La Jolla, CA – The La Jolla Motor Classic, presented by California Bank & Trust, has become one of the premier automotive events in the country. The exceptional array of automobiles displayed on the lush green lawn at the La Jolla Cove bring thousands of spectators, collectors, auto aficionados and restorers to the area to enjoy an exquisite collection of automobiles; gathered together against a backdrop with such breathtaking natural beauty. The show not only exemplifies automotive excellence, but has set the precedence for celebrating the art of automotive restoration.
The 2009 event paid tribute to its featured marque: The American Sports Car and saluted General Motors on their 100th Anniversary. Among the 160 juried entries that turned out for a beautiful afternoon, it was Aaron & Valerie Weiss’s 1933 Cadillac V-16 Coupe that took home the coveted Best in Show Trophy. Other first place winners included: Peter Mullin’s 1937 Delahaye 135 MS Figoni-Falaschi Roadster, Ken and Ann Smith’s 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, Chuck Swimmer’s 1931 Bentley 8-litre Coupe Deville, Cathy and Jerry Gauch’s 1948 Delahaye 135 MS Faget-Varnet Cabriolet and Paul Emple’s 1930 Minerva. In total 26 awards were given out for automotive excellence.
Held annually in January, the La Jolla Motor Car Classic and Promote La Jolla play host to this incredible event as a way for individuals and families to explore millions of dollars worth of classic automobiles and the spectacular “jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla. Throughout the day, visitors get up close and personal with an amazing variety of automotive masterpieces, while also taking in all that La Jolla has to offer, including the world class dining, shopping and art galleries that line the historic avenues.
One of the highlight of this year’s event was the Tribute to the Restorers Class. The La Jolla Motor Car Classic set the trend in Concourse style car events by celebrating the time-honored tradition of automotive restoration and the talented individuals who have honed their craft. Fifteen talented restorers were invited to bring cars that they had restored and display them on the lawn in a special class. Each restorer was awarded a trophy for their achievement and for their contribution to the collector car hobby.
Over the course of the past five years, remarkable vehicles have been displayed on the lawn at the La Jolla Cove, but the 2009 La Jolla Motor Car Classic had an overwhelming number of high caliber cars. Forty percent of the total production of the D-Type Jaguar were displayed on the lawn this year, as well as cars like the 1973 Daytona Ferrari Spyder, the 1938 Mercedes 540 K Special Roadster, the 1969 Lola MK III racecar and the only one of its kind – the 1925 Round Door Rolls-Royce. This juried show was one of the most challenging for the shows expert judges, but after a grueling day of inspection and study, 20 trophies were awarded for excellence in their classes. In addition to the 20 class winners, the judges also awarded six specialty trophies.
The 2009 show was a huge success and planning is already underway for an even more exciting 2010 show. In addition to the finest automobiles ever made, the 2010 La Jolla Motor Car Classic will pay tribute to Shelby Automobiles. To accommodate the large turn out of Shelby manufactured race and street cars that have already expressed interest in participating, a portion of the street in front of the park will be closed off to accommodate a Shelby Car Corral.
No place on earth could rival the magnificence of La Jolla, hence why the La Jolla Motor Car Classic has become the signature destination for car enthusiasts and spectators to take in all the beauty and amenities that La Jolla has to offer, while honoring the art of automotive collecting and restoration.
This event raises essential funds for The Monarch School, which provides an accredited education and basic living essentials for homeless or at-risk children and Promote La Jolla, which supports the community by marketing the culturally rich area of La Jolla and its businesses, restaurants, retailers and hotels, which in turn supports all of San Diego. For more information, visit www.lajollamotorcarclassic.com