(Dream Cars) The sound is nearly deafening as a sleek fleet of hypercars roars around a fog-shrouded racing circuit in Ascari, Spain. It’s Day Two of the annual hypercar showcase Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol, and a select set of guests, along with their finely tuned mechanical companions, are trading laps high up in the Andalusian hills. How does that feel? “It felt amazing,” says the driver of a fresh-from-the-factory-floor Mercedes-AMG ONE, one of around 25 hypercars forming the core group of vehicles involved in the three-day event. “You have to get used to the noise and the turns, but the feeling of being able to hit 270 km/h here is incredible.”

This event, however, is more than hair-raising turns and high-octane energy on the racing track; it’s an opportunity to bring together a unique cast of characters and collectors to discuss their automotive passions while networking on a broader scale. The stunning backdrop of the Costa Del Sol, of course, folds into the experiences as guests sample the fruits of this bountiful region across a meticulously crafted program. Once the morning session at Ascari winds down along with the pulses elevated by racing, a colorful ensemble of purring Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Bugatti hypercars snake their way over a mountainous stretch of road, blowing rich and rusty-gold-colored dust up into the air as they crunch over a gravel track into the olive groves of LA Organic.

Since 2017, Marbella-based Magna Supercars has led the proceedings of this event. This year, Graphit Performance, as a new partner, has looked to enhance the occasion, spreading festivities across multiple days and introducing a select number of guests to a properly curated experience in and around Marbella. It’s not just about showcasing rare cars; it’s about crafting moments that linger long after the engines cool.

The elite nature of the enhanced Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol is evident in every detail, from access to LA Organic, the private olive grove estate (where guests enjoyed lunch at a Philippe Starck-designed museum yet to open to the public) to the admission granted to the Ascari Circuit—a track typically strictly reserved for members.

“We want to create an experience where people leave and still talk about the event for months or years afterwards. We’re new on the scene, but we’re building a foundation. The right cars, people, and atmosphere—that’s how we measure success.” says Felix Rongen, CEO of Graphit Performance.

Unlike other “course d’elegance” events (such as the UK’s famous Hampton Court gathering), which highlight the more vintage breeds of the automobile, Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol focuses on hypercars. These models embody the future at a pivotal moment in automotive history, where traditional craftsmanship is skillfully reimagined for the modern era. Through this lens, the convergence of raw power and refined aesthetics is uniquely celebrated. It’s a concept that one of the event’s judges and CEO of the online editorial platform Classic Driver, JP Rathgen, aptly describes as the art of showcasing “brutal beauty.” At Concurso de Elegancia, the cars’ story, engineering prowess, and striking aesthetics foster a heady experience for a refined set of motorheads. Rathgen elaborates, “The ‘brutal’ part refers to the sheer power—cars that can go over 400 km/h on an open road—while the ‘beauty’ is in the precise, elegant engineering that makes it possible. We judge the cars not only on their power but on how they bring that power to the road with elegance,” he says. “It’s about the balance—how the car looks, performs, and represents its era.” A Bugatti Chiron 110 Anniversary edition showcased here is a prime example—its modest yet robust design exemplifies elegance while the motor under the hood delivers outstanding performance. Similarly, a Pagani Huayra here embodies both beauty and brutality. “The Pagani is more flamboyant,” Rathgen adds, “with Formula One-inspired elements merging the technical with the artistic. It’s a car that’s visually arresting but also engineered to perfection.”

While the technical details and utter power of the vehicles are clear talking points at the Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol, the personal stories behind each car resonate most with guests. The spirit of the event thrives on these connections—stories of passion and dedication, of collectors who have poured themselves into preserving automotive history. A place where a Bugatti owner can stand alongside a Honda NSX R owner, exchanging stories for hours. “It’s about appreciating each other’s enthusiasm—whether the car was bought four weeks ago or has been part of a collection for years.”

Maison Ë enjoyed one such dialogue with the proud owner of a yellow Lamborghini Diablo SVR at a cocktail event held at La Cabane Beach Club, the emblematic space in Marbella which originated in 1965. The owner explains that when he acquired the SVR, he saw himself as a custodian of its story, determined to showcase the car as it was meant to be—a nod to Lamborghini’s early days in motorsport. To do this, he dug deep into the history of the former racing car. He injected its story into an elaborate update—reproducing the original sticker kit and placing the flags that adorned the car when it raced on the track, reflecting the nationality of its original drivers.

Of course, an event like the Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol—whose roots trace back to the traditions of horse-and-carriage design—something of a fashion show for fine vehicles—requires a winner, and the event wrapped up with an elegant prize ceremony at La Zagaleta Golf Club. Under the soft glow of the Andalusian night, JP Rathgen, joined by entrepreneur and motoring enthusiast, Tomaso Trussardi, led the audience through the honors. The Individualist Class saw second place awarded to the Alpine A110, praised for “capturing the spirit of classic design with a modern twist.” Best of Show in the Individualist Class went to the Porsche-inspired RUF Bergmeister, which Trussardi hailed as “the most radical project I’ve ever seen.”

In the hypercar category, the competition was fierce. The Aston Martin Valkyrie took second place, with Rathgen commending its “British craftsmanship and sheer determination to push engineering limits.” But the Mercedes-AMG ONE clinched Best of Show, lauded for bringing Formula One technology to the road. “It’s the only car that truly delivers a Formula One experience in a road-legal package,” Rathgen remarked. To cap the evening, the Chairman’s Award honored the legendary Ferrari F40, a vehicle that has come to symbolize the dawn of the hypercar movement. “The F40 is the grandfather of every hypercar you see here today.”

By the time the night drew to a close, it was clear this was more than just a gathering of car enthusiasts—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, engineering, and the stories that bring these machines to life. With anticipation already building for the 2025 edition, the Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol is quickly establishing itself as a prestigious and exclusive experience in the world of automotive events.