The wait is almost over. In just a few days, the Concours of Elegance 2026 will open its gates at Hampton Court Palace, bringing some of the world’s rarest and most significant cars to one of Britain’s most spectacular royal settings.

Taking place from 4-6 September 2026, the event will showcase an exceptional collection of historic, classic and modern automobiles. Many of the cars have rarely, if ever, appeared in the UK before.

However, the cars are only part of the attraction. From special displays and family activities to exclusive partner features, this year’s event offers plenty to discover.

The Finest Bentley Award Takes Centre Stage

One of the major additions for the 2026 Concours of Elegance is the Finest Bentley Award. It celebrates some of the most important cars ever to carry Bentley’s famous winged emblem.

The award adds another layer to a concours already known for celebrating exceptional automotive design. Bentley’s display will explore the marque’s long history, from early competition cars to the grand tourers that helped establish its modern reputation.

The 2026 event will also feature ten examples from Bentley’s 52-car Heritage Collection. The display focuses on the Continental GT, tracing its development from the first production car in 2003 to the latest generation. A 1961 S2 Drophead Coupé will also appear in the main Concours.

For visitors, that means a rare chance to see more than a century of Bentley history in one setting.

Family Day Brings Cars to a New Generation

Concours of Elegance 2026 also makes room for younger visitors.

The Family Day Admission ticket covers two adults and up to three children under 16. It is available for Sunday 6 September, which will also feature the Junior Concours.

Therefore, families can enjoy the event together while younger enthusiasts get a closer look at some remarkable cars.

The combination of historic machinery, royal surroundings and family activities makes Hampton Court an appealing destination for a full Sunday out.

EMM London Returns as a Concours Partner

The 2026 Concours of Elegance will once again welcome EMM London Private Office as a partner.

The specialist collector car private office works with collectors, private banks, family offices and other clients around the international classic and supercar market.

Its presence reflects the wider role of the Concours. The event brings together rare cars, their owners and people who understand the importance of preserving automotive history.

For collectors, provenance and condition can matter as much as the badge on the bonnet. Consequently, the Concours provides a natural meeting point for people who value both the cars and their stories.

CoinJar Adds a Modern Twist

The world of classic cars may look firmly rooted in the past. However, the Concours of Elegance is also making space for modern technology and finance.

CoinJar joins the 2026 Concours of Elegance as its Official Cryptocurrency Partner. Founded in 2013, the platform provides services for buying, selling and managing cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Visitors can find CoinJar at Booth 11, beside the Champagne Bar. The stand will offer complimentary barista-made coffee, alongside an opportunity to meet the team.

There is also a more competitive attraction. Visitors can take part in the Batak challenge, a reaction-speed game associated with professional racing drivers. A live leader board will run throughout the weekend.

So, if you fancy testing your reflexes, there is more to do than admire the cars.

What to Expect at Hampton Court Palace

The 2026 Concours of Elegance promises a broad mix of automotive history and contemporary performance. The main event will bring together around 60 of the rarest cars from around the world, while additional displays will add even more variety.

Highlights include:

Rare pre-war automobiles and historic competition cars

Coachbuilt classics and elegant grand tourers

Modern performance and supercars

The new Finest Bentley Award

Family Day and the Junior Concours

Specialist collector and automotive partners

Food, hospitality and activities throughout the weekend

Moreover, the setting adds something that few car events can match. Hampton Court Palace provides a historic backdrop for machines that represent some of the finest periods in automotive design.

The Countdown Has Begun

With the Concours of Elegance 2026 now only days away, anticipation is building. The event promises an impressive mix of heritage, design, performance and modern experiences.

More importantly, it offers visitors the opportunity to see extraordinary cars in an extraordinary setting.

Which car would you most like to see at Hampton Court Palace this year? Does the new Finest Bentley Award excite you, or are you more interested in the rare classics and modern supercars? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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