More than 300 exquisite, fine-lined automobiles will be showcased at the 12th annual La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Friday through Sunday, April 8 to 10. The three-day event culminates Sunday with the classic-car exhibition on the lawn of historic Ellen Browning Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “French Curves” is the theme for the 2016 Concours, meant to compliment America’s — and the world’s — love affair with classic automobiles.
It’s fitting that La Jolla, “the Jewel” in Spanish, hosts the annual concours, French for “a crowd or confluence of things or a park promenade.” What better place to showcase classic automobile gems than in the Jewel, which conjures up romantic visions of beautiful women in haute couture in a park-like setting?
In past years, La Jolla Concours D’Elegance has showcased horseless carriages, Italian marques, British marques, Woodys, ’50s classics, American sports cars (with a salute to GM on its 100th anniversary, in 2008) and the automobiles of Carroll Shelby.
Also new in 2016 is a revamped way for participants to donate a portion of their event cost back to benefit more nonprofit charities, like La Jolla Village Merchants Association (LJVMA) business improvement district, which support the event each year.
“The LJVMA welcomes the annual La Jolla Concours d’ Elegance as one of the signature events we love to support,” said Sheila Fortune, association executive director. “The car show is much more than looking at beautiful collector cars. The patrons who visit our Village for the three days also get to explore unique foods, retail shopping and the beauty of La Jolla. Thanks to a great group of volunteers, the concours has turned into one of the top car shows on the circuit in the United States.” What started out more than a decade ago as a local fundraiser has morphed today into an internationally renowned exhibition for the world’s classic-car community. In 2015, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance was named one of the top three events to attend in the world by Octane Magazine.
An ultimate VIP package for the three-day weekend includes passes to the VIP events, including the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Contemporary Classic Cocktail Party on Friday, the Aston Martin San Diego Exclusive Saturday Evening VIP Reception and the headlining event, Sunday’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Regular price to attend all three functions is $500, but the Ultimate VIP Experience is available now for just $375.
A passionate antique car collector, event organizer and promoter Michael Dorvillier has made a five-year commitment to chair and oversee the expansion of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, which supports the La Jolla Historical Society and the Monarch School for Homeless Children.
Now, said Dorvillier, a way has been found to allow event participants to donate a portion of their ticket cost to benefit even more deserving groups than ever.
“Over the last couple years, we’ve been trying to figure out ways we can do more for charities and nonprofits that support our event,” Dorvillier said, citing La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc., the civic group that oversees Scripps Park development, as one example of new event benefactors. “We’ve found a creative way to give back to those organizations.” Other nonprofit groups benefiting from this year’s Concours will include the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the USS Midway. Dorvillier said there will be a promotion code for each qualifying nonprofit group that those groups can give out to their supporters who will be attending the concours. He explained how it works. “They can give that promotion code to friends and families buying tickets on the website,” he said, “and when they use that code, it allows us to give them a discount, then turn around and give $10 of that $50 to $60 ticket price back to the charity of their choice.” CA Marengo, president of the La Jolla merchants group, asked business improvement district supporters to use the promotion code “LJVMA” for $5 off general admission tickets and $20 off VIP tickets, with proceeds going to benefit the nonprofit merchants organization. The title sponsor for this year’s concours is LPL Financial. For more information, visit lajollaconcours.com.