Efforts start to push status of annual Motor Car Classic

Promote La Jolla board members last week voted unanimously to establish an ad hoc committee to assist organizers of the annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic.

“We want to make it a world-class event and draw people from all over the country,” Wildman said.

The car show, which features luxury sports cars as well as restored vintage autos, was held in January for the fifth consecutive year at Ellen Browning Scripps Park near La Jolla Cove. It attracted more than 3,000 people.

In the past, it has been a project of Promote La Jolla, with help from outside volunteers and event production consultant.

Greg Rizzi, a former PLJ board member who has been involved with the show since the beginning and is heading the committee, said he wants the event to become more exclusive and expensive.

Organizers said they could envision the $15 admission, charged for the first time this year, someday rising to as high as $450 per person to attract the rich and famous. They also want to expand to a two-day event that will include a car auction for ultra-wealthy car collectors.

Dr. Cy Conrad, a Ranchita resident who serves as head judge for the event, said he and Rizzi want to elevate the stature of the event to compete with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the most exclusive car show on the West Coast.

“It isn’t a car show; it’s a car happening,” Conrad said, referring to La Jolla’s event.

Promote La Jolla board members Nancy Warwick, Bob Collins, Deborah Marengo and Jennifer Clark will represent PLJ on the organizing committee.