La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

THE JEWEL & THE CONCOURS
It is fitting that when translated into Spanish, La Jolla means “the jewel,” because La Jolla truly is the diamond of the West Coast. La Jolla has become the embodiment of luxury, class and style in San Diego. The chic allure of La Jolla’s avenues has drawn the finest automobiles to this coastal town for the eleventh year at the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance and The La Jolla Motor Car Classic at the Concours.

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance features various types of fine automobile gems. Past years have showcased horseless carriages, Italian marques, British marques, Woodies, 50’s classics, American sports cars (with a salute to GM on their 100th anniversary), and the automobiles of Carroll Shelby. Spectators from all over the nation come to the breathtaking shores of La Jolla to view their favorite classics. This year, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will be Celebrating Coachbuilt Classics of the 30’s and 40’s.
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE: A Brief History

According to Webster, “Concours” comes from the French, and means “a crowd or confluence of things; also a park promenade.” The term conjures up romantic visions of beautiful women in haute couture in a park-like setting surrounded by sparkling coaches, glistening groomed horses, gorgeous flowers, champagne, fine art and sculpture, and later, by the finest automotive art.

Man, being the perpetual competitor, has generally sought to triumph. Civilized chivalry, combined with grandeur, became the prevailing spirit of the Concours d’Elegance. Originating in the late 17th century, the early Concours was a leisurely social affair where light-hearted competitions among coaches and fashions were rewarded with rosettes, wine and champagne. As coaches and carriages segued into automobiles in the late 19th century, the competitions became more defined. By the mid 1920s, no society season on the French Riviera was complete without a variety of organized Concours events.

As the romance of the Roaring 20s and the refined elegance of the 30s gave way to the perils of world war, we find the demise of the Concours as it gave way to the bare survival of nations. Once the free world was able to right itself and move beyond subsistence, it was the troika of visionaries Jules Huemann, Reverend Paul Woudenberg and Loren Tryon who in 1950 created what was to become the grandfather of all post-war Concours—Pebble Beach.

So, what for centuries had been a European staple has become a true international tradition. It pays homage to its French roots by its very name, and is patterned by the defined structure of judging rules. We wish to acknowledge and thank all of our past and present sponsors who have supported the La Jolla Historical Society in hosting such a first- class event. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance today gives our competitors and spectators the opportunity to share this time-honored tradition. Enjoy!

–Dr. Cy Conrad, Chief Judge

Friday, April 10, 2015 – Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Contemporary Classic Cocktail Party

Enjoy an intimate soiree while perusing a spectacular display of extraordinary Rolls-Royce automobiles, incredible entertainment, scrumptious culinary bites and a wide selection of sophisticated cocktails, wines and champagnes. Purchase your tickets early as limited tickets are available and this event sold out last year.

7 pm – 10 pm | $150 per person | La Valencia Hotel

Saturday, April 11, 2015 – La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Motor Tour

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Motor Tour kicks off at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park, one of the finest museum collections of automobiles on the West Coast, offering special exhibits which tell a compelling story of how cars have influenced our lives over the years.

We will motor on from the Museum, cruising 60 to 70 miles through San Diego’s most scenic beautiful locations to the next stop of the Tour, Bill Evan’s Private Collection Garage, where we will step back in time to visit a world class collection of vintage automobiles and an incredible display of memories from a Grand and Elegant era of the past.

From Bill Evan’s Garage, the Tour zooms on to Chuck Spielman’s Only Yesterday Museum, a private showroom of vintage automobiles covering the period from the 30’s to the present, as well as military memorabilia from throughout the last century.

Finishing the Motor Tour, we will enjoy a savory lunch reception and awards ceremony held at the luxurious Grand Del Mar!

If you still want to participate in the Motor Tour but don’t want to drive your automobile, enjoy the view from the top deck as a passenger in our Double Decker Tour Bus as we travel through our San Diego stops… The Tour is revving up to be a fun and unforgettable ride!

7:30 am – 3:30 pm | $125 per car (Includes driver and 1 passenger) | $100 per person for Double Decker Bus Ticket

Saturday, April 11, 2015 – Exclusive Saturday Evening VIP Reception

Exclusive reception for automobile registrants, sponsors, judges and the public to indulge in culinary delights from local restaurants and world-class chefs, fabulous entertainment and a spectacular evening of wines and cocktails along the Pacific Ocean. Here is a chance to mingle with car enthusiasts and enjoy a relaxed evening prior to the Sunday Concours.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Ellen Browning Scripps Park (La Jolla Cove) | $150 per person

Sunday, April 12, 2015 – La Jolla Concours d’Elegance and La Jolla Motor Car Classic at the Concours

View 300+ spectacular, exemplary vehicles situated along the Pacific Ocean, peruse the offerings of our fabulous vendors, and check out the exciting offers from our top-notch sponsors. General admission tickets include two tastings from our wine and craft beer garden and a commemorative program. Children under 14 years of age are free.

VIP tickets include the above general admission benefits plus complimentary lunch from incredible restaurants as well as Hosted Wines, Craft Beers, and Cocktails from 11 AM to 2 PM, and a signed poster from the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance official artist Scott Jacobs.

9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Ellen Browning Scripps Park (La Jolla Cove) | $40 general admission in advance | $50 general admission day of event | VIP Tickets $125

Ultimate VIP Package – VIP Access to the Concours AND Friday and Saturday VIP Parties

Don’t miss a single event! Purchase the Ultimate VIP Package which includes passes to all of the VIP events throughout the weekend. The Friday Night Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Contemporary Classic Cocktail Party, Exclusive Saturday Evening VIP Reception and Sunday’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance VIP Tickets. Regular price to attend all 3 events is $425 but the Ultimate VIP Experience is available now for just $325. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of all of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance parties!

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | $325 per person