Arguably America’s greatest car marque, Duesenberg, will be honored at the 2023 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance April 21–23 at Ellen Scripps Browning Park in La Jolla Cove.
Presented by LPL Financial, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty and Panerai, the 17th- annual event, “World Class Cars, World Class Experience,” will welcome 4,000 ticketed guests and feature 125-plus vehicles that will be independently judged in 13 classes for cars and motorcycles.
On Sunday, the annual Motor Car Classic will showcase another 40 cars on the street next to the park. Celebrating Ferrari this year, the free event occurs 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Other weekend events also take place nearby in La Jolla.
“I’ve never been prouder of our committed volunteer team and what we’ve accomplished in placing the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance and the village of La Jolla squarely on the map as one of the nation’s top and most respected concours and host venues,” says G. Michael Dorvillier, chairman of the event. “Hosting sponsors, car entrants, judges and guests from around the globe is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously and are honored to do. I couldn’t be more excited for April 2023.”
Starting the weekend on Friday night, Le Cabaret du Concours offers whimsical décor, entertainment, a live auction, hosted specialty cocktails and food from one of San Diego’s top restaurants.
A new event this year is Porsches on Prospect, Saturday, April 22. That afternoon is the annual Tour d’Elegance featuring concours-participating and other classic cars, and the people who love them, cruising San Diego. The event includes breakfast, lunch and commemorative gifts.
On Sunday, the judging occurs between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., led by Chief Judge Nigel Matthews, Global Brand Ambassador for Hagerty. He has judged at 123 concours events worldwide during the past 20 years, including Pebble Beach since 2005 and more recently at Villa d’Este in Italy.
The La Jolla Concours uses the multi-marque system provided by the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAG). The car in the class with the highest score is the class winner, and all class winners are eligible for the Best of Show award.
Matthews and his team will award Best in Show, Most Outstanding Pre-War, Most Outstanding Post-War and first, second, and third place awards for the classes. Last year’s Best in Show was a 1931 Type 51 Coupe.
In addition, special awards include LPL Summit Best of Marque; Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty Timeless Elegance; Chairman’s; Mayor’s; La Jolla Historical Society Heritage; and the Restorer of the Year.
Matthews says, “I’m so looking forward to the Concours in April. From my perspective, how could it get any better? It really can’t. A spectacular oceanside venue, some of the best International Chief Judge Advisory Group® judges in the world, hardworking volunteers and administration team and, last but not least, the cars. Be prepared to see one of the most stunning displays of Duesenberg cars in one location for a long time, literally an automotive museum on wheels in the sunshine.”
Proceeds benefit the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the rich history of the village of La Jolla, and several local community nonprofit partners each year.
Robert F. Kerner, an event committee member, says, “As we make final preparations for the most spectacular La Jolla Concours d’Elegance yet, I feel honored to be associated with such a talented and dedicated team of people who make this event so successful. Our sponsors, patrons and registrants all deserve our sincere appreciation for their continued support of this great event. We look forward to seeing everyone on the lawn in La Jolla in a few short weeks.”
For tickets, see lajollahistorical.ticketsauce.com/e/la-jolla-concours-d-elegance-2023/tickets.
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