9 reasons to go to London Concours 2023

By Ryan Standen

| 26 May 2023

Classic & Sports Car – 9 reasons to go to London Concours 2023

London Concours returns to the Honourable Artillery Company in central London on 6-8 June 2023.

From homologation specials to landmark Land-Rovers, this year’s concours classes are set to be as impressive and varied as ever – here’s a round-up of what’s in store.

And, don’t forget, there’s still time for Classic & Sports Car readers to enjoy our exclusive 2-for-1 ticket offer.

1. Aerodynamic innovators

The Plymouth Superbird was built to race in NASCAR © Barrett-Jackson

Although the science behind aerodynamics can be tricky to understand, it’s much easier to appreciate its visual impact.

From bewinged racers to slippery hypercars, the Evolution of Aero concours class will highlight what happens when an engineer dares to set foot in the design department.

Look out for a 1970 Plymouth Superbird with its huge rear wing, a mid-1990s Porsche 911 993 GT2 and lots more.

2. Landmark Land-Rovers

Pre-Production L07 was found in a garden near the factory where it was built

Possibly furthest removed from the class of aerodynamic innovators will be The Cars That Built Land Rover, a showcase of notable models from the iconic British marque.

One of the star cars will be Pre-Production L07, an early Land-Rover used for demonstration runs at the car’s Amsterdam motor show debut in 1948. It was recently restored after it was found in a garden in Birmingham.

Among others, there will also be a Series One used by the late Queen Elizabeth II, as well as a Series II that belonged to Land-Rover co-founder Spencer Wilks.

3. 50 Porsche RS cars

London Concours’ Porsche RS celebration is on 7 June 2023

London Concours will mark 50 years of RS-badged Porsches with a 50-strong display of these motorsport-inspired models, both new and old.

Taking place on Wednesday 7 June only, the special showcase will feature everything from the original 1972 2.7 RS to the latest GT3 RS model.

In between, there will be a 993 RS, to represent the last of Porsche’s air-cooled models, a rare 997 4.0 RS and many more.

4. 60 years of Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Miura is powered by a 3.9-litre V12 engine

There will be further birthday celebrations at London Concours, this time for Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary.

The display of V12-powered exotica will include an example of the firm’s first production model, the 350GT, the Gandini-styled Miura plus the wedge-shaped Countach.

They will be joined by more modern Raging Bulls, too, such as the ’90s Diablo, and the 21st-century Murciélago and Aventador.

5. French classic cars

Facel Vega Facel IIs fitted with a four-speed manual ’box produced a claimed 390bhp

The new Grand Tourisme category will focus on quirky, elegant and innovative French classic cars.

One of the stars will be a Chrysler V8-powered Facel Vega Facel II. This ’60s luxury GT car was designed to compete with the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, but the struggling marque shut down in 1964 and fewer than 200 Facel IIs were produced.

Other French icons heading to London Concours include a Citroën SM and Alpine A110 1600S, but the class wouldn’t be complete without some French hot hatches, which will be represented by a Renault 5 Turbo and a Clio V6.

6. Roadgoing racers

The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring was based on a 911S

Homologation specials including a Porsche 959 and a Ford Sierra Cosworth will compete in the Built To Race For The Road concours class.

The varied selection of roadgoing racers will also feature Group B favourites such as an Audi quattro and an MG Metro 6R4.

Plus, there will be an example of the Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Touring, the car that enabled the Stuttgart firm to compete in Group 4 racing.

7. Elegant coupés

The Jaguar E-type’s timeless shape was first shown to the public in 1961

The swooping bodywork of a Jaguar E-type, an Aston Martin DB5 and a Ferrari 250GT SWB will be sure to draw plenty of attention in the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company.

The Golden Age Coupés class will honour these cars plus other striking 1950s and ’60s designs.

These will include a 1964 Porsche 356C and a Maserati 3500GTI.

8. Sensational supercars

The Schuppan 962 CR P1 has a top speed of 230mph

On the final day of London Concours 2023, Thursday 8 June, a display of 50 supercars will join the rest of the concours classes.

A highlight will be a 1991 Schuppan 962 CR P1, a roadgoing racer based on the chassis of a Porsche 962 and powered by a twin-turbo flat-six.

It will be joined by the latest supercars from manufacturers including McLaren, Porsche and Bugatti.

9. Coachbuilt delights

A category in which rare, coachbuilt vehicles will vie for concours glory will feature creations from the likes of Zagato, Pininfarina and Bertone.

This will include a 1929 Rolls-Royce 20/25 ‘Boat Tail’, inspired by the design of a wooden power boat, which was commissioned by an American customer and built by Girona; it’s sure to turn heads at London Concours.

The recreation of a Peugeot 504 Break Riviera will be a contender, too.

The original concept, shown to the public in 1971, was deemed too expensive to produce, but HC Classics in Wiltshire has crafted a faithful tribute.

The London Concours 2023 is at the Honourable Artillery Company HQ in central London, between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations, from 6-8 June.

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

Images: London Concours, unless stated otherwise

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