Apart from changes making it eligible for the IMSA GTP championship, the 962 had to maintain the mechanics of the 956, as Group C regulations of the era still restricted engine development. The vehicles that raced in the World Sportscar Championship were designated Porsche 962C, delineating them from their IMSA GTP counterparts.

Having a turbocharged flat-six as the only choice, Porsche continued working on aerodynamic efficiency which had to be improved as top speed was still of vital importance in a circuit configuration without the chicanes on the Mulsanne straight.

The production of the 962 spanned from 1984 to 1991 and over that period, Porsche made 91 examples of the prototype. The factory team used 16 cars for its race outings, selling the other 75 examples to private customers. Due to the sheer numbers of 962s, some teams took it upon themselves to adapt the car to better suit their needs or to remain competitive. Beyond minor modification, some private teams reengineered the entire car.

Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s

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This started after Hannu Mikkola was crowned champion of the World Cup of Rally in 1970 and garnered enough momentum for him to become the first foreign/European driver to win the East African Safari Rally in 1972. The RS1800s would continue to seal a number of title-winning runs late into the 1970s, with an expanded ensemble which also included drivers Ari Vatanen and  Björn Waldegård.

The Ford Escort RS1800 came with a naturally aspirated 1.8L Cosworth BDE engine, a five-speed ZF gearbox and five-link suspension system. Compared to the road-going version, the chassis was heavily reinforced and featured wider wheel arch extensions which differentiated it most easily from the regular car. Four large spotlights were also fitted for night stages. While not overly remarkable on paper, even for its time, the car’s undisputable success was an important foundation in Ford’s tenure in rally motorsport.

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Audi was the first manufacturer to develop a T1U model for the Dakar Rally. The aim: for an electrically powered prototype is to prove that a low-emission vehicle can master one of the toughest motorsport events and be competitive at the same time. “The Audi RS Q e-tron rally car has already caused quite a stir in its first two Dakar appearances,” says Rolf Michl, Head of Audi Motorsport. “Audi was once again a technological pioneer in its outstanding motorsport history. We have initiated a paradigm shift. The combination of an electric drivetrain and a reFuel-powered energy converter is unique and very efficient. We know what we have already achieved. At the same time, we are looking forward to the next Dakar Rally with respect. It represents a major challenge.” As was the case the past two years, Audi is relying on the Q Motorsport team of experienced team principal Sven Quandt.

Dakar Rally with a total distance of approx. 7,900 kilometers

The drivers, co-drivers, and management of Team Audi Sport agree: A particularly challenging edition of the Dakar Rally lies ahead of all participants. Twelve special stages during 14 days in Saudi Arabia cover 4,727 kilometers. Including all of the liaison stages, the route results in a total distance of 7,891 kilometers. The teams often have to complete more than 400 kilometers a day on the special stages. “That’s why it’s important not to lose your stamina during the rally,” emphasizes Stéphane Peterhansel. “I have trained a lot on my bicycle. We have to be able to rest well during the nights, and we also pay attention to our diet.” One of the special challenges this year is a 48-hour stage. It takes place on January 11 and 12 and forms a joint stage – the sixth of twelve.

The organizers have chosen the Empty Quarter with its seemingly endless sea of dunes as the venue. As the motorcycles and quads are on different routes, the leading crews in the cars and racing trucks will not have any tracks in the sand on these two days. In addition, the participants have to do without the regular service from the team and are only allowed to help each other. That night, however, they are spread across multiple bivouacs. They are also unable to perceive and assess the performance of their opponents. “This will be a big strategic challenge,” says Peterhansel’s co-driver Edouard Boulanger. “But the second week will also be tough, because this year the rocky stages only come at the end. Then things can still change.”

Detailed development work on the Audi RS Q e-tron

The development team led by Dr. Leonardo Pascali has improved the RS Q e-tron in many areas compared to last year’s model. “The new set-up improves comfort and is also very efficient,” emphasizes Carlos Sainz, who has optimized many rally cars in his almost 40 years as a professional driver. Mattias Ekström adds: “For me, it’s all about how we use the car perfectly in the sand. It helps that we can drive over the dunes without needing to change gears.” Edouard Boulanger notes a shift in the emphasis of individual topics: “At the beginning of the project, the focus was on the fundamental development of the complex drivetrain technology and the car. In the meantime, we have also found the time to improve many aspects of the cockpit. We can better control the noise levels and the effects thereof, and the driver and co-driver are also better protected against the effects of hard impacts and extreme loads. The technicians have worked hard on this during the past year and made real progress. A big compliment for that.” The electric drivetrain of the RS Q e-tron with a high-voltage battery draws its power from an energy converter. Audi has been relying on residue-based reFuel for its operation since the last Dakar Rally. The regulations limit the output of the electric drivetrain to 286 kW in January 2024, distributed between the front and rear axles. Many other new details reduce maintenance times for the team and make the prototype safer, more reliable, and more comfortable.

Team Audi Sport is part of a strong field of entrants

343 participants have registered for the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally. They will start with 72 cars in the T1 and T2 classes, 42 additional models in the T3 class, 36 smaller SSV vehicles, 46 trucks, as well as 137 motorcycles and 10 quads. “We are up against very strong and experienced competitors,” Rolf Michl is sure. “As every year, we expect that the relative strengths of the competition will only really become apparent during the rally.” Carlos Sainz recognizes the strong competition: “Definitely Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah and world rally champion Sébastien Loeb in the Prodrive Hunters are among them. Toyota also has a former winner in Giniel de Villiers and a number of good younger drivers in its line-up. And we certainly won’t underestimate our new opponent, Ford, with former winner Nani Roma.”

For the third year in a row, Team Audi Sport is entering the event with its unchanged driver line-up. As a DTM champion, World Rallycross champion, 24-hour race winner, and champion of an electric touring car series, Mattias Ekström probably brings the greatest variety of experience and success to the table. “I’ve learned a lot since I first competed as a rookie in 2020,” says Ekström. “Our rivals are experienced and fast. I’ve been training and competing as much as possible in order to be ready. My co-driver and I have continued to increase our speed and our understanding of the sport.” His navigator is fellow Swede Emil Bergkvist, who has quickly adapted to the Dakar Rally. “I’m already looking forward to the next edition, because our learning curve continues to point upwards,” says the co-driver, who only switched from the driver’s to the co-driver’s seat since working with Mattias Ekström.

As a 14-time winner, Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel is the lone record holder at the Dakar Rally. He relies on the guidance of his compatriot Edouard Boulanger, who has already accompanied him to victory. Two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz is a giant of his sport. He first drove with Lucas Cruz as his co-driver in 2009, and the two Spaniards have together won the Dakar Rally three times to date. They are the longest-standing driver and co-driver combination at Audi. “The upcoming Dakar will be tough, but we have prepared thoroughly for it,” says Lucas Cruz confidently. “Physically, my program included cycling and jogging in the mountains, plus exercising in the gym. Mentally, I prepare myself with a sports psychologist. This helps my reaction times and with multitasking.”

Coordinated team as a key strength

The foundation of such a complex, varied and high-stress environment as the Dakar Rally is a reliable team. Team Audi Sport has cooperated with Q Motorsport from Trebur, Germany since day one. Sven Quandt, who won the T1 Marathon Cup in cross-country rallying as a driver in 1998, has long been a successful team principal. He has already won the Dakar Rally six times with his X-raid team and the World Cup for cross-country rallies eleven times. “Experience is the key to success in our sport,” emphasizes Stéphane Peterhansel. “Sven Quandt and his team have shown that they can overcome all challenges. With such a good team behind us, we sleep more soundly at night and go into the stages with more confidence.” His co-driver Edouard Boulanger adds: “We have a lot of new members who have joined Team Audi Sport. They have done an excellent job in familiarizing themselves with the subject matter over this year and have driven the project forward in a good direction with their contributions. That gives me confidence.” Nevertheless, Mattias Ekström speaks for everyone when he says: “I have learned to remain humble in this sport. There are incredibly long days and so many of them …”

With the combined experience of drivers, co-drivers, the entire team, and the further developed RS Q e-tron, Rolf Michl has one wish above all: “We want to experience the Dakar Rally as smoothly as possible to show what we can do.”

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Even more ground-breaking than the new engine, a straight six with the cylinders cast in the same block as the head and arranged in pairs on the same elektron crankcase, twin overhead camshafts driven by a rising gear chain, 2 valves per cylinder and a Roots volumetric supercharger, providing a maximum power of 175 HP, the car’s most distinctive feature was its chassis, which marked a major step forward in vehicle design.

The basic structure was still the ladder frame, but with innovative front suspensions which provided a major advantage over English and French competitors. The suspensions consisted of torsion bar springs mounted so that the spring tension could be adjusted to suit the characteristics of the circuit. Like the rest of the car, the bodywork was updated in a variety of ways, especially with regard to its aerodynamics. The extremely rounded shapes, the succession of different side panel forms and the more slanted front clearly reflected the research into aerodynamics ongoing throughout the years of its construction.

This car’s racing supremacy reached its peak in 1938, when it triumphed over the formidable British ERA cars that had always been the Italian constructors’ most dreaded rivals. The same year also saw the debut of Alfa Romeo’s famous Alfetta, created for the Vetturette Grand Prix competitions. However, to the Maserati Brothers’ great satisfaction, that year the Tipo 6CM also defeated the Alfetta at the Pescara GP.

The Maserati Tipo 6CM proved to be a highly successful car: 27 were built, from 1936 to 1939, and the model won races on Europe’s leading circuits, both with the official team and with gentlemen drivers at the wheel. The Maserati Tipo 6CM holds the record for the most edition wins at the Targa Florio, with three victories in 1937, 1938 and 1939.

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Derived from Porsche’s initial purpose-built racing car, the mid-engined RS 550 Spyder, the 550A made its debut at the close of 1956. Distinguishing itself from its precursor, the 550A employed a full tube spaceframe with multiple rear supportive cross-members, replacing the heavier welded sheet steel internal structure of the 550. The new low-pivot rear suspension arrangement replaced the 550’s swing axles, enhancing handling predictability.

Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann designed the intricate 1.5-liter four-cam boxer-four, generating approximately 135 hp at 7,200 rpm and 107 foot-pounds of torque in full racing tune. The close-ratio four-speed transaxle featured an additional “semi-first” gear for starting. The large finned brake drums, laterally drilled for additional cooling, were more than capable of slowing down these nimble and lightweight cars from their factory-claimed top speed of nearly 150 mph.

While the 550A’s body initially appears similar to older models, subtle distinctions reveal its upgraded nature. Notably, the rear engine cover lost its rear hinges, being lifted off the frame to save weight. Repositioned grills, small louvred hatches in front of the rear haunches, and a front storage location for the spare tire contributed to better weight distribution. Minor adjustments to lighting elements at the front and rear, along with a reprofiled nose for improved aerodynamics, further distinguished the ‘a’ model.

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In its street configuration, the 3.0-liter six was a marginally detuned iteration of the 1973 RSR powerplant, now featuring an aluminum crankcase instead of magnesium. Generating 230 horsepower at 6200 rpm, it marked the first 911 with a 9.8:1 compression ratio, necessitating the use of premium fuel. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a manual five-speed transaxle equipped with a limited slip differential.

Despite a wider running gear and a less aerodynamic body, the RS 3.0’s top speed marginally surpassed that of the RS 2.7. The additional horsepower from the 3.0-liter engine rendered the 1974 RS remarkably swift, achieving 0 to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Porsche produced only fifty-five units of the 911 Carrera RS 3.0. The majority served their original owners effectively in Group 3 competitions, with only a handful finding their way to enthusiasts who experienced them as some of the most thrilling and dynamic road cars ever manufactured.

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The top-finishing AF Corse car, the Ferrari 296 GT3 number 25, which started from eighteenth place overall on the grid, came back to finish fourth in the same class. Alessandro Cozzi, Giorgio Sernagiotto, Marco Pulcini and Alessio Rovera took turns at the wheel, with the Prancing Horse official driver taking over the car for the final stages, finishing fourth in class and eleventh overall.

The race of the third Ferrari 296 GT3 in the Pro-Am class, the number 26 of Racing One, ended before the checkered flag came into sight. Omar Jackson, Axcil Jefferies, Ramez Azzam and Zaamin Jaffer, who started from fifteenth on the grid, finished in twentieth place overall and eighth in the Pro-Am.

Three Maranello-brand cars also competed in the Am class, all driven by AF Corse. The Ferrari 296 GT3 number 20 achieved the best result, crossing the line fifth in class and sixteenth overall. Christian Colombo, David Tjiptobiantoro and Stephane Lemeret shared the wheel of the Prancing Horse’s new GT3, which set off from twenty-first on the grid, before handing over the steering wheel for the final stint to the young Frenchwoman Lilou Wadoux, also an official Ferrari driver.

The Piacenza-based team’s other cars were less fortunate. Both were forced to drop out of the challenge prematurely but were still classified. The Ferrari 296 GT3 number 61 with Laurent de Meeus, Jean-Claude Saada, Conrad Grunewald and Miguel Ramos crossed the line in nineteenth, seventh in class, while the only 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in the race, the number 51 crewed by Nicola Marinangeli, Kriton Lendoudis, Christoph Ulrich and ‘Alex Fox’ closed in twenty-first place overall, eighth in the Am category, forced to retire after a collision damaged its rear axle.

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Road legal goals

The durability program will include real-world driving and usage at different proving grounds before the start of production in 2024. The 85 percent scale recreation of the 1929 4½-litre Supercharged Bentley will be tested extensively, including seatbelts, ensuring road legality for the EU L7e Type Approval.

Modern drivetrain and chassi

The Bentley Blower Jnr is built around a 48V electric powertrain with a 15 kW (20 bhp) motor, meaning a top speed of 45 mph / 72 km/h in the UK and EU (25 mph / 40 km/h in the USA due to legislation) and an expected range of around 65 miles, with tandem seating for two adults. Crafted entirely by hand, from authentic materials to match the original, the Bentley Blower Jnr consists of over 700 parts. The bodywork is constructed in two sections, and while the rear body structure is created in carbon fiber rather than being an ash frame, it’s covered in impregnated fabric, just as the original. The bonnet, with its multiple cooling louvers, is hand-crafted in aluminum using traditional techniques and fastened with beautiful leather buckled bonnet straps.

The Bentley Blower Jnr includes an authentic specification chassis utilizing leaf springs and scaled-down period-correct friction dampers. Brembo brakes at the front and drums at the rear, provide all of the stopping power necessary. The electric motor is mounted across the rear axle, while the batteries and drive electronics are all housed in a hidden undertray.

Modern-day challenges

Bringing the legendary 1930s period car to life in modern times has presented certain challenges, specifically lighting, occupant restraints and reducing non-compliant edges. However, there are now five ‘experimental’ Bentley Blower Jnrs undertaking activities globally for durability and retailer activations, with a special homage Bentley Blower Jnr in the making.

After seeing social media channels filling up with images of supercars carrying Christmas trees, Bentley and The Little Car Company have taken the opportunity to have their 85 percent scale festive celebrations. The Bentley Blower Jnr proves to be the perfect car for easy pine transportation ahead of the office Christmas party. The team from Bentley Communications and The Little Car Company wishes all of our media friends a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing and restful break. We look forward to seeing you and the first production Bentley Blower Jnr in 2024.

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Each one special

Every Bugatti is as unique as its owner. But for some customers the design they choose for their car is not a finality – tastes may change, or new ideas may provide a spark of creativity at any point. No matter if a customer has owned the car for a day or a decade, the opportunity to imbue it with an entirely new personality always remains. And so it was with this most recent Sur Mesure commission.

Why not two?

The story begins with two Bugatti enthusiasts, a husband and wife who have owned a number of hyper sports cars from Molsheim, but never from brand new. Together, they decided to celebrate their great passion for Bugatti by each buying the ultimate Grand Tourisme: the Chiron Super Sport. The husband’s car was delivered first, and having already enjoyed his Chiron Super Sport on US roads, he watched closely as his wife’s Chiron Super Sport came to life with the help of the Bugatti Sur Mesure bespoke team.

Working hand-in-hand with Jascha Straub, Lead Designer of Sur Mesure at the home of Bugatti in Molsheim her bold vision was to reimagine a design that first inspired her upon its reveal 12 years ago: the timeless Veyron L’Or Blanc. She fell in love with a combination of bright red Rosso Efesto and vibrant orange Arancia Mira to create her very own hand-painted masterpiece in a style that has become known as “Vagues de Lumière” for the way it mimics light reflections. This pattern, just as it did on the L’Or Blanc, has sparked the creativity of Bugatti owners, with each of them applying their own unique spin, reinterpreting the design in subtly personal ways.

Bespoke paint

The intricate process of creating this extraordinary paint scheme takes weeks, beginning with the creation of 2D shapes representing the lines that will be flowing over the car, which must be applied to the cars 3D surfaces with millimeter-perfection and taped. Each millimeter of the marked lines is then meticulously painted by hand, layer upon layer, with the contrasting color – orange in this case. If the line does not fully meet the designer’s intention, a correction tape is placed above the original line until the shape is absolutely perfect. This process is repeated until every line has the right flow and character. Once complete, the paint is then secured with multiple layers of clearcoat. The resultant paintwork, combining deep lustrous red with a vibrant orange, appears to vividly glow with energy, perfectly reflecting the customer’s choice of name for this car:

Jascha Straub, explained: “The “Vagues de Lumière” effect is not new to Bugatti, but each customer has their own wishes and desires for how it should look, and each car requires a different pattern. A Chiron Pur Sport², for example, will have different reflections to a Chiron Super Sport, so every time we are really working from the ground up to ensure absolute perfection. The true beauty of these cars also lies in their individuality – every painter has a different style, so each car is totally unique. I saw this car for the first time recently in the bright sunshine of California and people could not believe how incredible it looked. What we have created together is an inspirational sculpture.”

Husband follows suit

So inspirational, in fact, that it provided the spark for yet another Sur Mesure project. While watching the design of his wife’s car evolve, her husband found “Coup de Foudre” (a fitting dual meaning of both ‘bolt of lightning’ and ‘love at first sight’ in English). He decided to have his own car transformed to match hers – an exciting new project for the Bugatti Customer Service team.

Bugatti customers have come to expect the extraordinary every step of their journey with the brand; from individualization to delivery to servicing, customer service reflects the same focus and attention to detail that goes into the design of every Bugatti.

Best in the business

The Customer Service team in Molsheim, who have decades of experience in maintaining and repairing vehicles, also allows customers to personalize further or even to refurbish their cars with a greater range of customization options and features. Interiors are retrimmed in entirely new colors and materials, new accessories added, and updated finishes and colors applied to the exterior body. Traditionally this process is offered to Bugatti models like the Veyron or older Chiron³ examples, but the service extends to nearly-new cars such as this one. With that, the Chiron Super Sport was shipped from the customer’s home in Tennessee to the customer service workshop at the home of Bugatti in Molsheim to begin a meticulous, seven-month-long transformation to match the customer’s new desired design.

For the Customer Service team, transforming this brand-new car to a visible carbon fiber finish with a subtle 10% black color tint enveloped by light-sculpted lines in French Racing Blue required months of preparation alone. The carbon fiber bonnet, roof, engine cover and rear wing all had to be replaced, and the blue lines originally specified had to be completely removed from the body. A new Sky View roof was also specified, meaning the entire original roof panel had to be removed from the monocoque structure. All of this could only be done after every single piece of the interior had been removed to ensure that it would remain completely free from the fine dust created during the process. The end result should not feel simply refreshed, but as a brand-new car with the same level of attention to detail and the same quality standards applied to every car that leaves Molsheim.

Attention to detail

The panels had to be aligned on the car with millimeter precision to ensure that the visible fibers of the carbon material lined up perfectly across the whole body. Bonding the new roof in place was a critical step – the Bugatti Customer Service team had to achieve the required tolerances and allowed for the structural adhesive to fully cure.

With the body perfectly prepared, the process of applying the stripes could begin, with unique 2D shapes for the French Racing Blue contrast color applied. So intricate are these cutouts that this stage took one person working solely on this project for four weeks, adjusting the selected pattern so that it perfectly fits this car. The blue color was then applied by hand over many layers to create these flowing lines and give the illusion of bright reflections over the black body. Although inspired by his wife’s car, no two cars will be exactly alike, each subtly imbued with the personality and artistic flair of the designer that created the lines and the craftsman who made them come to life. The finish is then clear coated over the whole car with precision and attention to detail so that the lines stretch across the perfectly shaped Bugatti like waves of light reflections.

To match his wife’s car, the name ‘Coup de Foudre’ − referring to the blue lines painted on black carbon looking like bolts of lightning in the night sky − is hand-painted underneath the rear wing, on the door sills, and on the sides of the center console. Bespoke door panels, with a unique “Vagues de Lumiere”-inspired design were also made and fitted by hand. In a final flourish, the wheels were refinished from the original black finish to a hand-painted duotone design incorporating French Racing Blue.

Frederic Stocks, Head of the Aftersales Workshop, said: “Never before have we been asked to completely transform the character of a car that is so early into its ownership journey with a customer. Doing so is one of the most technically challenging projects we have ever undertaken, but the experience and knowledge of the Bugatti Aftersales team is unmatched. From individualization to delivery and beyond, Customer Service is making sure that every step of the Bugatti customer journey is as unique and unrivaled as our cars.”

The end product

The resulting bespoke Chiron Super Sport is a triumph of passion and creativity, bringing together the personal vision of the customer with the creativity of the Bugatti team.

Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles, said: “There is no other car manufacturer like Bugatti. Each customer’s journey is a unique testament to the unparalleled level of personalization that only Bugatti can deliver. Each Bugatti expert has a different approach, and the resulting cars are entirely unique as a reflection of the individual artistic style not only of each craftsman but also the vision of the customer. For these two customers, the difference in their journeys were distinct. Yet, both showcase the savoir-faire that runs throughout our brand, fittingly inspired by one of our most innovative and beautiful creations: the timeless Veyron L’Or Blanc.“

All content © 2023 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

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A successor to the Porsche 904, and designed under Ferdinand Piëch’s new regime at Porsche R&D, the 906 replaced the boxed steel structure of the 904 which used the fiberglass body for extra structural strength with a tubular space frame and unstressed fiberglass body. The fiberglass itself was laid up by hand, producing consistent results, instead of the uneven spraying technique used on the 904.

The result was a car that weighed 1,300 lb, approximately 250 lb lighter than the 904/6. The engine regularly fitted was the 901/20 6-cylinder lightweight racing engine with 220 hp and carburetors, although some examples that were raced by the factory team received fuel injected 8-cylinder engines, especially in hillclimbing events where Porsche competed with Ferrari Dinos for the European championship.

Unlike previous racing Porsches, the 906 body was tested in a wind tunnel, resulting in a top speed of 170 mph at Le Mans, quite fast for a 2-liter engine car. It shows already a close resemblance to future Porsche racing cars. As in the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, gull-wing doors were fitted, and the engine at the rear was covered with a large Plexiglas cover.

In its debut in the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona, the Carrera 6 finished 6th overall, and won its class against Ferrari Dino 206 Ps. At the 12 Hours of Sebring, Hans Herrmann/Gerhard Mitter finished fourth overall and won the class, as at the 1000 km of Monza. The 1000 km at Spa were disappointing, as were the 1000 km Nürburgring where the Dinos were only beaten by the Chevrolet V8-powered Chaparral. A privately entered 906 secured an overall victory at the 1966 Targa Florio when the factory cars failed. At the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 906 placed 4-5-6-7 behind three Ford GT40 Mk IIs, outlasting all of the previously dominant V12 engined Ferrari Ps.

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Attendees can expect to witness a breathtaking array of classic cars that epitomize the spirit of opulence and sophistication synonymous with the Roaring 20s and the Glamorous 30s. From sleek Art Deco designs to the powerful engines found within, these vehicles will transport spectators back to a time of innovation, luxury, and boundless enthusiasm for automotive craftsmanship.

Event Timeline

VIP Party

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the renowned La Jolla Concours d’Elegance VIP Party, set against the majestic Pacific Ocean and greens of Ellen Browning Scripps Park on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Known for its ingenuity and trendsetting event themes, this year’s celebration promises to be a memorable night. Immerse yourself in live music, savor artistically crafted cocktails from a hosted bar, relish gourmet delights from 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants, and participate in an exciting live auction featuring unique items. There are limited tickets to this exclusive soiree that boasts a history of selling out; guests are encouraged to secure tickets now. The event’s theme will be revealed in February 2024.

Tour d’Elegance

Be a part of an intimate, exclusive experience during the La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance from 7 AM to 2 PM. Start your day by visiting remarkable car collections, followed by a driving tour of the breathtaking scenery of San Diego. Spend the day with fellow car aficionados and conclude with a sumptuous lunch at the private venue. Cars may enter to participate for a fee of $425.

Porsches on Prospect

On Saturday evening, ignite your passion for Porsches during “Porsches on Prospect” in the heart of La Jolla Village. Witness 75 magnificent Porsches lining Prospect Street, and immerse yourself in the village’s vibrant atmosphere, featuring live music, exclusive retail offers, gallery openings, restaurant specials, and much more. This event is free for viewers of all ages. If you want to showcase your Porsche, limited spaces remain for a registration fee of $125 which grants true VIP status and access to the Porsche party at the Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.

Concours d’Elegance

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance | 9 AM-4 PM | La Jolla’s Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view over 200 spectacular and rare vehicles to be displayed on the La Jolla Cove lawn along the breathtaking Pacific Coast. Indulge in the Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden and other unique experiences throughout the day. Enjoy live music, visit exclusive vendors, and indulge in refreshing beers and cocktails – all while surrounded by a once-in-a-lifetime display of cars. Don’t forget to look to the skies for a vintage flyover along the coast!

Go VIP!

Enhance your experience with an upgraded premium or VIP ticket. Attend the La Jolla

Concours in true VIP style, skip the line and breeze through with a dedicated check-in, enjoy fabulous bites from fifteen of San Diego’s finest restaurants, and enjoy hosted access to the newly expanded VIP bar, a commemorative poster from the renowned La Jolla Concours artist, Scott Jacobs, and a La Jolla Concours Program. Various VIP tiers are available for the Sunday La Jolla Concours d’Elegance and other weekend events while supplies last. Learn more at lajollaconcours.com.

Tickets

Please go HERE for more information and tickets.

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Fast-forward a few years and the Bugatti company introduced the Type 35C with an improved engine giving out greater horsepower. Although Ettore Bugatti favored the naturally aspirated engines, the Type 35C was given a Roots-Type supercharger which lifted the power to an astonishing 128 horsepower.

As a result of the engine modifications, the Type 35C was not only light and agile, but also unbelievably powerful. To make sure the new supercharger fitted in with the overall aesthetics of the engine compartment, Bugatti had it designed especially.

A glorious work of art from the Grand Prix racing age, the 35C is irreplaceable. Light, fast and strong, yet elegant, it is one of the most revered racing cars till date. Of note, the 35C had success at the French Grand Prix in 1928 at Saint-Gaudens, and Pau in 1930. Today, it has become a legend in the world of motor sports, and deservedly so.

Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s

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“The Art of Automotive Design” is the theme for the sixth edition of the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, with a special class spotlighting the Italian marque best known for dramatic and innovative design: Lamborghini. The Arizona Concours, scheduled for January 21, 2024, at the Scottsdale Civic Center, will showcase among its classes “Sixty Years of Lamborghini Design,” with 10 primo cars, including the original 350 GT coupe; the automaker’s revolutionary mid-engine supercars, such as the groundbreaking Miura and Countach; and more-recent examples of hyper-performance Lambos.

The Arizona Concours is a signature event during January in Arizona, partnering with Scottsdale Arts to present this exceptional show and competition.  The vehicles are carefully curated to impress and excite not only car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of exceptional design, displayed on the grass in the luxury atmosphere of a stylish garden party. The automotive roster for the acclaimed Arizona Concours will feature about 100 rare, historic and rarely seen dream cars, dating back to the dawn of motorcars, through the Art Deco era, and up to the coveted super sports cars of the 21st Century.

The story of Lamborghini

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A was created through the vision, persistence and even vengefulness of Italian industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini. As the story goes, Lamborghini – who was mainly producing farm machinery at the time – complained to Enzo Ferrari about the build quality of his new Ferrari. The imperious Enzo dismissed him with the remark, “You build the tractors and I’ll build the sports cars.” Stung by the rebuke, Lamborghini challenged Ferrari by building better sports cars. His gambit was a rousing success, and 60 years later, Lamborghini remains a top choice of desirable performance-car brands.

Lamborghinis at the Arizona Concours will include:

1965 Lamborghini 350 GT

The 350 GT was Lamborghini’s first production car to challenge Ferrari. A grand tourer manufactured between 1964 and 1966, the shapely coupe was equipped with a 3.5-liter V12 engine and a body by Carrozzeria Touring. The 350 GT debuted in March 1964 at the Geneva Motor Show and production began the following May.  This car was ordered at the Geneva show and delivered in 1965 to Madrid, where it spent the next 40 years with its original owner. In superb condition, the blue coupe features its original factory interior and license plate from Spain.

1967 Lamborghini Miura

The Miura was nothing short of revolutionary, the first production supercar with a rear mid-engine layout, and powered by a 3.9-liter V12 that made it the world’s fastest production car when it arrived.  Sleekly styled by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, Miura also set a new design standard. The 101st Miura produced, this car boasts original ownership by a historic figure, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who received the custom-trimmed Lamborghini while vacationing in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Among the modifications ordered by the Shah were the Fire Red paint, a cream-colored leather interior, and chrome trim on the bumpers, window surrounds, door handles, headlight rings and wiper arms, which normally would all be black. Three more Miuras were later added to the Shah’s collection, which he relinquished when he was deposed in 1979.  This car was seized and sold to a private European buyer, then later acquired by the current owner, who oversaw its restoration.

1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition

Marcello Gandini followed up on the remarkable Miura design with the even more remarkable Countach, built in 1974 and alternately seen as innovative, forward-looking, sexy, daring, or outrageous, depending on your outlook.  Nothing was on the road like the wedge-shaped Countach, with its sharply angular contours and extensions. Its bold presence inspired longing in a generation of gearheads; Countach would become the poster car of the ‘70s and ‘80s, appearing on millions of young enthusiasts’ bedroom walls.  For the 25th Anniversary Countach, Lamborghini had the styling of the swoopy coupe refined by Horacio Pagani, who changed the ducting to improve the flow of cooling air through the radiators and elsewhere, which were subtle and important revisions.

From inception, the engineering for Countach was led by Lamborghini’s own Paolo Stanzani. The Countach’s V12 engine was rear-mounted longitudinally (the Miura’s V12 was transverse) for improved balance. The V12 was expanded and modified over the years. The 25th Anniversary Countach is powered by a 5.2-liter, 4-valve engine rated at 449 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.  This Countach is in its original paint color of Rosso (red) complemented with the rare option of a white interior.  With its scissor doors and overall wild appearance, the Countach should be a constant attention grabber on the show field.

Event information

Proceeds from the Arizona Concours, through its partnership with Scottsdale Arts, one of Arizona’s largest arts nonprofits, benefit local artists and art programs.  Tickets for the Arizona Concours are available online at ArizonaConcours.org and ScottsdaleArts.org, or at the box office in the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

All content © 2023 Arizona Concours

Gallery

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Thus Type 908/03 was basically conceived for tight twisty circuits that demanded high levels of maneuverability. Consequently, the size of the sports car was kept to a minimum and it weighs a mere 540 kilos. The driver’s seat is even mounted on the right-hand side to ensure better weight distribution on the predominately clockwise circuits the car was to race on.

The flat-eight three litre engine produced 350hp enabling the 908/03 to obtain a top speed of approximately 275 km/h (172 mph), but it was the cars agility that was to ensure success during its racing career.

Photo Source: RM  Sotheby’s

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