acclaimed branches — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation — serving more than 600,000 participants annually.
