The San Marino Motor Classic may feel like a well-established tradition, but this year marked only its 13th edition. Despite its relative youth, the event continues to evolve, impressing enthusiasts with each passing year. This year's show didn’t disappoint, featuring 330 vehicles, including several that recently graced the prestigious Pebble Beach lawn, offering attendees a peek into the exclusive world of Concours events.
One of the key aspects that makes the San Marino Motor Classic unique is its inclusivity. While Pebble Beach vehicles are always a major attraction, this event showcases an eclectic range of cars—from American muscle cars and Porsche 911s to British sports cars, Italian exotics, and even a few Brass Era gems. This variety gives the event its distinctive charm, ensuring there's something for every type of automotive enthusiast.
Notably, this year's show had fewer Ferraris on display compared to past editions. The Ferrari Club, which previously held its judged competition in San Marino, has moved back to Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. This shift led to a roughly 25% reduction in the number of vehicles overall. However, the quality of the cars remained as high as ever, with notable Ferrari Club entries still making an appearance.
In the award categories, Principe’s Ferrari was named Best in Show in the Post-War division, while the Pre-War Best in Show award went to the Petersen Museum’s breathtaking Delahaye Type 135 Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet, gifted by the Mullin Collection. Both cars exemplified the elegance and craftsmanship that define the spirit of the San Marino Motor Classic. For those looking for a more accessible alternative to the higher-ticket events like Pebble Beach or The Quail, the San Marino Motor Classic is an excellent option. With tickets priced at just $45, it offers a world-class car show experience at a fraction of the cost. And where else can you find a Zimmer parked alongside automotive masterpieces? This year's event proves that the San Marino Motor Classic is not just maintaining tradition but also growing into one of Southern California’s premier automotive gatherings.
The San Marino Motor Classic was established in 2011 by co-founders Aaron Weiss, Ben Reiling and Paul Colony held in Lacy Park, an exclusive 30-acre park in San Marino. It is the successor of the Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance. In its inaugural year, the exhibition was a hybrid of a Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic and a contemporary Concours d’Elegance. More than 220 Brass Era, Depression Era and Post-War luxury and sports cars were showcased attracting more than 3,000 spectators. The 2011 event raised more than $120,000 for its beneficiary charities, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and the Rotary Club of San Marino. Entrants compete in 30 classes including Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Corvettes and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few. Judging takes place at the end of the day in which seven awards are given, plus first, second and third place awards given per class. Some of the prestigious awards for 2012 include Best In Show, Most Elegant – Closed Car, Most Elegant – Open Car, Mayor’s Trophy – Most Significant Race Car. Art Center College of Design – “Design in Excellence Award”, Rotary Trophy – Best Woody and Meguiar’s Trophy – Best Paint and Finish. This year, the San Marino Motor Classic expects to have more than 400 mint condition collector cars and even more spectators than last year. Entrants and spectators are welcome to experience various events preceding and following the dazzling event, including a gala. Proceeds will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, the Rotary Club of San Marino, and Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley. The San Marino Motor Classic is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Deductions may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your deductibility.
BEST IN SHOW: PRE-WAR
1939 Delahaye Type 165 Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet
Petersen Automotive Museum
(photo courtesy of sanmarinomotorclassic.com)
BEST IN SHOW: POST-WAR
1966 Ferarri 275 GTS
Rick Principe
(photo courtesy of sanmarinomotorclassic.com)
Hagerty Preservation Award - 1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Chairman's Award - 1933 Chrysler LeBaron Phaeton
Most Elegant Pre War Car - Open
1925 Rolls-Royce Springfield Silver Ghost
Most Elegant Pre War Car - Closed
1930 Cord L-29 Murphey Body Town Car
Best Paint and Finish Award 1930 Ruxton
Most Creative Adaptation 1938 Bentley Boat Tail Speedster
Proper Motor Car Award - Most Elegant Rolls-Royce 1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Drop head coupe. Body by Inskip
Most Outstanding Packard Award 1940 Packard 1806 Darrin Convertible Victoria
San Marino Rotary Club Award 1935 Packard Series 1204 Super 8 Phaeton
Best Sports Motif 1973 Porsche 911 2.7RS-H
Mayor's Award 1948 Talbot Lago T26 Record Sport Coupe DeVille
Most Elegant Post War Car - Open
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SLRoadster
Chuck Rogers Memorial Award - Most Elegant Mercedes-Benz
1972 Mercedes-Benz 600
Art Center Award 1965 Alfa Romeo TZ
Most Elegant Post War Car - Closed
1971 Maserati Ghibli SS
Pasadena Humane Society Award 1966 Dodge Coronet DeLuxe
Most Exotic Sports Car 2019 Ford GT
