La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Turns 20 With Legendary Race Cars and a Weekend of Luxury Events
The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is marking its 20th anniversary with a theme that fits the occasion: “Icons of Speed.”
Set for April 24 through 26 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, this year’s event will bring a high-profile collection of historic automobiles to La Jolla Cove, including a Jaguar D-Type, a Ford GT40 Mark III, and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB “Tour de France.” The anniversary edition is shaping up as both a tribute to automotive history and one of La Jolla’s biggest spring weekends for car lovers.
This year’s featured class focuses on vehicles that left a lasting mark on performance, endurance racing, and automotive design during the 20th century. Among the standouts is Jaguar D-Type XKD 522, a car tied to one of racing’s most celebrated eras. The D-Type model won Le Mans three years in a row from 1955 to 1957, and this particular example also has a local connection. It competed at Torrey Pines in 1956, giving it a meaningful link to the same coastline where it will now be displayed during the Concours.
Another headliner is Ford GT40 Mark III chassis MK3 1105, one of only seven built and one of just four produced in left-hand drive. Originally owned by Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan, this version of the GT40 offered a more road-friendly take on the famed race car. It featured revised bodywork, more luggage space, and a more accommodating interior, while still holding onto the bold identity that made the GT40 famous.
Also joining the featured field is a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB “Tour de France,” chassis 1321 GT. Described as the final and most developed version of the series, the car was raced by Belgian brothers Jean and Armand Blaton under the names “Beurlys” and “Elde.” Its competition record includes a GT class win at the Nürburgring 1000 km and a third-place overall finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also remains in its original Garage Francorchamps livery.
The weekend opens Friday, April 24, with Motorvault, the Concours’ VIP opening soirée, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Organizers are promising an evening built around luxury, with cocktails, food from local restaurants, live entertainment, an auction, and a collection of rare vintage automobiles.
On Saturday, April 25, the Tour d’Elegance will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The experience includes stops at private car collections, a scenic drive through San Diego landscapes, and a luncheon at a private venue. Spectators can also catch the rally start on Prospect Street in La Jolla Village and the Cars & Coffee parade through Rancho Santa Fe.
Saturday evening shifts into a more public celebration with Porsches & Power on Prospect from 5 to 9 p.m. Prospect Street will turn into an open-air car showcase featuring Porsches, exotic supercars, and hypercars. The event will also include live music, gallery receptions, retail specials, and specialty food and cocktail offerings throughout downtown La Jolla.
The main event takes place Sunday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., when more than 200 rare and vintage automobiles are expected to fill Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Judges will evaluate entries based on elegance, technical merit, and historical significance, with competitors vying for top honors and Best of Show.
Also taking place Sunday is the La Jolla Motor Car Classic, a free event held adjacent to the Concours. Designed as a more accessible community celebration, it will feature a wide range of classic, luxury, and vintage automobiles.
Proceeds from the 20th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will benefit the La Jolla Historical Society, along with other local nonprofit partners. Tickets, VIP experiences, packages, and suites are available through the event’s website.
Media Credit: All photos provided by La Jolla Councours d’Elegance/Aurora Hall, Olive Public Relations.
