In 2004 the event started as the La Jolla Motor Car Classic that included hot rods and antiques all from the local community. The next year the committee expanded by partnering with known Southern California car enthusiasts to help expand it to the more prestigious concours audience. By 2005 the event was expanded to a full weekend, containing the La Jolla Motor Classic Car Tour that has many of the competition automobiles driving along the La Jolla coast, a black-tie cocktail party for competitors and attendees, and the finale car show on Sunday.[3]
The 2022 the event featured several live air shows with vintage aircraft alongside the concours and was sponsored by LPL Financial and Pacific Sotheby's.[6]