The 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Unveils a Weekend of Style and Grandeur with Classic Cars and Exclusive Events
LA JOLLA, CA — Revving up for a spectacular showcase of elegance and engineering marvels, the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is returning to San Diego’s stunning coastline April 19 – 21, 2024. Proudly presented by LPL Financial and IWC Schaffhausen, the prestigious Concours weekend celebrates the glamour and luxury of the Roaring 20s and Glamorous 30s with a schedule of must-attend events for automobile aficionados and casual enthusiasts alike. Overlooking the glistening Pacific, the La Jolla Concours is set to kick off San Diego’s spring season in style.
The weekend begins with the iconic La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Friday Night VIP Party on Friday, April 19th from 6 – 10 pm at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Renowned for its dynamic and immersive themes, the 2024 VIP Party is already proving to offer a sensational trek through time as guests embark on ‘Expedition d’Elegance: The Road to Opulent Adventure’.
Immersing themselves in the ambiance of a bygone age, attendees will experience the smooth tunes of classic jazz, the clinking of timeless cocktails, and gourmet delights inspired by the era when motoring explorers set out on grand expeditions. The venue will be adorned with a blend of lavish furnishings, vintage maps, towering wildlife, and automotive artistry, all bathed in the soft glow of lanterns. Picture overgrown jungles and wild plains, reminiscent of a time when daring travelers embarked on epic journeys with flair.
As the night progresses, guests can anticipate a celebration of sophistication, adventure, and luxury: delectable bites from over 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants including Sushi Nekosan and Beeside Balcony, imaginative craft cocktails, an exclusive display of rare vintage automobiles, a live auction, and live entertainment. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Friday VIP Party is an exclusive gathering that pays homage to the glory days of motoring, offering attendees a glimpse into a world of exploration and elegance.
On Saturday, April 20th, The La Jolla Tour d’Elegance celebrates a diverse array of automobiles, from vintage classics to modern marvels, on an Italian Mille-style rally out on the open road. Participants will have the opportunity to share their love for cars, connect with fellow aficionados, and immerse themselves in a day of automotive excellence. The public is invited to join the spectacle and cheer on their favorite cars at various points along the route. Join the ‘Cars & Coffee’ Parade in Rancho Santa Fe on Paseo Delicias from 9:00 – 9:15 am and at the La Jolla Shores Parade along Avenida de la Playa and Calle de la Playa from 11:30 – 11:45 am to catch a glimpse of these 100+ modern and vintage marvels.
In the evening, ignite your passion for Porsches during Porsches on Prospect from 5 – 9pm in the heart of La Jolla Village. Witness 75 magnificent vintage and modern Porsches lining Prospect Street, and immerse yourself in the village’s vibrant atmosphere, featuring live music, exclusive retail offers, gallery openings, restaurant specials, and much more. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Sunday is the main event! The 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will take place from 9am – 4pm at La Jolla’s Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view over 200 spectacular and rare vehicles that will be displayed on the La Jolla Cove lawn along the breathtaking Pacific Coast.
Attendees will witness the shimmering chrome and polished finishes of vintage masterpieces, each telling its own story of innovation and elegance. From the rumbling engines of classic muscle cars to the sleek lines of vintage European roadsters, the event promises a parade of motoring splendor that captures the spirit of a bygone era. From sleek Art Deco designs to the powerful engines found within, these vehicles will transport spectators back to a time of innovation, luxury, and boundless enthusiasm for automotive craftsmanship.
This year, the Concours will feature a 1932 Chrysler CP8, one of 5 surviving cars out of the 251 ever built, Jack Douglas’ 1955 Jaguar D-Type, and the “Most Famous Car in the World,” the Aston Martin DB5, best-known for its role in the James Bond films driven by the 007 in the film Goldfinger.
Attendees will indulge in a Champagne and Honey Tasting, enjoy live music, visit exclusive luxury vendors, and sip on refreshing beers and cocktails – all while surrounded by a once-in-a-lifetime display of cars. Don’t forget to look to the skies for a vintage flyby along the coast!
If a ticket to the Concours is out of reach this year, don’t miss the free La Jolla Motor Car Classic at the Concours, taking place on the street adjacent to the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Explore meticulously restored stock and modified cars, engage with the owners, and soak up the ambiance of the famed Concours weekend in La Jolla.
GO VIP: Enhance the LJCDE experience with an upgraded premium or VIP ticket. Attend the La Jolla Concours in true VIP style, skip the line and breeze through with a dedicated check-in, enjoy fabulous bites from San Diego’s finest restaurants, and enjoy hosted access to the newly expanded VIP bar, a commemorative poster from the renowned La Jolla Concours artist, Scott Jacobs, and a La Jolla Concours Program. Various VIP tiers are available for the Sunday La Jolla Concours d’Elegance as well as other weekend events while supplies last. Learn more at lajollaconcours.com.
