Car Classic coming

There’s a lot to recommend about the sixth annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic coming up Jan. 10 with its classic automobile exhibition, breathtaking scenic views and entertainment.

The event, to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10 on the lawn of La Jolla Cove overlooking the ocean, has become one of the Jewel’s signature events growing in popularity — and notoriety — each year.

This year’s juried car show, being presented by the La Jolla Historical Society, is celebrating the automobiles of Carroll Shelby and will feature a display of the Rita Hayworth 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe. It is an exquisite auto given to the late Hollywood actress as a gift built by famous Italian automaker Carrozzeria Ghia, show organizers said.

The Hayworth car will be just one of many spectacular show vehicles, from British, Italian and German marques to horseless carriages, CCCA Classics, Woodies, specialty makes, models, vintage motorcycles and many other classics.

The buzz on this year’s event has been building, society Executive Director John Bolthouse said.

“It’s coming together quite well and what events of this type tend to do is gain inertia as you get closer to them,” he said, adding online sale of $20 tickets, $5 cheaper than event day, are “really picking up.”

Bolthouse said car-related events and activities include a car theme for the society’s annual 2010 calendar and an ongoing exhibit at Wisteria Cottage titled “All Roads Lead to La Jolla: A Walk Through the Past,” depicting the influence of the auto on the landscape and culture of La Jolla running through Feb. 20.

Festivities on Motor Car Classic weekend include a reception at Wisteria Cottage on Friday night for Shelby aficionados followed by a book-signing at Warwick’s and a classic car road rally on Saturday between Balboa Park’s Auto Museum and La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

“The parade of cars will go right in front of Wisteria Cottage at 10 a.m., and we’re inviting the public to come and watch and we’ll have coffee and snacks and things,” Bolthouse said.

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 10

• La Jolla Cove
• Advance tickets: $20; at the gate, $25
• www.lajollamotorcarclassic.com