The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, renowned as one of the premier classic automobile showcases in the United States, is set to return to the sparkling shores of La Jolla, California, from April 19-21. This year’s 18th annual event, celebrating the Roaring ’20s and the Glamorous ’30s, promises to be a spectacular affair, drawing car enthusiasts from around the globe to revel in a sense of yesteryear nostalgia and timeless elegance.

The showcase will feature an unmatched display of over 170 meticulously restored automobiles from the 1920s, 1930s, and beyond. Esteemed marques such as Bugatti, Duesenberg, Packard, Bentley, Rolls Royce, and more will be presented, each a testament to an era marked by innovation, luxury, and a boundless enthusiasm for automotive craftsmanship.

“This year, the Concours is a tribute to the Marques that symbolized the pinnacle of automotive elegance and engineering in the 1920s and 1930s,” said Chairman Michael Dorvillier. The event celebrates the remarkable craftsmanship and groundbreaking designs of the era and the spirit of the times that saw the emergence of these iconic vehicles.

Classic Cars Take Center Stage in California at La Jolla Concours dElegance

Classic Cars Take Center Stage in California at La Jolla Concours dElegance

The weekend event extends beyond the automobile showcase, featuring a range of activities, including art galleries, live music, cocktails from a hosted bar, and delectable food from some of San Diego’s top restaurants. Visitors can view over 200 spectacular and rare vehicles displayed on the La Jolla Cove lawn, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Coast.

This year’s event will feature an exquisite collection of automobiles with a unique story. Highlights include the 1932 Chrysler CP8, one of only five surviving examples of the original 251 built, and the 1930 Ruxton, with less than 20 of the 96 produced still in existence. The 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III V-12, originally commissioned by Sir Kameshwar, Maharajah of Bahadur, and a highlight at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours, will also be showcased.

Classic Cars Take Center Stage in California at La Jolla Concours dElegance

Other notable vehicles include the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS, the 1955 Jaguar D-Type, and the Aston Martin DB5, celebrated for its iconic role in the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger.’ The Fiat 1500 GT by Ghia, an extremely rare model with fewer than 50 known to survive worldwide, will also be a part of this prestigious collection.

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance celebrates the history, artistry, and innovation of the automotive industry, promising to be an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts and admirers of timeless elegance. ◼

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© This article was first published online in Feb 2024 – World Travel Magazine.