The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns for its 20th year from April 24 to 26, featuring over 200 rare automobiles against the backdrop of La Jolla Cove. This year’s theme, Icons of Speed, highlights historically significant supercars from 1935 to 1996. The event combines displays, tours, and VIP experiences while supporting the La Jolla Historical Society.
The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, a staple in Southern California’s automotive scene, marks its 20th anniversary with the theme Icons of Speed: Historically Significant Super Cars. Held at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the event transforms the seaside location into a gallery of more than 200 rare vehicles, selected for their beauty and impact on performance history.
The featured Icons of Speed class spans 1935 to 1996, showcasing machines like the McLaren F1 and early land-speed record contenders that redefined velocity across eras. The lineup includes 16 curated classes, from Pre-War European cars to American Muscle, Ferrari models, Porsche Sonderwunsch creations, and Formula 1 exhibition vehicles. This mix juxtaposes race heritage with design artistry and technological innovation.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with Motorvault, a VIP event at the park featuring intimate displays of vintage automobiles, cocktails, and discussions among collectors. On Saturday, the Tour d’Elegance offers a scenic drive through San Diego’s coastal and inland areas, allowing the cars to demonstrate their capabilities. That evening, Prospect Street hosts Porsches & Power on Prospect, a free showcase of legendary and modern hypercars in a walkable village setting.
Sunday focuses on the main Concours, where judges assess entrants on elegance, technical merit, and historical significance to award Best of Show. Nearby, the La Jolla Motor Car Classic provides a community-inclusive display. The event’s coastal setting, with the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove cliffs, creates a relaxed yet prestigious atmosphere that has defined it for two decades. Proceeds benefit the La Jolla Historical Society, linking automotive heritage to local history.
