The Hottest Ticket in the Hamptons: Inside the $100 Million Concours Where Ferraris, Fashion, Champagne and America’s Elite Came Together

There are automotive shows, there are luxury lifestyle events, and then there is the Hamptons Concours d’Elegance—a celebration where extraordinary automobiles, philanthropy, impeccable hospitality and the East End’s unmistakable elegance converge for one unforgettable summer afternoon.

Over the past three decades, RAND Luxury has evolved into one of North America’s premier producers of invitation-only luxury lifestyle experiences, seamlessly bringing together the worlds of automotive excellence, fine watches, private aviation, haute cuisine, luxury travel, real estate, technology and philanthropy. Founded by Bradford Rand in 1993, the company has produced more than 2,500 high-profile events, earning a reputation for creating immersive experiences where influential business leaders, collectors, celebrities, media and affluent consumers gather to discover the world’s most prestigious brands. From New York City to the Sundance Film Festival, the Tribeca Festival and the Hamptons, RAND Luxury has become a trusted platform for global luxury marques to unveil products, cultivate relationships and engage discerning audiences. Its impressive portfolio includes exclusive launches for automotive icons such as Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati and McLaren, while its signature events—including the Hamptons Concours d’Elegance—continue to set the benchmark for luxury experiential marketing by blending world-class hospitality, philanthropy and extraordinary craftsmanship into unforgettable destinations for the international luxury community.

Having attended the Hamptons Concours over the years, I have come to appreciate that this isn’t simply another car show. It is one of those rare events where every detail—from the automobiles and cuisine to the guest list and charitable mission—is curated with precision. The moment guests arrive at the spectacular private Bridgehampton estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel, they immediately understand why this annual gathering has become one of the East End’s defining luxury experiences.

Photo Credits: Society Allure / Rob Rich

This year carried even greater significance. Executive Producer Bradford Rand celebrated the twentieth anniversary of RAND Luxury by presenting the largest Hamptons Concours d’Elegance in the event’s history. Once again, tickets sold out well before the gates opened, bringing together automotive collectors, entrepreneurs, celebrities, designers, investors, tastemakers and luxury enthusiasts from across America and Europe for an afternoon that perfectly embodied the Hamptons lifestyle.

The weather was unmistakably Hamptons in August. The heat settled comfortably across the manicured lawns, while a gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter, conversation and the unmistakable growl of some of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles.

The temperature was certainly hot. But the guest list was even hotter. Throughout the afternoon, I found myself moving effortlessly between conversations with collectors discussing rare Ferraris, designers admiring handcrafted details, entrepreneurs exchanging ideas over Champagne and longtime automotive enthusiasts reminiscing about legendary concours from years past. It is precisely this effortless mix of personalities that separates the Hamptons Concours from virtually every other luxury automotive gathering.

Jean Shafiroff. Jeffrey Bradford, Norah Lawlor Location:  Private Estate, Bridgehampton, NY.
Private Estate, Bridgehampton, NY
Photo Credit: Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

The Hamptons itself plays a starring role. Few destinations anywhere in America possess the cultural influence or understated sophistication found on Long Island’s East End. Every summer, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and Sag Harbor become home to Wall Street executives, technology founders, Hollywood celebrities, international investors, fashion leaders, professional athletes and European families who have made the Hamptons their seasonal retreat.

Unlike destinations where luxury is loud, the Hamptons celebrates quiet confidence. Beautiful homes remain hidden behind perfectly sculpted hedges. Luxury automobiles sit discreetly inside gravel driveways. Designer clothing is worn casually rather than conspicuously. It is a place where success rarely needs introduction.

The Hamptons Concours captures that spirit beautifully. Walking the grounds, guests were surrounded by more than $100 million worth of collector automobiles representing some of the most respected marques in automotive history. Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Lamborghini and other legendary manufacturers transformed the private estate into what felt like an open-air museum celebrating engineering excellence.

Photo Credits: BFA / Kevin Czopek

Yet one automobile consistently drew the largest crowds. A breathtaking Ferrari reportedly valued at approximately $10 million became the centerpiece of countless conversations throughout the afternoon. Guests circled the remarkable machine, photographing every angle while discussing its rarity, provenance and significance within Ferrari’s storied history. Standing only a few feet away, it became clear that automobiles of this caliber transcend transportation. They are rolling sculptures—mechanical masterpieces whose value extends well beyond horsepower.

The Concours is equally about people. Bradford Rand welcomed an impressive gathering of notable guests, including Candace Bushnell, Ramona Singer and celebrated chef Todd English, who each presented specialty awards recognizing standout collector automobiles. Fashion authority Fern Mallis, Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, television personality John Cusimano, philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, television personality Ramona Singer and numerous leaders from business, media and philanthropy added further prestige to an already distinguished guest list.

Awards presented during the afternoon celebrated both craftsmanship and individuality. Dr. Sam Rizk received the Sexiest Car Award for his 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider. James Minutello’s beautifully restored 1968 Jaguar XKE earned Todd English’s namesake English Award. Gregg Gottsegen captured the Forever Fabulous Award with his 2025 Ferrari 296 GTS, while Robert Schmitter’s classic 1964 Porsche 356 claimed the People’s Choice Award after winning the admiration of fellow attendees.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Hamptons Concours is that luxury extends well beyond automobiles. Guests enjoyed an exceptional catered brunch accompanied by premium wines, Champagne, handcrafted cocktails and luxury spirits. Fresh seafood, artisan specialties and beautifully prepared seasonal cuisine encouraged guests to linger beneath elegant white tents while discussing automobiles, travel, business and the summer season.

Elsewhere across the estate, luxury lifestyle brands transformed the event into an immersive shopping and discovery experience. Exhibitors showcased private aviation services, bespoke real estate developments, fine jewelry, Swiss timepieces, designer fashion, premium skincare, luxury yachts, contemporary artwork, premium spirits, cigars and home design. Every direction offered another opportunity to discover a remarkable product, meet a founder or experience a new luxury brand.

Among the most recognizable participants were Louis XIII Cognac, Ferrari of Long Island, Aston Martin Long Island, Manhattan Motorcars, Barnes Yachting, Bang & Olufsen, ApolloJets, McLaren Long Island, Ducati New York, Mercedes-Benz of Southampton, Porsche Club of America, Ferrari Club of America, Crystal Head Vodka, Ray-Ban, Persol, Miu Miu, JD Watches, Ryan Friedman Motor Cars, Lexus of Southampton, PopUp Bagels, East Hampton Shucker, Hampton Ice, Saint Jo Skincare and many others that collectively reflected today’s evolving luxury marketplace.

A welcome addition to this year’s Concours came from co-producer Morgan Shara, who introduced a “Morning of Wellness” experience featuring fashion, skincare and wellness activations that broadened the event’s appeal while complementing its sophisticated atmosphere. It was a thoughtful reminder that today’s luxury consumer increasingly values experiences that extend beyond traditional automotive collecting.

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the afternoon, however, was its charitable purpose. While extraordinary automobiles naturally captured attention, the event ultimately existed to give back. The Hamptons Concours d’Elegance continued its longstanding commitment to supporting both the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and the SoFO—two organizations that play vital roles in preserving the East End’s community and environment. Watching guests generously support these causes reinforced the idea that true luxury often reveals itself through generosity rather than possession.

Photo Credits: Society Allure / Rob Rich

As I walked the grounds one final time before departing, I found myself reflecting on what continues to make this event so compelling. It isn’t simply the Ferraris. It isn’t the Champagne. It isn’t the celebrities. Nor is it the extraordinary collection of automobiles. Instead, it is the effortless way the Hamptons Concours brings together every facet of luxury living—design, engineering, hospitality, philanthropy, fashion, fine dining, entrepreneurship and community—into a single afternoon that feels both exclusive and welcoming.

In an era when many luxury events compete for attention through spectacle alone, the Hamptons Concours succeeds because it remains authentic. It celebrates craftsmanship, relationships and generosity with equal enthusiasm, reminding attendees that luxury is ultimately about creating memorable experiences shared among people who appreciate excellence.

Twenty years after Bradford Rand first began building RAND Luxury into one of the country’s premier luxury event platforms, the Hamptons Concours d’Elegance continues to raise the bar for what a luxury lifestyle event can become. For those fortunate enough to receive an invitation, it remains one of the most coveted experiences of the summer season.

And for everyone else, it offers a compelling reminder that somewhere on the East End each August, beneath the Hamptons sun, some of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles—and the remarkable people who cherish them—continue to write another unforgettable chapter in American luxury.