A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Weymann “TaperTail” Speedster was selected Best in Show at the 17th La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, presented by LPL Financial, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty and Panerai, April 21, 22 and 23 at Ellen Scripps Browning Park above La Jolla Cove. The winning owner is the William Lyon Family.
This was the best-attended event yet, with 8,800 guests and 128 cars for the ticketed La Jolla Concours and more than 15,000 visitors for the free La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Motor Car Classic held on Saturday. Also concurrent events, the Motor Car Classic showed 43 Ferraris and Porsches on Prospect 80 Porsches.
“Everyone has been raving about the event and, of course, the amazing venue, cars, hospitality and weather,” says Co-Chairman G. Michael Dorvillier, who was one of the event honorees with Randy Ema.
Brian Graff, founder and CEO of Highline Autos, a sponsor, adds “La Jolla has always been a favorite weekend for our magazine. It combines great classic cars and motorcycles, parties, fabulous food and drinks, three days of events, fellow car lovers and the fabulous park setting above the Pacific. You just can’t top that.”
On Friday, April 21, the La Jolla Concours began with the Friday night VIP soiree “Beyond the Garden Gates” on the park lawn. On Saturday, April 22, car aficionados motored around San Diego County. The tour guests ended their cruise with a private lunch at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
On Sunday, an all-volunteer committee led by Co-Chairs G. Michael Dorvillier, Robert F. Kerner Jr. and Chief Judge Nigel Matthews judged the classic cars. Complementing this was La Jolla Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden, offering champagne cocktails and tastings of chocolate and flights of honey from around the world. VIP guests also enjoyed food from more than 16 local chefs and bar service.
Another Duesenberg, a 1933 Duesenberg SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan, was the Outstanding Pre-War vehicle, from The Nethercutt Collection, Helen & Jack Nethercutt. The Outstanding Post-Wat car was a 1959 Maserati GT 3500 Spyder, owned by Phil White; another 3500 GT from 1960, owned by Jim Gianopulos, won the Panerai Timeless Elegance Award.
Two beautiful Delahayes won, respectively, the Aubrey Taylor Upholstery Award and the Honorary Judges Award: a 1953 135MS CL Spéciale Faget-Varnet Coach, Anthony Collé, owner; and a 1951 35 Saoutchik, Peter and Merle Mullin, owners.
American-made car winners included, for the Mayor’s Award, a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4 Door Sedan, James Justus, owner; the Paul Emple Award “Paul’s Choice,” a 1936 Auburn 852SC Speedster, Ray and Sue Carpenter; Taylor Kahle American Muscle Award, 1964 Corvette Stingray Convertible, Ade Tuyo. And, Tom Armstrong won the Marc Camille Lemieux Motorcycle Award for his 1959 BMW R50 Motorcycle.
“The La Jolla Concours has world-class cars and a world class experience. I have heard over and over even if you’re not a gear head there is something for everyone. It’s the perfect event to bring your friend, partner and/or significant other as everyone will have a fantastic time,” Dorvillier says. “We really worked hard to create an event that shows the beauty of La Jolla, the beauty of cars in a very southern California/ La Jolla charming way and also raised needed funds for the La Jolla Historical Society.”
Next year’s 18th event will be held April 19, 20 and 21.
For more information, see lajollaconcours.com
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