Darin Roberge
Submitted photo
By Darin Roberge | Gilbert
Concours in the Hills in Fountain Hills might feel like the final lap of Arizona’s car event season — and in a way, it is. But for those who follow the rhythm of the automotive world, this moment is less of an ending and more of an indicator.
Each January, while most of the country is defrosting their windshields, Arizona becomes the epicenter of car culture. Arizona Car Week kicks off, prompting a whirlwind of events across the Valley that pave the way for the rest of the year.
Between Bonhams, Barrett-Jackson, MAG Auctions, RM Sotheby’s, Arizona Concours d’Elegance and a slew of other events, Arizona Car Week acts as a networking nexus that drives the collector car market. It sparks an internationally important series of events in the Valley, all of which are major signals for classic and specialty automobile values, as well as worldwide trends for the upcoming year.
And this year marked a milestone, surpassing all previous editions with an unprecedented 31 total events, further solidifying Arizona Car Week’s reputation as one of the top three U.S. car week events.
While many attribute growing turnout and industry relevance to Arizona’s consistent sunshine, predictable weather and well-maintained roads, there’s more at play. Our state consistently accounts for 3% to 4% of all U.S. vehicle sales each year. With an annual growth rate that outpaces the national average, Arizona’s automotive sector shows no signs of slowing down, expanding by 4.2% annually over the past five years.
This is accelerated even further within the collector car space, where the Phoenix area accounts for one of the largest overall registrations of classic and exotic vehicles anywhere in the U.S.
At the same time, Maricopa County’s rapid population growth — ranked among the fastest in the U.S. for over a decade — continues to drive local demand. Taken together, our state has become an ideal market that draws in serious collectors, investors and enthusiasts year after year.
And Arizona doesn’t hit the brakes after January. Our season continues with two particularly significant events: the Copperstate 1000 Kickoff and Car Show and Phoenix Children’s Concours in the Hills.
The Copperstate 1000, one of the premier vintage car road rallies in North America, kicks off each spring with an impressive car show inside and on the baseball diamond of Tempe Diablo Stadium. This isn’t just a staging area — it’s a catalyst for 1,000 miles of scenic driving through Arizona’s most timeless and iconic landscapes. For locals, it’s a yearly chance to see rare and historic vehicles in motion, not just on display.
Then comes Concours in the Hills, a dramatic waterfront exhibition of supercars, muscle cars, European and Japanese classics, military vehicles and more nestled in Fountain Hills. This event has grown into one of the largest and most inclusive car events in the country, offering luxury and splendor among family-friendly activities. More importantly, it raises significant funds for Phoenix Children’s, reminding us that these types of events directly benefit our community, and that community impact and car culture are not mutually exclusive.
And, at its core, this is what truly sets our state apart. It's that this scene isn’t locked behind velvet ropes or invitation-only garages. It’s accessible. It’s family friendly. It’s right here in our backyard.
What this means for Gilbert (and beyond)
Residents of Gilbert and the greater Phoenix area have a front-row seat to this rolling evolution of car culture. What was once narrowed to one city became open to many communities during 2025 Arizona Car Week. Whether you're a collector, a casual fan or just someone who loves a well-spent Saturday outdoors, these events are increasing accessibility and expanding across the Valley. Events also open doors for local businesses — detailers, restorers, parts suppliers, restaurants, hotels, retail and beyond — to gain national support and exposure.
At the heart of everything, these events allow people to get together, socialize and create community around those cars.
As the local season seemingly winds down, remember this: Arizona doesn’t just showcase cars. We shape where that road is headed — for our state’s economy, for collectors, for industry and for car culture as a whole. The conversations we lead and the energy we invest now will carry on in our own backyards through garages, back roads and coffee shops, across the country, and eventually across the globe.
And right here in Gilbert, we are lucky to be along for the ride.
Editor’s note: Automotive industry expert Darin Roberge is president of Motorwerks Companies and founder of arizonacarweek.org. He lives in Gilbert. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
