City of London Concours

Honourable Artillery Company

City Road

London EC1Y 2BQ

8 – 10 June 2021

Unlike last year’s event, the London Concours was blessed with sunshine, along with moderate temperatures in the heart of London.

In a short five year history the Show has gained the reputation to find examples of the most rare and greatest cars along with exclusive brands from horology, fund management through to viniculture and tailoring. A number of highly excusive dealers were also present such as Nicholas Mee and Export56 showcasing their services along with their latest offerings.

The event was created around eight classes, cleverly created to encompass an eclectic and occasionally overlooked mix of cars:

The 200mph Club

Class Winner: 1991 Ferrari F40.

With only 2700 miles from new, the owner told me that this is his third F40, so he knows how they drive and to live with. He’s living with this example in a different way: by going to shows, sharing it and talking to people about it.

Italian Berlinettas

Class Winner: 1969 Maserati Ghibi.

Kustom Class

Class Winner: 1953 Austin A40 Somerset.

Lost Marques

Class Winner: 1961 AC Ace.

Great Marques: Lotus

Best of Show and Class Winner: 1957 Lotus Eleven LM150.

Being a works entry car it raced at Roen and Reims in the year of it’s manufacturer. The car underwent a restoration in 2007 and has subsequently raced in many historic events, taking victory in the 2017 Goodwood revival Madgwick Cup.

Great Marques: Porsche

Class Winner: Porsche 356 1500GS Carrera Coupe.

Young Timers:

Class Winner: Mercedes-Benz 560SEC Koenig Special.

The Chairman's Award: 1961 Ferrari 250SWB/ Competzione ‘Sefac Hot Rod’. Bearing the famous licence plate 1 SWB was driven in period by the late Sir Stirling Moss, who famously said that he listened to the positions of the race he was in on the radio at the Goodwood Tourist Trophy.

The show also incorporates a highly illuminating walking narrative, from Peter Wallman and Richard Charlesworth both talked a little of each car, it’s history, and often including interviews with the current owner and how the custody fell into their hands and what future plans might be.

There is also the Concours Stage presented by Montres Breguet, which hosted some illuminating talks on a wide variety of subjects throughout the course of the three days. ‘Lotus Design Forum’ interviewed Barney Hatt, who explained the design cues of the Evija Electric Hypercar. He succinctly explained how, adding holes, they’re definitely bigger than ducts, was to make the rear of the car as transparent as possible to air. Air, as we all know is funny stuff, which becomes increasingly treacly the faster we try to propel a projectile through it. When augmenting the rear diffuser with these ‘holes’ Lotus appears to be well on the way to breaking the equation of drag squaring with speed? Colin Chapman would be fascinated and very proud of what’s happening with the company he created.

And, of course, The Verve Cliquot Champagne Bar was well worth a visit, for various reasons, including finding friends old and new. A really great way to finish a day’s photography.

Captions:

3262 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. Being chassis no: 500,001 it makes it the first Targa produced. Unique features include a removable rear window, wooden dash and badges on the roll hoop, which are derived from the hub caps.

3262 1965 Porsche 911 Targa ch no 500,001

3263 1965 Porsche 911 Targa ch no 500,001

3264 1978 Porsche 928 showing that ever so ‘70’s ‘block’ interior on the launch models.

3273 1978 Porsche 928 and 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT

3276 2012 Aston Martin One-77

3280 1960 Austin Mini

3282 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT

3295 1975 Porsche 911 930 Turbo

3304 1953 Austin A40 Somerset

3312 1966 Sunbeam ‘Shelby’ Tiger

3321 2008 Morgan Aeromax

3324 2008 Morgan Aeromax

3328 2012 Aston Martin One-77

3330 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Koenig Special

3333 1989 BMW M3 Roberto Ravaglia edition

3336 1991 Ferrari F40

3379 1961 A.C. Ace

3392 1957 Lotus Eleven LM150

3401 1982 Lotus Elite Riviera, with a Very ‘80’s colour choice, known as ‘Champagne’!

3415 1941 Ford Business Coupe

3428 2019 Lotus Evija

3433 2019 Lotus Evija

3440 1987 Lamborghini Countach QV