2026 Concours CLasses
Registration opens November 1st, 2025
Thank you for your interest in the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance! Vehicle registration will be open very shortly.
2026 Classes
For our 20th Anniversary, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance proudly presents Icons of Speed: a curated journey through the most historically important Super Cars ever created. These are the magnificent machines that transcended mere transportation, serving as rolling testaments to engineering brilliance and radical design. Witness the technological breakthroughs—from advanced aerodynamics to revolutionary engine architecture—that secured their place not just as track champions, but as the progenitors of modern performance. Join us to experience the apex of automotive artistry and the true evolution of speed on the open road.
Featured Class
- Icons of Speed – Historically Significant Super Cars (1935 – 1996): Our featured class is a curated collection of the machines that relentlessly pushed the boundaries of performance. From early land-speed record contenders like the Mormon Meteor to the groundbreaking McLaren F1, “Icons of Speed” is a tribute to the cars that defined what it means to be fast.
General Classes
- Pre-War American (1925 – 1939): Experience the dawn of the automobile as rolling art. This class showcases the pinnacle of American automotive design and engineering, from grand touring cars to the powerful, streamlined designs that defined an era of unparalleled craftsmanship and elegance.
- Pre-War European (1925 – 1939): A celebration of the European masters of coachbuilding and engineering. This class features the most significant and beautiful automobiles from the continent, highlighting a period of extraordinary innovation and bespoke luxury that set the standard for the world.
- European Suit with American Heart (1950 – 1969): This class celebrates the legendary transatlantic partnership of sophisticated European chassis and design with raw American V8 power, featuring icons from builders like Shelby, Iso, and De Tomaso.
- European Sports Cars (1960 – 1980): A journey through the golden age of the European sports car. This class features the nimble, stylish, and spirited machines from marques like Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, and Alfa Romeo that defined the joy of driving.
- Production Built Turbocharged Cars (1962 – 1996): Highlighting the dawn of the turbocharger in production cars. From the pioneering BMW 2002 Turbo to the dominant Porsche 911 Turbo, these are the cars that brought forced induction to the mainstream.
- Carrera Panamericana (Exhibition, 1950 – 1954): A tribute to one of the most dangerous and legendary road races in history. This exhibition features battle-hardened machines, rich with stories of adventure and daring, that competed in the grueling Carrera Panamericana across Mexico.
- Rising Sun JDM (Japanese Icons, 1965 – 1996): A celebration of the most iconic and influential vehicles from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) that took the world by storm with their performance, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
- Baja Legends (Exhibition, 1967 – 1996): Celebrating the rugged spirit and pioneering engineering of off-road racing. This exhibition showcases the iconic vehicles that conquered the unforgiving terrain of the Baja Peninsula, a direct nod to the vibrant culture that is an integral part of Southern California.
- VW Type 2 Bus – Windows to Adventure (1950 – 1967): A tribute to a cultural icon. This class showcases the beloved Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, a symbol of freedom, travel, and adventure for generations, connecting with the laid-back spirit of Southern California.
- Porsche – Special Wishes (Sonderwunsch, 1955 – 1996): An exploration of Porsche’s exclusive “Sonderwunsch” or “Special Wishes” program. This class features rare, factory-customized Porsches that showcase the ultimate in personalization and craftsmanship.
- American Muscle (1953 – 1982): A celebration of pure, unadulterated American power. This class features the legendary muscle cars that dominated the streets and drag strips of the USA, defined by their big-block V8s and aggressive styling.
- Hyper Car (Exhibition, 1995 – 2025): A look at the cutting edge of automotive performance. This exhibition showcases the modern hypercar, featuring vehicles that represent the absolute peak of speed, technology, and design in the 21st century.
- Formula 1 (Exhibition, 1950 – 1996): Witness the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. This exhibition features a selection of the most technologically advanced and fastest racing cars on the planet, offering a rare opportunity to see these incredible machines up close.