Concours of Elegance

The Concours of Elegance is an annual event that showcases a selection of some of the rarest cars from around the world, many of which have never been seen before in the UK. The event, now in its eighth year, takes place at Hampton Court Palace, providing a stunning backdrop for the display of these exceptional motor cars.

The Concours of Elegance began at Windsor Castle in 2012 and has since been held at various prestigious locations, including St James’s Palace, Hampton Court Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and Windsor Castle again, before returning to its current home at Hampton Court Palace. This movement from one historic venue to another reflects the event's commitment to highlighting the rich heritage of these remarkable vehicles in settings that match their historical significance.

The event brings together 60 of the rarest cars from around the world, each carefully selected by an international panel of automotive experts and professionals. These cars represent the pinnacle of automotive design and craftsmanship, spanning the pioneering days of motoring to the latest hyper cars. The Concours of Elegance is not just about showcasing these rare treasures but also about celebrating the complete history of the motor car.

One unique aspect of the Concours of Elegance is the selection of the 'Best of Show' winner. Instead of relying on a panel of judges, the event employs a democratic approach where each participant is asked to vote on the other models on display. This system ensures that the winner is chosen by those who truly appreciate the beauty and significance of these cars.

In addition to the main Concours of Elegance, the event also features displays of hundreds of other fine motor cars, including entrants to The Club Trophy. Now in its eighth year, The Club Trophy sees some of the UK’s most prestigious car clubs offering up their finest examples to an independent panel of judges. The winning Club Trophy car will secure a place in the following year’s main Concours of Elegance event.