First car show since devastating Palisades Fire aims to help bring community back to life

Nearly 18 months after the Palisades Fire left a trail of destruction across one of Los Angeles’ most affluent neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades is preparing to host its first major car show since the disaster in an effort to help revive the battered community.

The inaugural Pacific Palisades Motor Classic will take over the Palisades Village Green on Saturday, bringing more than 200 curated vehicles and an expected crowd of 3,000 people to a neighborhood still recovering from the catastrophic January 2025 wildfire.

The blaze scorched 23,448 acres and destroyed more than 6,800 structures, making it one of the most destructive fires in California history.

More than a year later, burned and damaged properties remain a common sight throughout Pacific Palisades as residents continue the long rebuilding process.

Organizer David O’Connell, a Pacific Palisades resident, said the event is about more than showcasing rare and exotic automobiles.

“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The show is sort of a means of bringing people back to town, generating awareness for the town, and creating commerce for the town. And just getting ourselves back on the map. We’ve had a hell of a year,” O’Connell told Road & Track.

“It’s open to the public because it’s important that we have warm bodies in the streets as well. We don’t just want cars. We also need a lot of people to come kick tires, have fun, and do their thing,” O’Connell said.

Running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the six-hour event will feature a broad mix of vehicles, including vintage classics, European sports cars, exotic supercars and emerging electric vehicle technology.

Organizers describe the show as both a celebration of California car culture and a community fundraiser tied directly to Pacific Palisades’ recovery.

A main-stage awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m., with honors including Best in Show, Best Porsche, Best European Car, Best Japanese Car, Best American Car and Best Automotive Curiosity.

Vehicle entries cost $125, while a VIP hospitality package, including shaded seating, food and beverages, hospitality tent access and premium awards viewing, is also priced at $125.

A combined entry and VIP package is available for $240.

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