What to expect from the 2013 St. James Concours of Elegance.
The UK’s premier Concours car event, rivalling the legendary Pebble Beach Concours (US) and the iconic Ville d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza (Italy) takes place this September 5-7 at St James’s in Central London. 60 of the world’s rarest and most beautiful historic cars (and their owners) have been invited by the event’s Royal Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, to attend this year’s St James’s Concours of Elegance taking place in the grounds of the Royal palaces of St James’s and Marlborough House.
Following last year’s inaugural event at Windsor Castle, the 2013 Concours of Elegance will give visitors the chance not only to see these stunning and rare pieces of automotive sculpture but also take part in this exclusive and prestigious social occasion. Within the event’s stylish, elegant and glamorous setting, guests will be able to see priceless examples in the history of the motorcar including the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster ordered by the “King of Hollywood” – superstar actor Clark Gable, the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti (below) once owned by Roberto Rossellini, and one of the finest cars ever created by Maserati, the 1955 A6G/54 2000 Spider Zagato, as well as 58 other ‘gems’.
Bring Your Classic to the Concours
Organisers Thorough Events have released a limited number of tickets for members of the public to attend the Concours with their own historic, sports or GT car, so that they too can be part of this incredible three-day event. These ‘public’ cars will be able to line-up along The Mall, and on the opening morning, form part of the route the 60 Concours cars will pass from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, down The Mall before parking in Marlborough House Gardens where they will be displayed for the duration of three day event.
A Kaleidoscope of Lamborghinis
In addition to the 60 Concours cars on display, the event will feature a kaleidoscope of 50 Lamborghinis in celebration of the marque’s 50th year. Assembled from the UK and continental Europe, each car will be distinct, representing individual variants of every production model that left Sant’Agata since 1963. So expect to find out how to tell apart a Miura P400, S, and SV or at least five Countachs, spanning 17 years of its production.
Amongst the participants are a rare 400GT Interim from Germany, a LM002 ‘Rambo Lambo’, a Countach and Miura fresh out of restoration, an Espada, and several participants of this summer’s Grande Giro 50th Anniversary tour of Italy.
Rare Collection of BMW Art Deco Bikes to be Unveiled
Never before seen on display, the St James’s Concours of Elegance will also host a collection of pre-war BMW motor cycles including the rare 1929 R63 OHV sport which formed the basis of Ernst Henne’s World speed record of 133.8mph in 1929; a 1928 R52; a matching 1928 R42; and a 1937 R17 OHV, one of 484 manufactured and BMW’s fastest bike until 1952.
The Royal Automobile Club ‘Spirit of Motoring’ Tour
The Royal Automobile Club is again supporting this year’s event with a tour and display of 60 cars on the Saturday, taking the “Spirit of Motoring” as its theme to reflect motoring across the centuries.
At the close of the Concours on Saturday, September 7, the ‘Grand Depart’ takes place when the 60 Concours cars leave St James’s in convoy to drive along The Mall to cross London. This stellar line-up will be followed by The Royal Automobile Club’s tour, and the timeline of 50 Lamborghini’s.
Finally, we host a group of bespoke cars – contemporary but are they the stars of the future? Confirmed are the Bentley GTZ Zagato, the Eagle Low Drag GT, Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring and the Ferrari SP12 EC.
The event is open on Thursday, September 5 – Saturday, September 7 and Concours Admission and Classic Car Parking tickets are only available in advance from www.concoursofelegance.co.uk or The Ticket Factory on +44 (0)844 338 8000.
The event is a major fundraising initiative and aims to raise money for a number of charities working in the field of cancer care, support and research. The principal charity partner is Marie Curie Cancer Care and last year’s event raised in excess of £250,000.
RM Auctions is also confirmed as the event’s official auction partner. RM has a worldwide reputation for selling the market’s finest cars, and has moved its traditional London auction dates to align itself with the Concours. The auction, on September 8-9, will undoubtedly add a fantastic new element to the other activities planned during the event and further reinforces the Concours’ reputation as Europe’s leading new addition to the calendar.
Are you going, if so, see you there!
