Get ready to fire up those engines in Southern California. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is dropping over 150 serious, historic vehicles right onto the surfside lawns of La Jolla Cove from April 24–26, 2026. This three-day run draws Automotive Aficionados who want to see rare, built-not-bought classics and meet the owners holding the keys.

With the Pacific Ocean backdrop, this setup brings out Motorheads from all over to talk shop and inspect authentic mechanical heritage. The weekend mixes high-end VIP parties with coastal cruising and strict class judging, creating a spot that is mandatory for anyone obsessed with how these machines were put together.

For more information, be sure to visit the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance official site.

FEATURED CARS

We are looking at a heavy-hitting lineup in 2026 covering everything from pre-war coachbuilt masterpieces to high-revving track weapons. Automobile Connoisseurs know it is hard to find this much rolling art parked on one piece of grass. Here are the top five focal points you need to check out:

The La Jolla Concours also includes a VIP luncheon, live entertainment, a live auction, and private classic car viewings.

• Bugatti (1909-1963): Expect highly documented examples of Ettore Bugatti’s finest work. These aren’t just trailer queens; they are functional pieces of engineering with serious racing pedigree. Car Collectors respect the hand-formed aluminum and raw mechanical craftsmanship that kept these cars ahead of the pack.
• Mercedes-Benz 300SL (1954-1963): The iconic Gullwings and Roadsters are coming out strong. Piston-heads will get to dig into the pristine engine bays and flawless direct fuel-injection systems that made these cars an absolute technological terror in their era.
• Classic American Muscle (1960-1974): Big blocks and heavy horsepower. Muscle Car Junkies will get right up close to numbers-matching Mustangs and Corvettes that defined the bare-knuckle horsepower wars on the street and the strip.

Watch out for the Vintage Ferrari (1948-1995) models too. From front-engine V12 grand tourers to raw, mid-engine wedges, these prancing horses bring the noise and the provenance that hardcore Auto Fanatics hunt down.

Joining the lineup are First-Generation Porsche 911s (1964-1973), heralding the air-cooled flat-six engines that started it all. Motoring Enthusiasts will appreciate the mechanical purity and factory-correct restorations of these early Stuttgart legends before water cooling changed the game.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The 2026 schedule brings three straight days of pure mechanical history. Gearheads can expect a stacked deck from start to finish. Friday kicks things off with a massive VIP Party right on the lawns of La Jolla Cove, giving Caraholics early access to private showings of rare Duesenbergs, live-action bidding, and solid local food out under the stars.

Judges Will Judge Over 150 Collectible Cars Followed By Award Presentations To The Cars In The Best Condition On Sunday.

Saturday hits the streets with Porsches on Prospect, packing 75 air-cooled and water-cooled flat-sixes into La Jolla Village. It is a prime chance for Driving Enthusiasts to hear these engines echo off the tightly packed buildings.

Sunday is the main event. Car Buffs will flood the greens to inspect award-winning classics, ranging from heavy-hitting Italian supercars to bare-bones vintage race cars built before 1972.

GUEST HOSTS & CELEBRITIES

When you park this much high-dollar metal on the coast, you attract serious talent. The judging roster is stacked with veteran inspectors and restoration pros who can spot a non-original bolt from ten paces away. Renowned automotive artist Scott Jacobs will be on-site, bringing his signature style to the event and providing signed cover art posters for the VIP crowd.

You can also spot known Petrolheads and industry insiders walking the grass, checking out the paint correction, and swapping stories about late-night wrenching sessions. It is the exact kind of crowd Grease Monkeys love to talk shop with.

RELATED STORY: Don’t Miss The Top 10 Events Upcoming for Car Collectors.

THE VENUE

There is no better background for cold, hard steel than the crashing waves of the Pacific. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Southern California, Ellen Browning Scripps Park delivers an unbeatable oceanfront setting for this massive car show. La Jolla Cove has long been a haven for local Autophiles and international buyers alike.

The manicured lawns, tall palms, and cool ocean breeze create the perfect environment to inspect flawless paint jobs and pristine chrome under the sun.

EVENT DETAILS

• Show Name: Friday Evening VIP Party
• Date: Friday, April 24, 2026,
• Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Tickets: $500 (VIP Access) / $575 Ultimate VIP Membership
• Location: Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

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• Show Name: Porsches on Prospect
• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026,
• Time: Evening Showcase
• Tickets: Free to the public for viewing
• Location: Prospect and Herschel Street, La Jolla Village
• BUY TICKETS HERE

• Show Name: La Jolla Concours d’Elegance (Main Show)
• Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026,
• Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Awards start at 12:00 PM)
• Tickets: $80 General Admission (Kids 11-17 Free) / VIP Experience Available
• Location: Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BY DAY

Friday, April 24, 2026,

The weekend starts hot with the Friday Evening Reception. Automaniacs get early access to an exclusive display of rare Duesenbergs while enjoying live music, top-tier delicacies from 15 of San Diego’s finest restaurants, custom-crafted cocktails, and a high-stakes live auction.

Saturday, April 25, 2026,

It is all about Stuttgart on Saturday. Seventy-five pristine Porsches will take over Prospect and Herschel Street in La Jolla Village. Car Nuts can walk the streets, listen to live music, and hit up local restaurants and retail deals while admiring the sleek lines of Germany’s most famous sports car.

Sunday, April 26, 2026,

The main La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. Over 150 rare and collectible cars cover the oceanfront lawns. Hot Rodders can inspect chassis components and mechanical layouts, while spectators enjoy vehicle judging, constant automotive awards, gourmet food, and a sprawling vendor area selling auto memorabilia.

Private suites and the Luxury Ocean Suite Lounge are open to VIP ticket holders, offering a premium vantage point to watch the hardware roll by.

EVENT SUMMARY

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance 2026 | La Jolla, CA | Classic Car Concours & VIP Showcase