The Concours of Elegance 2024 will showcase the best of British automotive design and engineering with a stunning vehicle array. Taking place from 30th August to 1st September at the historic Hampton Court Palace, this prestigious event promises, moreover, a celebration of over a century of British innovation on four wheels.

A Showcase of Timeless British Craftsmanship

This year, the Concours of Elegance will be a journey through the evolution of British automotive excellence. From the elegance of a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost to the cutting-edge technology of the GMA T.50 supercar, the event will capture nearly 100 years of automotive ingenuity.

Highlights of British Engineering

Here’s a glimpse of some of the exceptional vehicles that will be on display:

1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost: The Last of Its Kind

This 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost on show at Concours of Elegance will, in fact, be the final Silver Ghost built for a UK customer. Nearly a century old, this car remains mostly unrestored, retaining original features with minimal updates, such as fresh paint. Furthermore, the car’s curvaceous ‘barrel-sided’ body was crafted by the renowned coachbuilder Barker & Co. It houses a 4.5-litre six-cylinder engine, a four-speed gearbox, and upgraded brakes — all features that, notably, foreshadowed the advancements of its successor, the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Originally owned by Henry Thomas, this Silver Ghost logged every journey, travelled thousands of miles, and reenacted Rolls-Royce’s 1911 trial. The journey, completed entirely in top gear, is a testament to the enduring quality of this remarkable vehicle.

1938 Bentley Brougham de Ville: A Singular Masterpiece

The 1938 Bentley Brougham de Ville is a unique creation, the only one of its kind, built specifically for the Earls Court Motor Show of the same year. Designed by James Young, its sharp ‘razor-edge’ styling impressed attendees and its first owner, the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava.

Under the hood lies a powerful 4,257cc six-cylinder engine with twin carburettors, a sportier camshaft, and a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox with overdrive. Capable of 100mph, this Bentley combines luxury and performance, perfectly capturing the ‘Silent Sports Car’ spirit of its era.

1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith: Elegance on Wheels

The 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible is as glamorous as they come. This car carries a storied history, as notable figures like English writer Robert Sheriff and composer Benjamin Britten have owned it. Its journey from the UK to the US and back speaks volumes about its durability and timeless appeal.

A 4.3-litre straight-six engine that produces 123bhp powers the Wraith, which was designed for quiet, comfortable cruising and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 85mph. Its servo-assisted brakes ensured it could stop as gracefully as it could go, making it a quintessential Rolls-Royce.

1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C: A Racing Thoroughbred

The 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C is a rare gem, with only eight examples ever produced. Originally born from Aston Martin’s motorsport ambition, this car features a specially designed chassis and, moreover, a 2.0-litre engine producing 125bhp.

Its sleek, aerodynamic body, with flowing wings and a distinctive oval radiator grille, made it a formidable competitor on the track. Consequently, the Type C proved its racing pedigree by winning its class at Donington in its debut race. Furthermore, owning a road-going Speed Model offered a thrilling driving experience unmatched by its contemporaries.

Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato: Italian Flair Meets British Engineering

The Aston Martin DB4GT was beautiful, but Zagato’s design took it to another level with Italian craftsmanship. The DB4GT Zagato became smaller, sleeker, and more aerodynamic, shedding over 100 pounds in the process.

With its 3.7-litre engine tuned to produce 314bhp, the DB4GT Zagato could sprint from 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 154mph. Only 19 of these masterpieces were built originally, but their legacy endures with later models converted to meet demand.

GMA T.50: The Future of British Supercars

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the GMA T.50 represents the pinnacle of modern British automotive design. Created by Gordon Murray Automotive, this supercar weighs just 986kg, thanks to its carbon fibre construction. Despite its lightweight build, the T.50 packs a punch with a 3.9-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine that revs to an astonishing 12,100rpm.

With a top speed of 226mph, the T.50 isn’t just fast; it’s an engineering marvel. The car’s advanced aerodynamics, including a fan generating 220kg of downforce at 155mph, ensure stability even at high speeds. The central driving position, flanked by two passenger seats, adds to the T.50’s unique appeal. It’s no surprise that BBC TopGear.com named this hypercar the 2023 Hypercar of the Year.

The Best of British: A Legacy of Innovation

The Concours of Elegance 2024 offers a rare chance to see British automotive evolution, from Rolls-Royce to modern supercars. Each vehicle on display showcases British automotive innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence that have defined the industry for over a century.

If you haven’t got your ticket yet, you can purchase them here.

What’s Your Favourite?

Which of these iconic British vehicles stands out to you? Do you prefer the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost’s elegance, the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato’s sportiness, or the GMA T.50’s futuristic design? Share your favourite in the comments below.

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