A pristine 1934 Packard Twelve owned by the William Lyon Family was Best in Show at the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, April 19–21. Presented by LPL Financial and IWC Schaffhausen, the event featured world-class cars and world-class car events celebrating the “Roaring ’20s and Glamorous ’30s,” including marques such as Bugatti, Duesenberg, Packard, Bentley and Rolls Royce.
“The 2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance was a tremendous success, showcasing an unparalleled collection of classic and luxury automobiles against the stunning backdrop of La Jolla’s scenic coastline,” says Robert F. Kerner Jr., co-chairman of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
The event began April 19 with the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Friday Night VIP soirée on the lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Themed “Expedition d’Elegance: The Road to Opulent Adventure,” the elegant evening included music, craft cocktails and tastings of gourmet food from 19 of San Diego’s finest restaurants.
On Saturday, drivers of 80 vintage and modern automobiles enjoyed the La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance through the foothills of northern San Diego County. The autophile’s dream included visits to automobile collections, a private luncheon at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and a stop at “Porsches on Prospect,” where participants saw 81 Porsches and heard live music on festive Prospect Street in the village of La Jolla.
Culminating the weekend, 113 rare vehicles appeared on the lawns of La Jolla Cove’s Ellen Browning Scripps Park adjacent to the Pacific Ocean on Sunday. At the same time, participants enjoyed the La Jolla Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden, with champagne cocktails, tastings of regional nuts and flights of honey, the VIP experience with tastes from more than 19 local chefs and Hospitality Suites supplying private lounges, catering and bar service. Guests enjoyed live music and interactive installations, with a vintage flyover along the coast.
An all-volunteer committee led by Co-Chairs G. Michael Dorvillier and Robert F. Kerner Jr. and Chief Judge Nigel Matthews curated the competition. The cars were judged in thirteen classes, and 16 specialty awards were given.
Class winners included a 1932 Packard 904, American Elegance of the 20’s & 30’s (Closed Top), Tom Neal; a 1941 Mercedes-Benz Model 770K, European Elegance of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s (Open & Closed), The William Lyon Family; and a 1966 Ford Mustang, Mustangs Pony to Power (1964–1993), The Evolution of Mustang, Kenneth Woolcott.
“I could not be any prouder of what our team has accomplished in bringing such an amazing event to La Jolla,” says Dorvillier. He notes that all net proceeds benefited local 501(c)3 nonprofit, La Jolla Historical Society. “The impact we have on our community, the car culture, our sponsors and vendors, and most importantly, our charities, is incredibly impactful. I can’t wait for 2025.”
The 2025 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for April 25–27, 2025.
All of the winners and more information is at LaJollaConcours.com or call 619-233-5008.
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