Against the distinctive setting of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, more than 170 exceptional automobiles from around the world gathered for the 19th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Élégance. Set from April 25–27, the event embodied its “Mascots in Motion” theme by honoring iconic hood ornaments such as the Rolls‑Royce Spirit of Ecstasy and artful animal figures emblematic of classic marques. With impeccable oceanfront views, the Concours offered a curated showcase of rare and exotic vehicles for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to appreciate. Our team was on hand for this year's Concours, with Tom showing our 1972 Porsche 914-6 GT build that we completed in the Fall of 2024.

This year signaled a shift toward inclusivity, with modern supercars featured alongside vintage icons—highlighted in the Saturday Porsche showcase. Additionally, a Youth Judging Apprenticeship Program launched with the San Diego Automotive Museum, marking a meaningful first step in mentoring a new generation of automotive judges and enthusiasts. Attendance surpassed 15,000—a diverse mix of dedicated collectors, affluent lifestyle enthusiasts, families, and visiting tourists—all drawn by the combination of luxury automotive culture and coastal setting. A notable trend: mid‑20th‑century European sports cars, especially models with refined Art-Deco design such as Aston Martins and Delahayes, drew heightened interest from both longtime aficionados and younger collectors .

The weekend opened with a Friday VIP reception, where attendees previewed concours-caliber vehicles while enjoying carefully prepared hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails from more than twenty leading local chefs and mixologists. Against a backdrop of live music and attentive service, the evening underscored the event’s emphasis on refinement—providing an elevated introduction to the weekend’s automotive highlights.

Saturday featured the Tour d’Élégance, a scenic rally of approximately 75 select automobiles winding along coastal roads through La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe, culminating in a private luncheon. Later that evening, Porsches & Power on Prospect brought nearly 90 Porsche, supercar, and hypercar models to La Jolla’s Prospect Street. With live entertainment, open galleries, and restaurant specials nearby, this free showcase energized both residents and visitors in a vibrant community atmosphere. 

On Sunday between 9 AM and 4 PM, the formal Concours featured 122 meticulously restored cars competing across 11 classes and 14 specialty categories at Scripps Park. Alongside the automotive display, there were art and vendor booths, live performances, and a distinctive Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden—all enhancing visitors’ engagement and elevating the overall experience!

In mid‑April, Events.com formally took ownership of the La Jolla Concours d’Élégance, pledging to enhance digital experiences, sponsorship activation, and audience engagement while maintaining the La Jolla Historical Society’s stewardship and charitable mission. With full sponsorship and hospitality suite sales and ticket numbers ahead of previous years, momentum is strong for a milestone 20th annual event in April 2026. Net proceeds continue to support the Historical Society’s cultural and educational initiatives.

Best in Show & Specialty Winners 
The prestigious Best in Show award went to the 1955 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL Gullwing, owned by John and Kimberly Word of Newport Beach. Once purchased in 1977 for $25,000, the car—restored over four years by Hjeltness Restoration—earned acclaim for its history, meticulous restoration, and flawless presentation.

Key specialty winners included:
     Most Outstanding Pre‑War: 1937 Rolls‑Royce Phantom III Disappearing‑Top Coupe (Valerie & Aaron Weiss)
     Most Outstanding Post‑War: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe (Neville Ray)
     LPL Summit Best of Marque: 1935 custom Packard Speedster (Michael Sullivan)
     Timeless Elegance: 1938 Lincoln Model K (Nethercutt Collection)
     Best Hypercar in the Motor Car Classic: 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‐ Fast Lane Drive

EVENT HISTORY

It began as the dream of a few La Jolla business owners who were looking for a way to showcase the beauty and charm of downtown La Jolla during the winter months. In 2003, Michel Ullman, Terry Underwood and Yvette Marcum met at Georges at The Cove and drew up plans to host a car show on the lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The three were part of the local merchants’ association, at the time called Promote La Jolla. They brought their idea to the association’s board; in resp​onse, a group of passionate members–including Tiffany Share, Deborah Marengo, Bob Meigs, Steve Edelstein, Bill Price and Greg Rizzi–joined forces with all-star event promoter Laurel McFarlane to form the La Jolla Motor Car Classic committee. 

The committee was successful in securing the support and financial backing necessary to bring their vision to life, and in January 2004, the inaugural La Jolla Motor Car Classic was held with humble but auspicious beginnings. The event attracted a diverse field of about 50 hot rods, antique automobiles and classic cars, all owned by local collectors and enthusiasts, but the committee saw the potential to bring the show to the next level by enlisting the support of the local car collector community. 

So in the spring of 2004, Edelstein reached out to two La Jolla car aficionados, Chuck Spielman and Neal Wichard, to help promote a show that would appeal to a concours-quality audience. Spielman and Wichard believed that the stunning and picturesque Scripps Park venue held the potential to rival Pebble Beach and attract a national audience of car collectors. 

The two friends reached out to their vast network of fellow collectors, including Alan Taylor, a well-respected local classic car restorer, to help recruit high-end classic automobiles; they also asked collector Cy Conrad to help Meigs establish the criteria for judging the show. In 2007, Spielman brought noted collector Dave Darwin on board, who urged the committee to turn the LJMCC into a weekend-long event, including fencing off Scripps Park and charging admission to the show. The first La Jolla Motor Classic Car Tour was born. 

That same year, the committee designated the Monarch School, a San Diego school whose mission is to educate children impacted by homelessness, as a charitable beneficiary of the event. In the years that would follow, the event would expand its charitable contributions to include several other local charities. 

The Promote La Jolla organization disbanded in 2009, and the La Jolla Historical Society, a nonprofit that seeks to preserve and celebrate La Jolla’s diverse past, assumed the underwriting of the event. Trip Bennett, then vice president of the Society, appreciated the living history that the event provided and saw great value in incorporating the LJMCC as part of the Society’s mission. Bennett assumed the role of LJMCC chairman, an office he held until 2011. With Bennett’s leadership, the La Jolla Historical Society helped create the foundation necessary for the LJMCC to continue to grow and fulfill its potential. 

In 2010, Spielman brought Mike Dorvillier into the fold to help the committee develop a stronger sponsor base and further secure the involvement of La Jolla’s merchants. Dorvillier stepped up to fill the role of chairman in 2011, and, along with event producer McFarlane, helped elevate the event to its current status as one of the world’s top collector car shows, according to Octane magazine. 

One of Dorvillier’s meaningful contributions to the event came in 2012, when he changed the name of the La Jolla Motor Car Classic to the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Today, the Concours is filled with three days of world-class exhibitions and celebrations that inspire all who attend. In a nod to the show’s humble roots, the event also includes a free car show open to the public.