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The 18th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, held from April 19-21, culminated in a dazzling display of automobiles along the coastline of La Jolla at the grand event on Sunday, April 21. Presented by LPL Financial and IWC Schaffhausen, this year’s event was an homage to the Roaring ’20s and Glamorous ’30s, blending the luxury and elegance of yesteryear with today’s cutting-edge style and sophistication.
During the event, 113 vehicles competed in 13 classes, including 16 specialty awards. Instead of featuring a single Marque, the 2024 Concours celebrated a vast range of makes and models from the transformative era of the 1920s and 1930s, including Bugatti, Duesenberg, Packard, Bentley, Rolls Royce, and more. From sleek Art Deco designs to the powerful engines found within, these vehicles transported spectators back to a time of innovation, luxury, and boundless enthusiasm for automotive craftsmanship.
The coveted title of ‘Best in Show’ was awarded to The William Lyon Family’s pristine 1934 Packard Twelve (above).
“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,” reflects Robert F. Kerner Jr., co-chairman of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
The festivities commenced on Friday, April 19 with the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Friday Night VIP soirée on the lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. On Saturday, April 20, La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance offered a drive through the foothills of northern San Diego County, featuring a parade of 80 vintage and modern automobiles. The festivities continued at Porsches on Prospect, where 81 Porsches took center stage amid live music and a festive atmosphere on Prospect Street.
The 2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance culminated in the grand event on April 21, with 113 rare and exquisite vehicles gracing the lawns of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The automobiles were curated by the expertise of a dedicated, all-volunteer committee led by co-chairs G. Michael Dorvillier, Kerner Jr., and chief judge Nigel Matthews.
“I could not be any more proud of what our team has accomplished in bringing such an amazing event to La Jolla,” Dorvillier said. “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.”
All of the net proceeds raised at the 18th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance benefited the nonprofit La Jolla Historical Society. For more information on the Concours, visit LaJollaConcours.com.
2024 La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Specialty Winners
BEST IN SHOW
· The William Lyon Family, 1934 Packard Twelve
OUSTANDANDING PRE-WAR
· The William Lyon Family, 1941 Mercedes-Benz Model 770K
OUTSTANDING POST-WAR
· Jonathan Segal, 1956 Maserati A6G
Mayor’s Award
· Bob Minty, 1929 Oldsmobile R-29
Spirit of the Concours Award
· The Nethercutt Collection, 1930 Ruxton
Aubrey Taylor Upholstery Award
· Bradley & Rebecca Chase, 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT
Phillip Wichard Excellence in Design Award
· Aaron Weiss, 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III
Chief Judge Award
· Jeff & Jamie Long, 1953 Aston Martin DB2
Chuck Spielman Preservation Award
· Doug DeMuro, 1983 Lamborghini Countach
People’s Choice Award
· Dennis McFarlane, 1958 Corvette
La Jolla Historical Society Heritage Award
· The Singleton Collection, 1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16
Honorary Judges Award
· Petersen Automotive Museum, 1937 Talbot-Lago Type 150-C-S “Teardrop”
Co-Chairman’s Award
· Charles Wegner, 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB California
LPL Summit Best of Marque Award
· Petersen Automotive Museum, 1929 duPont Model G Speedster by Merrimac
IWC Timeless Elegance Award
· Bruce Meyer, 1929 Duesenberg Model J
2024 La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Class Winners
1a) American Elegance of the ’20s & ’30s – Open
1st: The William Lyon Family, 1934 Packard Twelve
2nd: Harry and Heather Clark, 1936 Lincoln Model K330
3rd: Blackhawk Rolling Art, 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial
1b) American Elegance of the ’20s & ’30s – Closed
1st: Tom Neal, 1932 Packard 904
2nd: Gary Marchetti, 1931 Nash 887
3rd: The Coit Collection, 1937 Lincoln Zephyr
2) European Elegance of the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s – Open & Closed
1st: The William Lyon Family, 1941 Mercedes-Benz Model 770K
2nd: Enrique Esparza Jr, 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom
3rd: Aaron Weiss, 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III
3) British Royalty – Aston Martin (1950-1975)
1st: Joe Calabrese, 1964 Aston Martin DB5
2nd: David Martin, 1953 Aston Martin DB2
3rd: Doug Forsyth, 1964 Aston Martin DB5
4) Hagerty California Mille 2024
1st: Marc Behaegel, 1955 Fiat 8 V Zagato
5a) Italian Super Cars – Ferrari (1959-1990)
1st: Stephen Bruno, 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB TDF
2nd: Michael Houx, 1974 Ferrari 246GTS Dino
3rd: Archie Kuehn, 1988 Ferrari
5b) Italian Super Cars – Lamborghini (1964 – 1990)
1st: Robert Ross, 1966 Lamborghini 400GT
2nd: Alan Pliska, 1966 Lamborghini 400GT
3rd: Bradley & Rebecca Chase, 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT
6) Vintage Race Cars (Pre 1972)
1st: William Rooklidge, 1955 Jaguar D-type
2nd: Phil White, 1955 OSCA Sports Racing Special
3rd: Shawn DeLuna, 1956 MG MGA
7) Japanese (1967-1998)
1st: Ricardo da Rosa, 1991 Acura NSX
2nd: Kenneth Woolcott, 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S
3rd: Brian Saldivar, 1998 Acura NSX-T
8) Porsche 911 Air Cooled Variants (1964-1998)
1st: Henrik Jorst/CCI, 1966 Porsche 911
2nd: Ray Alvarado, 1970 Porsche 911T
3rd: Makellos Classics, 1976 Porsche 930
9a) European Sports Cars of the ’50s & ’60s (1950-1969) – Open
1st: David Hargrave, 1959 MB 300 SL Roadster
2nd: Tom Krefetz, 1966 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2
3rd: John Malone, 1956 Mercedes Benz 190SL
9b) European Sports Cars of the ’50s & ’60s (1950-1969) – Closed
1st: Jonathan Segal, 1956 Maserati A6G
2nd: Gary Buxton, 1963 Jaguar E-Type
3rd: Scudder & Melanie Mersman, 1964 Jaguar XKE S1
10) Mustangs Pony to Power (1964-1993) The Evolution of Mustang
1st: Kenneth Woolcott, 1966 Ford Mustang GT
2nd: Luis Espinosa, 1966 Ford Mustang Pony GT
3rd: Steve Beck, 1965 Shelby GT 350
11) Corvettes Glass on the Grass (1953-1996) The Evolution of Corvette
1st: Harmon Anderson II, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
2nd: James Sheehan, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette
3rd: Michael Vietro, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette.