The World’s Longest Continually Running Concours Rolls Again. Here’s a Preview.

The Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance has the distinction of being the world’s longest continually running concours, which is, like this writer, in its 68th year. Some of us who tell time by the California car-show calendar use Hillsborough to gauge the beginning of the fast-paced season, with all the Monterey Car Week events following in August.

The 2024 running of the Hillsborough exhibition and competition takes place on June 23 at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, Calif., just a stone’s throw from the San Francisco International Airport. As in prior years, the verdant turf of the 18th fairway will present a sprawling assortment of 200-plus collector cars in a variety of classes.

This iteration of the concours celebrates the anniversaries of four special marques and models, with curated classes for each. Packard, founded in 1899, is the grand patriarch and primary honoree of this year’s show. Then there’s the Mustang, commemorating its 60th anniversary. For many of us, the model is the quintessential American pony car, whether dressed as a Ford, a Shelby, a Roush, or whichever ’Stang is on its grille. Ford’s beloved Mustang started with the 1964½ model year and continues strong today without missing a hoofbeat.

Also being celebrated is the 35th anniversary of the Mazda Miata, now in its fourth generation. The first-gen MX-5 was introduced in 1989 and remained in production until 1997, by which time it had become the iconic “cheap and cheerful roadster” that carried the torch initially lit by the esoteric but mostly unsuccessful Lotus Elan. There is no doubt that the Miata has had a huge influence on sports-car enthusiasts and the racing community—amateur and professional—since its introduction.

A highlight of Hillsborough will be the appearance of Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, chief designer of the original generation (and most collectible) Miata. “Given the profound impact that Mr. Matano has had on automotive design, we’re especially proud to welcome him to this year’s celebration,” says Glen Egan, chairman of the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance. Matano will share stories and offer perspectives about the MX-5’s development.

Tribute will also be paid to the 30th anniversary of the Ferrari Challenge motorsport series. Ferrari Challenge race cars, based on production models but adapted for the one-marque series, go back to the first 348 Challenge racer from 1993 and continue up to the latest 296 Challenge. The show lawn will showcase a number of these track-only models.

The field will also include more than 20 judged classes, comprising European, American, and Japanese marques. Non-judged special displays include Vintage Hot Rods, Modified European Sports Cars through 1987, and Vintage Pedal Cars, in addition to some of the anniversary classes.

Festivities begin the day before the show, with participants in the annual Hillsborough Tour d’Elegance navigating some of the Bay Area’s most scenic back roads. The all-volunteer Hillsborough Concours Foundation organizes this annual event, raising proceeds for beneficiaries such as Ability Path, The Guardsmen, and the Hillsborough Schools Foundation.

Click here for more photos previewing the 68th Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance.