Amazing Autos & Aviation

Amazing Autos & Aviation

Posted on May 1, 2018

It was another breathtaking weekend of automotive excellence at the 14th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, held in the jewel by the sea along the brilliant blue Pacific in early April. One of the premier car events in the world, the Concours showcased ultra rare and desirable vehicles from the last 100+ years in a wide range of highly competitive classes.

The festivities kicked off on a Friday night with the Dapper & Delight Soirée at Covo La Jolla on Prospect. On Saturday morning, a convoy of classic cars took to the road for the Tour d’Elegance. That evening, the Art Deco Party at the Cove hosted entrants, sponsors, and guests for an enchanting evening under the moonlit sky. The weekend culminated on Sunday, when attendees viewed nearly 150 pristine vehicles restored to their original condition, all showcased on La Jolla Cove’s green lawn, and strolled among the sponsor tents, sipped drinks, and tasted specialty food. Another 75 cars were displayed on adjacent streets.

Each year, a historic automaker or coachbuilder is selected as the Concours’ honored marque. This year, Lincoln was featured, and there was an impressive gathering of the brand’s classics from throughout the decades. New models from San Diego’s exclusive dealer, Witt Lincoln, were also on display, and the Witt family also brought their own 1964 Lincoln Continental Convertible, fully restored at the dealership.

The dazzling Sunday event reached new heights with the La Jolla Concours Aviation Parade, presented by Icon Aircraft. More than 20 vintage aircraft took to the skies over the Concours field, including U.S. and Eastern-bloc single-engine, propeller-driven, former military, and aerobatic competition aircraft. Flight sorties above the crowd included between one and five aircraft in varying formations. Marine Corps aviator, Major (Ret.) Phil Kendro helmed the air program. Ranch & Coast was on the ground and in the air. Photographer Vincent Knakal covered the event from the lawn and Associate Art Director Chloe Pedersen flew above in a yellow Great Lakes biplane.

The event has turned this coastal community event into an international automobile destination thanks to Concours chairman G. Michael Dorvillier and his dedicated committee. In addition to his role as a registered Financial Advisor at Symbio Financial Partners, Dorvillier has served as chairman of the event for the last seven years.

Proceeds raised at this year’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance benefited the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the past of the gem by the sea. The event also benefits several additional local community nonprofit partners each year.

Lincoln coupe: Photography courtesy of Michael & Kate Photography; Aerial view: Photography by Chloe Pedersen; All other photography by Vincent Knakal