La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Winners: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Earns Best in Show
From April 25 – 27, 2025, automotive enthusiasts from across the globe gathered in La Jolla, CA for a 3-day celebration of car culture and coastal luxury
LA JOLLA, CA (APRIL 28, 2025) – The 19th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, presented by LPL Financial, concluded its most dazzling year yet, drawing over 15,000 guests to La Jolla’s sparkling coastline for a three-day celebration of extraordinary automobiles and coastal luxury. The coveted Best in Show honor was awarded to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, owned by John and Kimberly Word of Newport Beach, CA.
Finished in black with a striking red interior, the iconic Gullwing captivated judges with its impeccable craftsmanship and restoration. Originally purchased by John Word in 1977 for $25,000—his first classic car—the vehicle was recently restored over four years by Hjeltness Restoration in San Diego. “She is my pride and joy,” said Word, reflecting on his nearly 50-year journey with the car.
Sunday’s grand Concours at Ellen Browning Scripps Park featured 122 meticulously restored automobiles, competing across eleven classes and fourteen specialty categories. This year’s theme, “Mascots in Motion,” paid tribute to the artistry of hood ornaments and the enduring legacy of automotive marques.
“This year’s Concours embodied everything we love about the event,” said Robert F. Kerner Jr., Co-Chairman of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. “From each collector’s passion to the awe on every guest’s face, it was an unforgettable weekend.”
The festivities kicked off Friday with the exclusive VIP Opening Soirée on the Concours lawn with 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants, live entertainment, and a sneak peek of the top Concours cars, followed by Saturday’s La Jolla Tour d’Elegance—a scenic rally of 75 vintage and modern marvels through La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe—and Porsches & Power on Prospect, a free public display of 89 Porsches and hypercars in the heart of La Jolla.
The grand Concours event on Sunday featured standout marques including Bugatti, Delahaye, Packard, Porsche, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce, with vehicles curated by an all-volunteer committee led by Co-Chairs G. Michael Dorvillier and Robert F. Kerner Jr., alongside Chief Judge Nigel Matthews. Outside the Concours gates, the public enjoyed the La Jolla Motor Car Classic, featuring a vibrant mix of modern and vintage cars with a special showcase from Fast Lane Drive.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished this year,” said Dorvillier. “Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors, and community, the Concours continues to grow—and we’re already looking ahead to an unforgettable 20th anniversary in 2026.”
Proceeds from the 2025 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance benefit the La Jolla Historical Society, supporting the preservation of the community’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. This year’s event also emphasized education and mentorship through the Youth Judging Apprenticeship Program, held in partnership with the San Diego Automotive Museum, fostering the next generation of car collectors and enthusiasts.
2025 La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Specialty Winners
BEST IN SHOW
John & Kimberly Word, 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing
OUSTANDANDING PRE-WAR
Valerie & Aaron Weiss, 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Disappearing Top Coupe
OUTSTANDING POST-WAR
Neville Ray, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe
Mayor's Award
Dee Elias, 1967 OSI 20M TS Coupe
Spirit of the Concours Award
Marlina Stone, 1937 Packard 115-C Business Coupe
Donald Taylor Upholstery Award
Ken & Ann Smith, 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Disappearing Top Convertible
Phillip Wichard Excellence in Design Award
The Petersen Automotive Museum, 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe by Jonckheere
Chief Judge Award
Cal DiMaggio, 1948 Mark lV Drophead Coupe 3.5-Liter Convertible
Chuck Spielman Preservation Award
Julian White, 1988 Porsche 928 S4 Coupe
La Jolla Historical Society Heritage Award
Deer Park Escondido, 1903 Oldsmobile, Curved Dash Runabout
Honorary Judges Award
Tom & Gwen Price, 1946 Ford Roadster
Co-Chairman's Award
Larry Icerman, 1930 Willys-Knight 66B Sport Roadster
LPL Summit Best of Marque Award
Michael Sullivan, 1935 One Off Custom Gentlemen's Tailback Packard Speedster
Timeless Elegance Award
The Nethercutt Collection, 1938 Lincoln Model K Twelve Touring Coupe
2025 La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Class Winners
1) Cover Art Cars Open and Closed
1st: Rob Walton, 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic 2-Door
2nd: The Petersen Automotive Museum, 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe by Jonckheere
3rd: The Petersen Automotive Museum 1939 Delahaye T-165 V-12 Cabriolet "World's Fair"
2a) Pre-War American and European Classics – Open: 1920 -1940
1st: Tom O'Hara, 1934 1101 Packard Dietrich 4 Door Convertible Sedan
2nd: Donald Becker, 1936 SS Jaguar 100 Open Two Seater
3rd: The Coit Collection, 1934 Packard 8 Convertible
2b) Pre-War American and European Classics – Closed: 1920 -1940
1st: Robert Escalante, 1931 Packard 845 Deluxe Eight Limousine
2nd: Stephen Wheeler, 1930 Packard 726 Sedan
3rd: Richard Greenfield, 1937 Cadillac Limousine Coupe
3) Lincoln Open and Closed 1930 – 1959
1st: Jim Davidson, 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible
2nd: The Singleton Collection, 1938 Lincoln Model K LeBaron Coupe
3rd: The Nethercutt Collection , 1938 Lincoln Model K Twelve Touring Coupe
4a) Post-War American and European Luxury – Open: 1947 – 1965
1st: The Coit Collection, 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code Convertible
2nd: Cal DiMaggio, 1948 Mark lV Drophead Coupe 3.5-Liter Convertible
3rd: Kenneth Geiger, 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible
4b) Post-War American and European Luxury – Closed: 1947 – 1965
1st: Randolph & Melanie Hane, 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
2nd: Ventura, Kuehn & Associates, 1957 Chrysler Saratoga 2 Door Hardtop
3rd: William Cronkhite, 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Standard Steel Saloon
5) Historic Race Cars: 1925 – 1999
1st: The William Lyon Family, 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 Competition FIA GT Berlinetta
2nd: Ed Palmer, 1970 Porsche 906 Spyder
3rd: Grand Prix Classics, 1964 Cobra 289 Roadster
6a) European Sports Cars – Open: 1954 – 1975
1st: George & Sibet Alspaugh, 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
2nd: Steven Card, 1971 Jaguar E–Type Open Two Seater
3rd: Jackson Smith, 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster Convertible
6b) European Sports Cars – Closed: 1954 – 1975
1st: Neville Ray, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe
2nd: Michael & Sally Kerns, 1967 Bizzarrini Strada 5300 Coupe
3rd: Mark Angotta, 1965 Alfa Romeo Guilia Sprint Speciale Coupe
6c) Maserati 1948 – 1972
1st: John Clark, 1965 Maserati Sebring SII 2 Door Coupe
2nd: Cool Classics Int., 1959 Maserati 3500GT Coupe
3rd: Don Clem, 1968 Maserati Sebring II 2 Door Coupe
7) Mercedes Benz: 1955 – 1975
1st: John & Kimberly Word, 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing
2nd: Chuck & Jennifer Brill, 1967 Mercedes Benz 250 SL Convertible
3rd: David Hurley, 1962 Mercedes Benz 220 SE Coupe
8) Ferrari: 1953 – 1992
1st: David & Pam Pham, 1985 Ferrari 308 QV GTS
2nd: Dr. Jay Fallon, 1972 Ferrari 365/GTB Daytona Berlinetta
3rd: Bill Ceno, 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO Coupe
9) American Muscle: 1958 – 1974
1st: Mark Boice, 1970 Plymouth Cuda Coupe
2nd: Dennis & Vicki Murfin, 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 KK2266 Sportsroof
3rd: Eric Vidmar, 1969 Dodge Daytona Coupe
10) Iconic American Hot Rods: 1928 – 1941
1st: The Coit Collection, 1935 Ford Model 48 3 Window Coupe
2nd: The Walker Family & Dan Withers , 1932 Ford Model B Cabriolet
3rd: Randy Carlson, 1929 Ford Model A Roadster
11) Porsche 1965 – 1990
1st: The Walker Family & Dan Withers, 1989 RUF CTR "Yellowbird" Coupe
2nd: Bill Ceno, 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Coupe
3rd: Julian White, 1988 Porsche 928 S4 Coupe
2025 La Jolla Concours Motor Car Classic Winners
Doug Pratt La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best in Show:
Robert Farrow, 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Foreign:
Sam Clark, 1966 Sunbeam Tiger
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Domestic:
Dane & Mignon Silvestri, 1962 Cadillac Deville Coupe
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Chairman’s Choice:
P. Shawn Beall, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Hypercar:
Roy - Fast Lane Drive, 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Overall Ferrari:
Kenneth Tong 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Front-Engine Ferrari:
Bruce Miller, 2009 Ferrari 599 GTB
La Jolla Motor Car Classic Best Mid-Engine Ferrari:
Lou Lollio, 2003 Ferrari 360
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