August 31, 2018
A 1954 Jaguar XK120. Image courtesy of Concours of Elegance
Britain's Concours of Elegance will bring together some of the world's rarest cars at Hampton Court Palace as a busy summer for auto enthusiasts draws to a close.
Concours of Elegance, which takes place this Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, focuses on rarity, with its lineup including cars dating back to the 19th century and today's most-exclusive supercars. The event is also an opportunity for luxury brands to offer special experiences for visitors.
Special showcases
British automaker Aston Martin will be making a big impression at Concourse of Elegance, with more than 100 cars on display. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of DB4, the Aston Martin Owners Club helped organize a parade that includes an example of every DB4 model created.
Ahead of the exhibition, a 1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Long Chassis Tourer, one of only 24 made, underwent a rigorous restoration by a pre-war marque specialist. Even rarer is a 1967 Aston Martin DBSC by Touring, one of only two cars built by Touring as a potential replacement for the Aston Martin DB6.
A 1967 Aston Martin DBSC by Touring will be on display. Image courtesy of Concourse of Elegance
Among the early 20th century cars on display are a 1913 Renault Type DP Coupé Chauffeur and a 1929 Mercedes S-Type Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail,’ the latter of which is appearing in the U.K. for the first time since 1958. A 1920 Ballot 3/8 LC, winner of the first Italian Grand Prix in 1921, is poised to attract special attention as well.
British automaker Jaguar will also be represented with a recently-restored 1954 XK120 Pininfarina, the only XK with an Italian-designed body. Once the world's fastest car, a 1992 Jaguar XJ220 will also be at Concours.
Automotive festivals
Throughout Great Britain, several prominent automotive events take place during the summer.
The Silverstone Classic is considered the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors. This year's festival, which will took place at the home of the British Grand Prix from July 20 to 22, was another opportunity for automakers to celebrate important milestones and anniversaries of famous cars (see story).
Also in July, the Goodwood Festival of Speed marked its silver jubilee in Sussex. Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce and McLaren were among the automakers that had new releases on display at Goodwood, while Land Rover and Porsche both held parades to mark their 70th anniversaries (see story).
Initiated to mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, Concours of Elegance was originally held in Windsor Castle. It quickly became a renowned classic car event and has grown each year while maintaining its distinction via careful selection, but its venue has changed repeatedly (see story).
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