La Jolla Concours d’Elegance celebrates 20 years of speed and style

Set against the sweeping coastal backdrop of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns April 24 to 26, marking its 20th anniversary with a weekend dedicated to automotive excellence. This year’s milestone celebration, themed “Icons of Speed: Historically Significant Super Cars,” pays tribute to the machines that redefined performance, innovation, and design across generations.

Long regarded as one of the nation’s most thoughtfully curated automotive events, the Concours blends rare and significant vehicles with an unmistakably Southern California sense of luxury and ease. The 2026 showcase will feature 16 distinct classes, highlighting everything from pre-war classics and European icons to American muscle, Japanese performance legends, and groundbreaking hypercars. At the heart of the exhibition, the featured “Icons of Speed” class will present a compelling look at the evolution of velocity — from early land-speed pioneers to engineering marvels like the McLaren F1.

The three-day experience extends well beyond the concours field, offering a dynamic lineup of events that invite both seasoned collectors and first-time attendees to engage with automotive culture in an elevated yet approachable setting.

The weekend begins Friday evening with Motorvault: The VIP Opening Soirée, where guests can explore a curated collection of rare automobiles while enjoying craft cocktails, culinary experiences from top local chefs, and live entertainment in an atmosphere of intrigue and indulgence.

On Saturday, enthusiasts can take part in the Tour d’Elegance, a scenic drive through San Diego’s most picturesque routes, paired with private collection access and a refined luncheon. That evening, Porsches & Power on Prospect transforms La Jolla Village into a vibrant, open-air showcase of exotic and performance vehicles, complemented by live music, gallery receptions, and curated dining experiences.

Sunday brings the main event, as more than 200 exceptional automobiles take center stage at the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Judged on beauty, technical merit, and historical significance, these remarkable vehicles compete for top honors, including the coveted Best of Show. Adjacent to the concours, the Motor Car Classic offers a more relaxed, community-focused celebration of automotive passion.

As it celebrates two decades, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance continues to honor the artistry of the automobile while evolving as a world-class event — one that feels both internationally respected and distinctly San Diego. lajollaconcours.com