All content and images © 2022 Rex McAfee.
Overlooking the deep blue Pacific Ocean, 100+ classic cars of various types and pedigrees were carefully placed on lawns surrounded by pine trees. Considering the quality of vehicles, vendors, and smooth event organization, dare I say one was reminded of the “other” judged event where you can also find Pre-war Bugattis and Gullwing Mercedes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Now in its sixteenth year, it is overwhelmingly obvious that years of experience among both its leadership and volunteers have come to fruition; this is a professional event that has clearly carved out its spot on the Concours circuit.
Call it “Beginner’s Luck” on my first time attending, this year’s featured marque was Bugatti. I don’t care if you’re a self-appointed Ferrari “guru” or maybe a 3rd generation air-cooled “Porsche guy”, true appreciation of the four-wheeled machine includes the French marque at some point in your lifetime. A mind-blowing twenty pre-war Bugattis were entered ranging from the first 1909 prototype Type 10 Roadster to a 1939 Type 57C Coupe; pure Bugatti royalty!
Back to the mention of “air-cooled” machines, both the Porsche 356 model and its successor, the 911, were well represented including an extremely rare example of the 4-cam “Carrera Speedster”. Another well-engineered sports car from Germany which was a featured class this year is the Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe. I counted five of these examples which have become bellwethers in the post-WWII sports car market. A few of its “roadster” siblings were also on display. Under blue skies and precisely lined up, they were simply stunning.
At the foundation of any true Concours is the judging; without a proper staff of experienced experts to fairly judge the vehicles, many of which are valued far above seven figures, the event would deteriorate into nothing more than an expensive version of Cars & Coffee.
As Chief Judge Nigel Matthews explained, “I am grateful to have Chief Judge Emeritus Cy Conrad joining me again this year as well as the returning international judges from Belgium, Germany, and Monaco. I can’t think of many Concours events that can boast having no fewer than nine current Pebble Beach judges in their judging team.”
Regarding some of the result highlights of this year’s judging, congratulations to:
- Best in Show: The Nethercutt Collection’s 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe
- Most Outstanding Pre-War Award: Aaron and Valerie Weiss’ 1933 Marmon Sixteen.
- Most Outstanding Post-War Award: Charlie Duvall’s 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Coupe.
- Co-Chairman’s Award: Daniel Withers’ 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL African Alloy.
- Mayor’s Award: Shawn DeLuna’s 1917 Hall-Scott
- People’s Choice: Jonathan & Wendy Segal’s 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Supergioello
As for a few of my favorite classes:
Results for Class 8B – Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe 1954 – 1957
- Charlie Duvall 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
- David Duthu 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
- Daniel Withers 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL African Alloy.
Results for Class 9A – Porsche 356 1956 – 1966
- Bernardo Guzman 1958 356 Speedster Carrera GT.
- Peter Chifo, Jr. 1965 Porsche 356 SC.
- Charles Michel 1958 Porsche Speedster.
Results for Class 10A – Ferrari 1965 – 1975
- John Miller 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose.
- Paul Colony 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona.
- Perry and Judith Mansfield 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC.
In summary, La Jolla has become a well-respected and professionally run Concours. I “thought” I had experienced everything the West Coast had to offer but I was wrong. Congratulations to the entire team that works tirelessly to make this such a special occasion. Please see LaJollaConcours.com/2022-winners for complete results.
2022 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Photo Gallery
