What is the London Concours event?

Presented by high-end watchmakers Montres Breguet, the London Concours is a luxurious automotive garden party that takes place right in the heart of the City of London every summer.

Taking place from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th June 2022, the sixth instalment of the London Concours will see 80 of the world’s rarest and most sought-after cars assembled in the gardens of the historic Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters, just at the northern edge of the city.

Across the three days, visitors will be able to get up close to an astonishing array of rare, gorgeous, and exquisitely maintained automotive treasures. The cars are the main draw, of course, but there's plenty more to lure you to the event. Live music on the lawns, retail chalets offering a goody mix of artisan goods and luxury brands, and a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks are just a few of the other attractions.

Where is the London Consours held?

The London Concours takes place in the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company, a historic charity, regiment, and detachment of the City of London Special Constabulary. Established by Royal Charter back in 1537, the Company has enjoyed the title of Regiment since the 17th Century. It has occupied Artillery Garden, the host of the London Concours, since 1641 – and Armoury House, its neighbouring Headquarters and Mess, since 1734.

The beautiful Garden, an oasis of green in the heart of the city, has been the Company's home for some 380 years. It's a storied site: there is evidence of cricket having been played here as early as 1725, while the first balloon ascent from English soil was made from the Artillery Garden by Vincenzo Lunardi in September 1784.

The Artillery Garden is now used for the Regiment's physical training, as well as a carefully curated selection of other events – including the prestigious London Concours.

The Concours

Over the three days of the Concours, visitors will be able to feast their eyes on an extraordinary range of rally replicas, supercars, and concours condition examples of some of the most treasured automobiles in history. A highlight from the 2019 event, for example, was a wonderful display of orange, yellow and pale green Lamborghini Miuras. We chose the bright, vivid Arancio Orange as the best fit for the Miura's extraordinary languid '70s beauty, in our article on iconic classic car paint colours. However, we must admit that the yellow and lime green do it just as proud.

Each of the three days brings its own theme. This year, Thursday 28th June will be the VIP Preview Day, when special guests, media and – finally – the lucky owners of these gorgeous vehicles will be in attendance. That will also be the day for some formal judging, with various class winners in categories that we'll go into in more depth below.

Wednesday, the Concours' middle day of three, is dubbed the 'Style Edition'. That means that this day features a spotlight on the wider worlds of design, fashion, and luxury, beyond just the cars themselves. Guests put on their finest suits and frocks and browse some of the nation’s most exquisite luxury goods.

Then, on Thursday, it's Supercar Day: a homage to the high-performance car in all its glory. This is the day when the already hugely impressive collection of vehicles will be joined by the latest performance cars from Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other supercar specialists.

There will also be live panel discussions, awards ceremonies, and roving comperes, all adding to the unique atmosphere of this famous celebration of motoring.

The classes

The cars attending the London Concours are arranged, and judged in, various classes. These include:

Fins and Chrome

You may have guessed it from the name: this section of the London Concours is dedicated to that golden age of American motor manufacture, the 1950s and ‘60s. From the 1957 Chevy Bel Air to the 1964 Ford Mustang, US cars of the era were real showstoppers, all big, shiny expanses of chrome, outrageous fins, and big-displacement engines. Never before or since, arguably, has motoring had such swagger.

We’re big fans of American classics here at Lancaster Classic Car Insurance. Indeed, we’ve been proud to sponsor the Star & Stripes show organised by Classic American magazine. This brilliant event typically sees around 1,500 classic and modern American vehicles descend on Tatton Park in Cheshire. You can read our very favourable impressions of the 2019 event elsewhere on our blog.

Hypercars

This class features cutting-edge performance cars that demonstrate the very latest advances in automotive engineering. These cars could be electric, pure-combustion or plug-in hybrid: what they all share are, of course, some frankly awesome performance figures, not to mention some arresting engine notes. The stars of this show are likely to be such revered hypercars as the Lotus Evija and the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport.

Great British History

You won't be surprised to know that there's a lot of beautiful Italian metal on show at the London Concours – of which more in a moment. However, the event also celebrates Britain's own proud motor manufacturing heritage.

Think classic British motoring and marques like Morris and Austin might come most readily to mind. You'll probably find one or two of these at the Concours, especially cars from these marques' earlier decades. Alongside these, however, you can expect a strong showing from the car manufacturers who made Britain famous for luxury motoring – such as Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Jaguar. We wonder if they'll have our favourite Jag, the sinuous XKSS that we waxed lyrical over in this blog article ?

Coachbuilt and concepts

This section unites two apparently disparate categories, which nonetheless have quite a lot in common.

On the one hand, coachbuilt cars are those fascinating vehicles that get extensive aftermarket modifications to their structure, often giving them both unique visual appeal and some serious rarity value. Some famous coachbuilt vehicles from the past include two illustrious shooting brakes. One is the Jaguar XJS-inspired Lynx Eventer, a particularly fine example of which was a finalist in the Lancaster Classic Car Insurance Pride of Ownership Awards for 2021.

Then there’s the one-off Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake, famously commissioned by company boss David Brown, who wanted an Aston with a boot so he could take his dog out for trips.

Incidentally, one of the most illustrious coachbuilders, Radford, recently made a triumphant comeback. We told the full, fascinating story of Radford in this article.

Exhibited in the same class at the London Concours will be some fascinating concept cars – vehicles which never quite made it into production, but which often hinted tantalisingly at adventurous new directions that their manufacturers might take.

Our favourite concept? That’s a tough call – probably something wedge-shaped and space-agey from late 1960s Italy, such as the Bizzarrini Manta or Alfa Romeo Carabo. See more cars like that in our blog of 10 breath-taking Alfa Romeos.

The Collector

Each year the Concours spotlights one individual’s amazing collection of classics. In previous years we’ve been treated to an eclectic collection of American classics from writer and graphic designer Julian Balme, as well as an eye-popping range of ‘80s supercars from Harry Metcalfe, founder of Evo magazine.

This year’s collector is business magnate Rodger Dudding, who made his fortune in 1970 after inventing the paper ticket machine for shops and waiting rooms. He now has a collection of some 350 vehicles, worth around £40 million.

Rodger began collecting in the 1970s, beginning with a Jensen Interceptor FF (well, wouldn’t you?) and his father’s old Morris Minor. His collection is now thought to be one of the largest privately assembled selections of cars in the UK. Spanning many decades, Rodger’s car collection tells the story of British and European motoring through the ages.

Highlights known to be appearing include a stunning AC 428 ‘Frua’ Fastback, and one of Rodger’s 24 Aston Martin Lagondas. The latter – famously straight-edged, unlike Aston’s other more sinuous models – was always something of a divisive car, but we’re fans here at Lancaster. Indeed, we thought it was worth celebrating 40 years of the Lagonda a few years back.

Japanese Jewels

In this section, the Concours will pay homage to the 1990s, a golden era for Japanese cars. Across the decade, Japanese manufacturers brought us some wonderful sporting vehicles, such as the Mazda MX-5, Toyota MR-2 and Nissan 300ZX (not to mention the revered MkIV Toyota Supra).

We investigated how to get a great used MX-5 not long ago. Our advice included getting hold of some classic car insurance for what is now, unquestionably, a classic car.

Happily, the Concours’ Japanese section won’t limit itself to the 1990s, brilliant decade though that was. There’ll be some extraordinary cars from across Japan’s motor manufacturing history, from 1960s grand tourers to more recent showstoppers. We wonder if there’ll be a Toyota 2000GT, one of our very favourite Bond girl cars?

The Italian Spiders

This class will feature some of the most beautiful Italian soft-tops (or 'Spiders') ever built. Expect strong showings from Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo: expect, too, to be taken to a seductive age where open-top motoring was at its simplest and most stylish.

There will be some drop-dead gorgeous open-top Ferraris on view – such as the 250 GT California, arguably the most iconic drop-top of them all. Taking its design cues from the already hugely popular 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe, the California was dreamed up by John van Neumann. Ferrari’s representative on America’s West Coast, van Neumann saw that the region’s chic, wealthy elite were crying out for a stylish Italian soft-top.

The car itself was blessed with a burbling three-litre V12 engine – and a body of stunning, curvaceous elegance. Small wonder that the California drew a queue of illustrious admirers, Steve McQueen, and Clint Eastwood among them. A little later, a California was famously destroyed in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – but you’ll be happy to learn that this was a replica.

There will also be some stunning Spiders from another famous marque, Maserati. Hailing, like Ferrari, from Modena (they must put something in the water there), Maserati produced some of the country's most elegant cars of the era. These typically had less emphasis on blistering, straight-line speed than their Modenese neighbours. Instead, they offered a slightly more grown-up, grand tourer sensibility – and we love them for that.

Maserati’s gracing the Concours with their presence will include a 3500 Vignale Spider – quite a coup for the event, this, as only 242 examples of this splendid car were ever built. Look at some images of the Vignale online and you'll probably agree with us that it rivals the California for sheer carefree elegance. This convertible version of the 3500 was created by the famous coachbuilding house that gives it its name. It featured a 3.5L six-cylinder engine, also found (in a higher state of tune) in Maserati's incredible 350S racing car.

A strong showing from Mercedes

One of the other classes at this year’s London Concours is entitled Great Marques: Mercedes. And, as the name indicates, you can expect to see some of the most revered models made by one of the world’s most celebrated motor car manufacturers.

The Concours’ Mercedes display will chart the great brand’s evolution from humble pioneer to global automotive superpower. So, what classic Mercs can you expect to see? Well, you’ll be glad to know that the line-up will include an example of the genuinely iconic 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, which might top many people’s list as the most beautiful car ever produced (with apologies to the E-Type, Miura, DS et al).

Codenamed W198, the 300 SL took its bow way back in February 1954, at New York’s International Motor Sports Show. Its streamlined body and lightweight frame made the ‘Gullwing’ an incredibly nimble car. Pair that with a 215bhp, straight-six engine, and you had some serious performance – including a top speed of 155mph, something of a revelation in the mid-1950s. And, of course, there were those incredible doors, often imitated but never quite equalled.

The hard-top version was followed, in 1957, by a convertible. Some 3,258 300 SLs were made. Those that survive today are incredibly valuable, meticulously looked after, and – of course – protected with some specialist classic car insurance.

Other revered Mercs that will be assembling on the Artillery Company lawns include the 300 SL’s successor, the SL ‘Pagoda’ of 1963 onwards. Following such an adored vehicle as the ‘Gullwing’ was a daunting task, but you'd have to say that with the ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes ticked that box in style.

This ‘60s soft-top has a captivating simplicity to it: unfussy elegance and peerless build quality shine through everywhere you look. Many ‘Pagodas’ left the showroom, interestingly, with both a fabric roof and a removable hard top. John Lennon, Sophia Loren, and the racing driver Juan Manual Fangio were among the car's many admirers.

One final Mercedes that we’ll be thrilled to see in the metal at the London Concours is the 600 LWB ‘Pullman’. This was, surely, one of the most luxurious and technologically accomplished cars of all time. Make no mistake, the 600 completely rewrote the book on big-car luxury and performance when it appeared, like the ‘Pagoda’, in 1963.

The ‘Grosser’, as it was also known, was given a silky smooth, 6.3-litre V8 engine, allowing even a car this huge to make very brisk progress. Imposing, quick and laden with cutting-edge 60s tech, the 600 was adopted by a long list of celebrities and heads of state from David Bowie to, er, Saddam Hussein.

What's more, the 600 will be present at the Concours in its ultra-rare, long-wheelbase guise. Only 428 LWB examples were built, so this will be a rare chance to clap eyes on a titan of motoring history.

Can you still enter for 2022?

If you’re the proud owner of a beautifully maintained icon of motoring history, you may be wondering, 'Can I bring my own classic wheels to the London Concours?'

The majority of the cars for this year’s Concours have now been confirmed. However, Concours organisers are accepting entries until 1st May 2022. You can find out more on the Car Application Form page of the website.

A sister event: the Concours of Elegance

The team behind the London Concours also puts together the Concours of Elegance, an early autumn event (taking place on 2nd-4th September 2022) at Hampton Court Palace just outside London. Like the summer sibling, this prestige motor show assembles some of the world's most desirable automobiles in a beautiful location.

Founded in 2012, the Concours of Elegance has already touched down at several illustrious locations. That first year was staged at Windsor Castle, before moving to St James’s Palace in 2013 and Hampton Court in 2014. The 2015 edition crossed the border, taking up residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. The event then returned to Windsor and Hampton Court in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

This year's instalment will, like its predecessors, feature a selection of 60 of the rarest cars around the world. Many of these, indeed, will never have been seen before in the UK, making this event something of a paradise for lovers of rare and iconic vehicles.

A nice feature of the Concours of Elegance is that the overall 'Best of Show' winner is selected not by a panel of judges, but by the owners themselves. And if you think that 60 cars, no matter how rare, are unlikely to satisfy your thirst for amazing vehicles, fear not: there will also be displays featuring hundreds of other historic motor cars, including entrants to the Club Trophy. The latter event is open to some of the UK’s most prestigious car clubs, who are invited to present some of their finest members' cars before an independent judging panel.

Speaking of car clubs, the Hampton Court Concours also invites leading car clubs from the UK to arrive in style, parking their cars within the palace gardens. Expect owners of Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Jensens and Mercedes to arrive in force, making for a fascinating and eclectic selection of rare, performance, and luxury cars. Total eye candy, in short.

Join the club

Speaking of car clubs, don't be fooled into thinking that these are elite organisations open only to owners of the most prestigious car marques and models. Quite the reverse, in fact: here in the UK, we're lucky enough to have a huge range of owners' clubs, dedicated to a wide range of cars, both past and present and spanning every level of performance and luxury.

So, if you own a Rolls Royce or a Bentley, there's a club for you: but if your runabout of choice is an Austin Allegro, there's also a friendly club waiting for your membership. Porsche 924 owner? Join the club. We could go on!

Joining a club like this is an excellent way to tap into a vast community of knowledgeable and passionate owners of your classic. Whether you want some advice on your next purchase, or you’re seeking some restoration know-how, these are exactly the people who will be able to help.

These clubs are also great places to meet like-minded souls who share your love of your own classic. Whether it's through regular meetups and UK drives, or just simply taking an active part in the online forums, you'll be able to trade stories, ask questions and just share your love of your vintage vehicle.

Lastly, members of these clubs are often entitled to a club discount on their classic car insurance. Indeed, here at Lancaster Classic Car Insurance, we run discount schemes with a large range of UK classic owners' clubs.

If you want to get a feel for the vast range of clubs out there, take a look at our comprehensive sample of UK owners' clubs, divided into parts one, two and three.

Classic car insurance – for cars of every make and class

Your own vintage car might or might not be eligible for display at such a prestigious event as the London Concours. What it almost certainly is eligible for, however, is some specialist classic car insurance.

Why not get in touch with us to arrange some classic car insurance for your precious vehicle today?

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.