Rodeo Drive Concours cranks up Sunday on the fabled strip

One of the world’s greatest shopping streets turns into a world-class car show on Father’s Day every year. 

The 26^th annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance takes place this Sunday on the famous shopping boulevard in Los Angeles, where the invited classic and exotic vehicles will be parked in front of such high-end luxury stores as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. 

The curated concours is certainly exclusive, but it is absolutely free for all spectators who wish to attend and walk among the automotive finery.

“Fathers and their families will be surrounded by some of the world’s rarest and most unique cars while local restaurants and shops welcome guests for fine dining and shopping,” according to a concours news release. “Parking for the event is also free in select public parking garages.”

This year’s concours celebrates the 100^th anniversary of Bentley with a special class featuring classic cars from the British automaker as well as modern luxury and sports cars.  Included in the class will be a 1927 Bentley 3/4.5 Litre Le Mans Special, a 1928 Bentley 4.5 Litre, a 1960 Bentley S2 Continental, and the world’s most accurate recreation of the historic 1930 Bentley “Blue Train.” 

Other special entries for display on Sunday are the 22-foot-long 1992 Batmobile from Batman Returns, a car owned by comedian Jeff Dunham who is expected to attend the concours; a one-off “wasteland” car powered by the jet engine from a 1959 Fouga Magister fighter;  a Kode57 designed by Ken Okuyama; and an exact replica of the 1935 Bugatti Aerolithe.

The Rodeo Drive Concours benefits the Beverly Hills Police Foundation through the sale of merchandise and water, with proceeds going to police families in times of need.

“We’re proud to welcome such a diverse field of amazing cars to Rodeo Drive,” said Bruce Meyer, chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “The cars, the people, the food and shopping – you just can’t beat a Father’s Day on Rodeo Drive. It really is a great way to celebrate the occasion and bring the community together for a good cause.”