The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, an event synonymous with luxury and classic automotive elegance, will return to the stunning coastline of La Jolla, CA, for its 18th edition. Scheduled for April 19-21, the prestigious event, presented by LPL Financial, will showcase an exceptional range of vintage vehicles from the transformative 1920s and 1930s.
This year's Concours is unique in its celebration of various automotive Marques from the '20s and '30s, featuring legendary brands like Bugatti, Duesenberg, Packard, Bentley and Rolls Royce. The event promises to transport attendees back to an era when automotive craftsmanship was at its zenith, marked by sleek Art Deco designs and powerful engines.
A highlight of the 2024 Concours is the artwork of official artist Scott Jacobs, known for his photorealistic paintings of motorcycles and automobiles. Jacobs will be painting the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III from Aaron Wiess’ collection for this year's cover art, to be featured on posters, programs, tickets and more. The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, a symbol of pre-war luxury, stands out as the only V12 Rolls-Royce until 1998's Silver Seraph, showcasing an aluminum-alloy V12 7.32-liter engine and advanced features like Ace wheel discs and the Bijour lubrication system.
“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 cars from this era showcase the craftsmanship and groundbreaking designs that defined the roaring 20s and glamorous 30s.”
The 1920s and 1930s were pivotal in automotive history, marked by advancements in technology and accessibility. With rising wages and the introduction of installment payment plans, automobiles became more affordable, leading to increased demand and improved road infrastructure. The design and functionality of cars evolved with these changes, transitioning from high ground clearance and slender tires to lower profiles and broader tires as road conditions improved.
This period also saw a surge in new car brands, from affordable models like the Ford Model T to luxurious vehicles by Duesenberg and Rolls Royce. Many of these brands continue to thrive, while others have become cherished museum pieces or highlights at events like the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance.
The 2024 event will feature a stunning array of automobiles, including rarities like the 1932 Chrysler CP8, 1930 Ruxton from The Nethercutt Museum, 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III V-12, 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS, 1955 Jaguar D-Type, 1973 250 cc Husqvarna Trials Bike, the Aston Martin DB5, Fiat 1500 GT by Ghia, and the 1962 Triumph Italia 2000 Vignale.
The weekend events include the VIP Party at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance, and "Porsches on Prospect" in La Jolla Village. The main event April 21 will feature more than 200 rare vehicles, a Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden, live music and a vintage flyover along the coast.
Tickets for the 2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance are available online, with various VIP experiences and packages offered.