Aerodynamic classic cars join London Concours line-up

By Ryan Standen

| 30 Mar 2023

Classic & Sports Car – Aerodynamic classic cars join London Concours line-up

A display of aerodynamic innovators has been announced for this year’s London Concours, on 6-8 June.

From high-downforce racers to slippery hypercars designed to chase record-breaking top speeds, the ‘Evolution of Aero’ concours class will join celebrations for 60 years of Lamborghini and a 50-strong Porsche RS feature.

Returning for its seventh edition in 2023, the London Concours will take place at the Honourable Artillery Company in central London.

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was based on the Road Runner © Barrett-Jackson

The Evolution of Aero line-up will include a 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

Its huge rear wing might appear somewhat slapstick in 2023, but it was meticulously designed using computer analysis to compete for wins in NASCAR.

The tall spoiler worked together with a tapered nose to keep the Superbird planted at high speeds; its rear wing was placed high up so it could escape the dirty air below.

Schuppan 962 CR P1 creator Vern Schuppan competed at Le Mans in 1983 in a Porsche 956

There will also be a one-of-six 1991 Schuppan 962 CR P1. Based on a Porsche 962 chassis and using a twin-turbo flat-six engine, the project was the brainchild of Australian racing driver Vern Schuppan.

The 1050kg Schuppan 962 could hit 60mph in 3.5 secs and reach a top speed of 230mph.

A full-width rear wing and other aero trickery ensured the car stayed glued to the track, or indeed the road.

The Porsche 911 993 GT2’s huge rear wing generates impressive downforce

Another wild racer joining the display will be a Porsche 911 993 GT2 from the mid 1990s.

This homologation special was designed to compete in the FIA’s GT2 series and was powered by a twin-turbo flat-six capable of 430bhp.

A prominent front splitter and huge rear wing boosted on-track performance and helped distinguish it from its 993 turbo sibling.

The McLaren P1 (left) is powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8; Bugatti Veyron Vitesse ‘WRC’ was the world’s fastest road car for a time

More modern cars will be represented by a 2013 McLaren P1 and a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Vitesse ‘WRC’.

Advances in aerodynamics, such as an active rear wing and active suspension, helped the P1 achieve 600kg of downforce at 160mph and a sub-7 min lap time at the Nürburgring.

Meanwhile, the Bugatti Veyron Vitesse ‘WRC’ (World Record Car) pushed the boundaries of what hypercars are capable of by reaching a top speed of 254mph at a German test track in 2013.

The London Concours returns to the Honourable Artillery Company from 6-8 June

“We’re delighted to announce that our show this June will feature this celebration of aerodynamic innovation through the ages,” said Andrew Evans, London Concours Director.

“Car manufacturers’ continued quest for higher rates of downforce and lower drag coefficients has resulted in some of the most dramatically styled motor cars the world has ever seen.”

London Concours returns between 6-8 June 2023 to the Honourable Artillery Company, situated between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations, in London.

Classic & Sports Car readers can enjoy our exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer.

Images: London Concours

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