Returning to the shores of La Jolla, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, presented by LPL Financial celebrates its 17th year of automotive excellence Friday, April 21, Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, 2023. Earning a reputation as one of the finest internationally renowned classic automobile showcases in the US, the La Jolla Concours continues to attract discerning car enthusiasts from around the globe for a weekend of prestigious events.
The honored marque in 2023 has been awarded to Duesenberg – a marque automotive historians over the years have deemed a synonym for scientific pioneering, style, and opulence. Duesenberg is rightly considered one of America’s, and the world’s, most remarkable automotive marques. Duesenberg-powered cars stacked wins at American races and the French Grand Prix, garnering a reputation for quality long before the automobiles would hit the civilian market.
The Duesenberg chassis made way for incredible examples of one-off coachwork, with designers customizing the body to suit the elite clientele that owned these automotive treasures. Though the Duesenberg brand only lasted a short period of time when compared to other marques, there continues to be a legacy and immense value for the remaining vehicles today. The association between luxury and prestige with the Duesenberg brand persists, and it is one of the greatest contributing factors in their valuation on today’s collector’s market.
Official La Jolla Concours artist Scott Jacobs, well known for his incredible photorealistic paintings of motorcycles and automobiles, will continue to astound in 2023 as he paints the 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan “Twenty Grand” for this year’s cover art to be featured on posters, programs, tickets, banners and more.
The Twenty Grand is a one-off custom 1933 Rollston Arlington Torpedo-bodied Duesenberg SJ ultra-luxury sedan. Luxury brands Duesenberg and Rollston contracted automobile designer Gordon Buehrig for an ultra-luxury one-off design to be the leading automotive “Dream Car” display representing the progress of the United States automotive industry at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
The design’s initial price tag of $20,000 was the second most expensive Duesenberg ever constructed and it is widely considered to be the most beautiful Duesenberg ever built. Today, it remains as one of the most valuable cars in the world, worth a value in the millions. The Twenty Grand was selected to be exhibited as one of “The Ten Most Beautiful Cars in the World.” The Twenty Grand is the flagship vehicle of the Nethercutt Collection, who gave the automobile a full original restoration that reverted the vehicle to its original opulence. See it live and in-person at this year’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
April 21, 2023
Explore La Jolla and enjoy the wide range of restaurants, art galleries, and attractions offering La Jolla Concours d’Elegance specials before our signature evening soiree. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance VIP Party, 6-10 p.m., Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
This will be a night to remember. Infamous for its creativity and cutting-edge event themes and design, this year’s event will be one for the books. Enjoy an evening of live music, a hosted bar of artistically crafted cocktails, delicacies from over 15 of San Diego’s top restaurants, and a live auction full of unique items. Theme to be announced soon. Early-Bird tickets are $225 through Feb. 1, 2023. After Feb. 2, prices will increase periodically through the show date.
April 22, 2023
The La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The Tour d ‘Elegance is an intimate way to enjoy two rare car collections, San Diego’s incredible scenery, spend the day with other car aficionados, and enjoy lunch at the private La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Tour d’Elegance Cost: $395 for one car and two guests, lunch for two, commemorative tour gift, and viewing some of San Diego’s most eclectic collections. Online registration open now.
April 23, 2023
The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This is a rare opportunity to view over 150 spectacular classic automobiles displayed at La Jolla Cove along the breathtaking Pacific Coast. Enjoy live music, indulge in the Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden. Multiple VIP experiences available. Attend the La Jolla Concours in true VIP style. VIP will be moved to an exciting new location along the ocean for 2023. In addition to GA and VIP tickets, the La Jolla Concours is offering an Ultimate VIP ticket, premium ticket, and luxury ocean suite ticket. Visit lajollaconcours.com to curate your perfect Concours weekend. Early-bird tickets are $65 for general admission and $200 for VIP. Prices increase to $70 and $225 respectively after Feb. 2, 2023.
The 17th Annual La Jolla Concours proceeds will go towards the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the history of La Jolla. In addition to the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Concours, over the years, has benefited several additional local community, and non-profit partners. For more information, to register your vehicle, or to purchase tickets to the featured weekend events, visit www.lajollaconcours.com.
