The Royal St James’s Palace in Central London was the glorious location chosen for the UK’s second Concours of Elegance, which took place this September 5th to 7th. The exquisite grounds surrounding the Royal Palace at Marlborough House saw 60 of the world’s most striking historic cars on display.
‘Concours d’Elegance’ began in 17th century Paris, where ornate horse-drawn carriages were exhibited through the parks, and the carriages eventually developed into automobiles. This year’s London event saw HRH Prince Michael of Kent lead the spectacular convoy from Buckingham Palace down The Mall. The proud owners of the cars subsequently drove almost all of the vehicles into the palace’s gardens. The classical gems were to be displayed there, with the oldest one dating from 1907.
The occasion has expanded from the initial Concours located at Windsor Castle last year to more than 6000 visitors this year. In addition, thousands more gathered along ‘The Mall’ to watch the ‘Grand Depart’ on the closing day.
Clive Beecham, owner of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Pinifarina NART Spyder commented: “I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and loved being able to talk cars for three days … the opportunity to drive down The Mall is something that will long live in my memory. The spectacle Thorough Events puts on is such a privilege for those of us fortunate enough to be invited.”
On the Saturday, visitors enjoyed the Royal Automobile Club’s ‘Spirit of Motoring’ display of 35 cars, together with a line-up of Lamborghinis celebrating the marques 50th anniversary. Members of the Aston Martin Owners Club, Bentley Drivers Club, Jaguar Drivers Club, Ferrari Owners Club, Bristol Owners Club, Barkham and District Classic Car Club also joined in the celebrations.
Best of Show
A traditional Concours would incorporate a judging panel to examine each participant and decide upon a ‘victorious’ vehicle. The organisers of the St James’s Concours of Elegance, Thorough Events, decided to start a different tradition though – they maintained that if a car had been invited to the Concours, it was already a winner!
The owners of these incredible Concours cars were, however, asked as to which car they would ‘most like to drive home in’ and thereby determined the ‘Best of Show’. The victor of the St James’s Concours of Elegance Trophy 2013 is Mr Bruce McCaw with his 1930 Bentley Speed-Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupé.
John Bentley, Chair of the Thorough Events Steering Committee, said: “The Pullman Trophy is chosen by the international owners who had each brought a world-class car, so winning is a real recognition of the Bentley’s historic significance and popular appeal. As a British Concours held in the grounds of a Royal palace, it was obviously satisfying that an English car won. We are extremely grateful to its owner, Mr Bruce McCaw who came from Seattle to attend the event.”
Commissioned by the South African diamond heir, Woolf Barnato (1895-1948), one of the finest drivers among the ‘Bentley Boys’ and three time Le Mans winner, the Speed Six is the model deemed by many to be the pinnacle of Bentley brilliance: a driver’s automobile with superb handling, speed and reliability, and looks that perfectly expressed the gentleman sportsman.
Bruce McCaw added: “Receiving the Best of Show Award was beyond my wildest expectations. The Bentley “Blue Train” Speed Six Gurney Nutting Coupé is indeed a special vehicle. While I can take no credit for its design, or even its restoration, I am proud to be its current custodian and to be able to bring it back for a rare appearance in its homeland. I am happy the car was so appreciated and well received.”
“To depart the Concours with HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the wheel was a thrill and honour beyond description. His passion and motoring skills are legendary and I admired witnessing them first-hand.”
The “Pullman Trophy” is based on the Concours’ Pegasus logo, made of highly polished aluminium mounted on a plinth of wood from a walnut tree in the Windsor Great Park.
A major fundraising event
The key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to be a highly successful fundraising initiative and this year’s event supported charities working in the field of cancer care, research and support. Funds raised by the 2013 Concours of Elegance are again in excess of £250,000 and are being split between Marie Curie Cancer Care, Pilotlight, Rosetrees Trust and Action on Bladder Cancer.
Limited edition Concours of Elegance posters and St James’s Concours of Elegance souvenir catalogues are available.
Please visit www.concoursofelegance.com for more details. To view the full image Gallery visit our Facebook page .
Words by Rebecca O’Rourk
Photography by Semperey Magazine and Tim Scott (where indicated)
