On June 22, the 69th annual Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance returns to the fairways of Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, California. The event offers a rare chance to see some of the world’s most exceptional cars up close—many of which rarely leave private collections. More than just a display, this year’s Concours is part of a full weekend that celebrates craftsmanship, engineering, and the stories behind the machines.
From a one-of-14 Ferrari 365 California Spyder to a prewar Alfa Romeo that once ruled endurance racing, the cars on display tell their own chapters in history. Whether you’re drawn to precision, preservation, or sheer rarity, this event makes space for all of it—and for those who still believe that cars are meant to be experienced, not just admired.
A Weekend Built Around the Machines
The Concours weekend kicks off June 20 with the “Start Your Engines” party at a private vintage car club in Burlingame. It’s a low-key invite to mingle with collectors, designers, and longtime gearheads before the main event. The following day, the Tour d’Elegance sends rare machinery down scenic Bay Area back roads, ending at an undisclosed venue for lunch.
The show itself unfolds on June 22 across the 18th fairway of Crystal Springs Golf Course. This isn’t just a static display—it’s a tightly curated mix of performance, design, and heritage across more than 200 collector cars.
1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder: A Rare Public Sighting
With only 14 ever built, the 1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder rarely sees daylight. Designed by Pininfarina, it features a long hood, hidden headlights, and a clean rear deck. Power comes from a Colombo 4.4L V12 with triple Webers, good for 320 horsepower and a 5-speed manual.
It was Ferrari’s swan song for the America/California GT series—an understated convertible with performance that matched its elegance. This particular car has only been shown once publicly in the past 40 years, making its Hillsborough appearance a real moment for anyone who knows what they’re looking at.
1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spyder Corsa: Vintage With Teeth
Alfa Romeo’s 8C 2300 wasn’t just a looker—it dominated endurance racing in its day. Under the hood is a straight-eight with twin overhead cams and a Roots supercharger, putting out 155 bhp. That doesn’t sound like much today, but paired with a lightweight chassis, it was brutal on track.
This Spyder Corsa variant was penned by Vittorio Jano and bodied by Carrozzeria Touring. It’s the kind of car that made prewar Alfa Romeo untouchable at places like Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. Seeing one outside of Europe—especially in motion—is a rare kind of privilege.
1957 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Spyder: Beauty in Restraint
Only 12 Frua-bodied A6G/54 Spyders were ever built, and each one carries the fingerprints of Italian craftsmanship. Pietro Frua’s design emphasized clean proportions and restraint, with subtle curves that show off rather than shout. Under the skin is a 1986cc inline-six, backed by triple Webers and a 4-speed manual.
Output is rated around 150 hp, but this car was never about numbers—it was about the feel. Every panel was shaped by hand, and that attention to detail shows even when the car is standing still. Its presence at Hillsborough reinforces the show’s focus on true rarity, not just flash.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Ferrari 308/328
The Hillsborough Concours will mark the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari 308 and its successor, the 328—two of the most recognizable mid-engine Ferraris ever made. The 308 debuted with a 2.9L V8 and later evolved into the 328 with cleaner lines and better drivability, producing up to 270 horsepower in final form.
These cars helped Ferrari transition into the modern era while maintaining its link to analog purity. Magnum P.I. might’ve brought them into American living rooms, but their importance goes beyond pop culture. This tribute brings out the best-preserved and least-modified examples in the country.
The Turbo Era: A Nod to Forced Induction
This year’s Concours will also celebrate turbocharged machines—a tribute to the cars that changed performance engineering in the ’70s and ’80s. Cars like early Porsche 930s to Ferrari F40s and Buick Grand Nationals all took turbocharging from a novelty to a necessity.
These weren’t just power plays—they reshaped how manufacturers approached efficiency and speed. Early turbo cars were twitchy, with real lag and brutal torque curves, but that’s what makes them so engaging. Seeing them lined up on the fairway shows just how far—and fast—forced induction has come.
Cadillac: More Than Just Tailfins
Luxury gets its own spotlight too, with a showcase honoring Cadillac. The lineup promises to move beyond the expected Eldorado Biarritz convertibles and into rarer metal—possibly V16s, Fleetwood coaches, or early Series 62 customs. It’s a good reminder that Cadillac once led the world in engineering, not just in flair.
Expect coach-built bodies, wild interiors, and engines that rivaled European standards of the time. The Concours gives Cadillac a fresh context—showing how its luxury legacy wasn’t just about size, but about innovation, detail, and presence on the global stage.
90 Years of the Volkswagen Beetle
Few cars are more culturally loaded than the Volkswagen Beetle, and its 90th anniversary gives Hillsborough a reason to spotlight its impact. From postwar survivors to Baja racers, this display is expected to track the Beetle’s evolution from utilitarian compact to pop icon.
With more than 21 million units built globally, it’s not rare—but clean, early examples with factory details intact definitely are. Seeing them in a concours setting allows a new appreciation for the car’s design simplicity, production longevity, and how it embedded itself into everything from student garages to art installations.
The VW Bus Turns 75: More Than a Rolling Couch
From surf spots to protest lines, the VW Bus has seen it all. They range from early split-windows, campers, to panel vans—each with its own story. The Bus debuted in 1950 with just 25 horsepower, but it’s simple air-cooled setup and modular design gave it unmatched utility.
At 75, it’s aged into a cultural symbol—one of mobility, freedom, and rebellion. But it’s also earned respect for its mechanical simplicity and durability. Restored Type 2s now sell for six figures, and Hillsborough is likely to showcase some of the cleanest survivors in the country.
A Show That Still Feels Personal
Unlike bigger-name concours events, Hillsborough manages to feel rooted and personal. It’s organized by volunteers, backed by local sponsors, and benefits causes like Ability Path and the Hillsborough Schools Foundation. That local tie-in gives the whole event a different kind of energy.
Despite drawing rare cars from across the country, the tone isn’t pretentious or closed-off. Owners are often nearby, ready to talk shop or share restoration photos. It’s the kind of event where someone might ask about valve timing while sipping iced tea on the grass. Event tickets are available at www.hillsboroughconcours.org.
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