Sublime 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip wins Best In Show Concours of Elegance 2024

• Concours of Elegance 2024 welcomed thousands to Hampton Court Palace for Europe’s leading concours d’elegance event
• 13^th edition assembled the rarest and most significant cars, drawn from leading private collections all over the world; a unique automotive spectacle
• Best in Show for 2024 awarded to 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip
• Other winners included 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS New York Teardrop, 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22
• 60 of the world’s rarest cars joined main concours, with over 500 cars in total on display across the weekend
• Other highlights included live discussions, special features and luxury retail display
• Full selection of images: HERE 1937 Rolls-Royce Phanton III Convertible by Inskip - 2024 Best in ShowCoE--26 (2) Large.jpeg

  London, UK (2^nd September 2024): The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne – Europe’s premier concours d’elegance event - closed its doors yesterday after another glorious event, held over three days at Hampton Court Palace at west London. The 13^th edition of the annual event saw over 14,000 guests enjoy a jaw-dropping display of exquisite privately owned road and competition motor cars - spanning over 100 years of automotive history - parked up in the palace gardens.  

  The Best in Show winner – uniquely chosen by the Concours car owners themselves – was a sublime 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip. The Phantom III was the last large Rolls-Royce launched before World War II and marked the final car with significant input from Henry Royce. Out of 727 Phantom IIIs produced, only a few were made in the USA, including the victorious car, 3CP18, a unique convertible coupé designed by JS Inskip.

  The imposing three and a half ton, 7.3-litre V12 powered machine was originally owned by philanthropist Colonel Joseph Samuels of Rhode Island, later sold to Dr. Hamilton Rice, a Harvard professor and explorer, and eventually passed through several notable owners, including Charles Melhinch and Pat Ryan. It was a worthy winner and looked glorious parked up in the Palace gardens yesterday afternoon, glinting in the late summer sunshine. 

  Elsewhere, there were class awards given for different automotive decades – again voted for by the owners of the cars themselves. The winners were as follows. 

  Decade Awards

  1920s: 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model

  The winner in the 1920s category was a superb example of Bentley's first car, the 3 Litre - a groundbreaking engineering achievement that quickly established the brand's reputation in the automotive world. Powered by a 3-litre four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, it produced 70bhp and featured advanced technology for its time. The car's racing debut at the 1923 Le Mans 24 Hours, where it narrowly missed the podium, laid the foundation for Bentley's long and successful association with the race. 1,600 units of the 3 Litre were produced until 1929, including chassis TN1564, which was first owned by Francis Ronald Lambert Mears in India. The triumphant machine was making its first appearance in public in over 60 years, following a painstaking three-year restoration process.

  1930s: 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop

  The winner in the hotly contested 1930s category was an exceptionally rare 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS, the fourth chassis of this model, known for its striking 'Teardrop' or 'Goutte d’Eau' design by Parisian coachbuilder Figoni and Falaschi. This particular model, part of the 'New York' series, is unique as it was the only Teardrop built without a sunroof, featuring twin outward-opening windscreens for ventilation, a patented design by Joseph Figoni. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, this car was also a capable racer, achieving 11th place at the 1950 Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, driven by James Floria, and participating in other races like those at Wilmot Hills and Elkhart Lake. Over the years, it has been owned by notable collectors, including Tommy Lee, Brooks Stevens, and Bruce Lustmen, before joining The Pearl Collection in Switzerland.

  1940s: 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C

  The winner in our 1940s category, the Speed Model Type C -one of just eight examples produced - was born from Aston Martin’s motor sport aspirations. So excited was the company at the potential of its new 2.0-litre engine that, with an eye on the Le Mans 24 Hours, it designed a new chassis specifically, featuring an advanced, dual-circuit braking system by Lockheed. Fitted with a high-lift overhead cam and twin carburettors, the dry-sump engine produced 125bhp in ‘Works’ trim. When matched to a completely new, close-ratio gearbox that allowed lightning-fast changes, it was the racer’s dream.

  Its aerodynamic body – complete with flowing wings, and twin headlights set behind an oval radiator grille – meant the wind-cheating Type C was nearly 20mph faster than its open-wheeled stablemates down the straights. And if proof of such a heady combination were needed, the car came first in class in its inaugural race, at Donington. Competition regulations demanded the manufacture of a number of road-going versions of the Speed Model, which were produced in a variety of body styles – with the final eight cars built pre-war being the super-slippery Type Cs. 

  1950s: 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato

  Known for its elegant, lightweight aluminium body and distinctive "double-bubble" roof, the 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato which won the 1950s category at Hampton Court, is only 20 cars produced made by Carrozzeria Zagato. The specific car, chassis number 2155, was initially owned by racer Luigi Fornasari and debuted at the 1956 Mille Miglia. Despite an accident during the race, the car was repaired and fitted with unique design features. Over the years, it changed hands and participated in various races and shows, undergoing restoration to its original form in 2000. This Maserati is a testament to the fusion of beauty and performance, capturing the spirit of post-war sports cars.

  1960s: 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe

  As if Aston Martin’s DB4GT wasn’t already beautiful, Italian styling house Zagato took it to another level – creating one of the most coveted classics of all, and the ‘holy grail’ for Aston Martin aficionados. Zagato designer Ercole Spada revised the DB4, making it smaller, sleeker and more aerodynamic, while also shedding more than 100lbs in weight. Various steel components were swapped for lightweight aluminium ones, the windows were replaced with Perspex versions, and anything deemed non-essential, such as the bumpers, was dispensed with.

  Increasing the compression ratio on the Aston’s 3,670cc double-overhead-cam straight-six engine upped power to 314bhp. Thanks to Zagato’s efforts it could accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.1 seconds, and charge on to a top speed of 154mph. Only 19 of these wonderful cars were produced in period; they remain showstoppers. 

  1970s: 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’

  In 1971, BMW and Karmann collaborated to create a lightweight variant of the E9, inspired by the success of Alpina's tuning efforts. They modified 169 CS models, stripping them of unnecessary weight by replacing steel parts with aluminum and Plexiglass, and removing features like sound insulation and electric windows, resulting in a very significant 200kg weight reduction. These cars, known as Ultra Lightweights, were raced by Alpina and Schnitzer, producing around 200bhp from a reworked 3003cc engine. This project laid the groundwork for BMW Motorsport GmbH's development of the CSL, which, although not officially badged as an "M" car, is considered by many to be the first of its kind. The final iteration, the 'Batmobile' version, featured aggressive aerodynamics and was produced in limited numbers. One of these, originally delivered to Bahrain's Royal Family, was found after decades in storage and meticulously restored to its original specifications, including its rare paint and bodywork. 

  Future Classics: 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22

  The winner in our Future Classics category was one of the latest creations from Aston Martin's Q Personalisation Programme, which offers customers highly bespoke and limited-run vehicles, pushing the boundaries of luxury and performance. Notable projects include the one-off Victor and the ultra-exclusive Vulcan and Vantage V600 models. The 2023 DBR-22 stands out with its blend of classic coachbuilding and modern technology, featuring a 3D-printed aluminium rear subframe to enhance stiffness without added weight. Designed by Marek Reichman’s team, the DBR-22's body is inspired by the DBR1 and DB3S racers, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic design with customisable elements, including lightweight 21-inch wheels and unique motor sport-inspired details. Under the hood, a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine delivers 705bhp and 555lb ft of torque, propelling the car to a top speed of 198mph. Only 22 units were made, 

  Elsewhere at the event, the women-only Levitt Concours, celebrating female car enthusiasts and collectors, was a once again a great success. After a day of judging, led by Izzy Hammond, the trophy went to a wonderful 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, while the Club Trophy, presented by the Royal Automobile Club – anointing the best car club car in the UK - went to an exceptional 1950 Jaguar XK120. The ‘Thirty Under 30’ concours – a concours for younger enthusiasts – was also a great hit, with an exceptional range of machinery on show - everything from a 1 of 11 alloy bodied RHD Ferrari 275 GTB to a Citroen 2CV. The winner - chosen by train enthusiast (and automotive expert) Francis Bourgeois and viral car design sensation, The Kyza - was a startlingly original 1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite Rally Car.

  Gooding & Company’s London auction, held alongside the main Concours in the Hampton Court Palace grounds on Friday, also generated significant interest. Lots from a wide range of eras were once again evocatively parked up in the Palace’s inner courtyards, for a unique auction experience.  

  James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “We’re delighted to report that Concours of Elegance 2024, the 13^th edition of our show, was a tremendous success. With truly jaw-dropping array of cars on display – from Le Mans winners to mythical one-off bespoke commissions – the event underlined our show’s position as the leading Concours d’elegance event in Europe, and one of the top three globally.

  “Our world-class curatorial team again raised the bar, assembling a range of automotive treasures the likes of which has never been seen in the UK before – all in the most stunning historic royal palace setting. 2024’s show is one that will certainly live long in the memory of our guests.

  “We’d like to thank all our wonderful partners, and particularly presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne, as well as our immensely generous owners for their continued support. Without them this special event would simply not be possible.�??

  Full List of Winners:

  BEST IN SHOW: 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip   

  WINNER 1920s

  1^st 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model    

  2^nd 1928 Alta Supercharged Sports – Prototype    

  3^rd 1926 Bugatti Type 37       

  WINNER 1930s

  1^st 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop   

  2^nd 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff   

  3^rd 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Saloon by Freestone & Webb   

  WINNER 1940s

  1^st 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C    

  2^nd 1948 Jaguar Mk IV Drophead Coupe     

  WINNER 1950s

  1^st 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato      

  2^nd 1959 Ferrari Dino 196S Spider    

  3rd 1953 Jaguar C-Type       

  WINNER 1960s

  1st 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe   

  2^nd 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB Comp SEFAC ‘Hot Rod’   

  3^rd 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale Aerodinamica    

  WINNER 1970s

  1^st 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’     

  2^nd 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona     

  3^rd 1973 Porsche 911 Turbo ‘Prototype’     

  FUTURE CLASSICS

  1st 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22      

  2^nd 2024 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50    

  3rd 2023 Ferrari SP-8       

  SPECIAL AWARDS:

  Best pre 1940 American Coachbuilt Car:

  1^st 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton       

  2^nd 1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton   

  3^rd 1935 Lincoln Model K Coupe by LeBaron     

  Best pre 1940 English Coachbuilt Car:

  1^st 1938 Bentley 4¼ Litre Barouche de Ville by James Young   

  2^nd 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barrel Sided Tourer    

  3^rd 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre MX Sedanca Coupe by Hooper    

  Best pre 1940 French Coachbuilt Car:

  1^st 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop    

  2^nd 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C SS by Pourtout     

  3rd 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff    

  Best 1950s Coupe:

  1^st 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Zagato Coupe     

  2^nd 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental       

  3^rd 1957 Talbot-Lago T14 America Coupe      

  Best 1950s Open Sports Car:

  1^st 1953 Jaguar C-Type        

  2^nd 1959 Ferrari Dino 196S Spider      

  3rd 1954 Lagonda DP115/2       

  HRH Prince Michael of Kent Award :

  1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB       

  The Chairman’s Award :

  1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Coupe by HJ Mulliner    

  Gooding & Co Award :

  1939 Talbot-Lago T150C SS by Pourtout      

  The Club Trophy, presented by the Royal Automobile Club:

  1950 Jaguar XK120

  The Levitt Concours:

  1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

  Thirty Under 30:

  1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite

  Best Car Club Award, presented by Classic & Sports Car:

  Saturday – 1972 Lotus Europa JPS Edition

  Sunday – 1980 Ford Escort MK2 1.6 GL

  Bentley Trophy:

  1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by Mulliner Park Ward

  Jaguar Trophy, presented by Jaguar Classic

  Jaguar XK120

  Learn more about the Concours of Elegance HERE

  Away from the automotive displays, the Concours of Elegance 2024 was again an occasion of pure luxury, with Champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne was also on hand to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.

  The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is delighted to reveal the full car list for its 2023 automotive extravaganza. The 13th edition of the show, Europe’s premier concours d’elegance event – will assemble an exquisite array of the world’s rarest and most significant motor cars at Hampton Court Palace in west London, UK from this Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September.

  2024’s show will feature 60 of the world’s most exquisite automobiles, all sourced from leading private collections. Many of the cars on show will never have been seen in public before. The full sweep of automotive history will be represented, early automotive pioneers to 1930s art deco masterpieces, 1950s sportscar racing heroes, bespoke prototypes of the 60s and 70s, to the rarest hypercars of more recent years. Here are just a few cars to look out for.

  

  2016 Pagani Zonda Oliver Evolution Hermès Edition

  The Zonda Oliver that will be on show was created as a one-off model, a machine that highlights Pagani’s uniquely bespoke approach to making hypercars. It is an evolved version of the iconic Zonda hypercar, evolved to create the ultimate example of the breed. The glorious, naturally aspirated Mercedes-AMG V12 engine, which is the heart of the car, was enlarged from the standard model’s 7.2 litres to 7.4 litres, increasing power to 750bhp.

  The aerodynamics were also specially developed to prioritise performance, while the suspension setup was optimised by the Canadian motorsport experts Multimatic, who developed special dampers for the car. Multimatic also independently re-examined the suspension alignment, including camber and toe, making adjustments for improved on-track performance. The icing on the cake for the car: a bespoke interior created in association with Hermès.

  

  1995 McLaren F1

  An example of true hypercar royalty, the inimitable McLaren F1. Designed and built without compromise, the McLaren F1 was designed to replicate the Woking based firm’s racing dominance on the road. It was so far ahead of its time when launched in the early 1990s that engineering highlights still feature on today’s McLarens. It was the world’s fastest naturally aspirated production car when launched – and more than 30 years later, it still is.

  The McLaren F1 that will be on display at Hampton Court, chassis #040, was delivered to its first owner in the UK in April 1995. It is a very unusual specification, it was the first of just five cars fitted with the high door mirrors, and was also specified with high-intensity gas discharge headlights, which were specified on only 12 cars. In April 2001 it was sold to the current owner and over the first three years he drove an amazing 20,000 miles, enjoying the car fully as McLaren had intended, driving it frequently, almost daily. This F1 has been over much of western Europe and the owner has driven more miles in an F1 than almost anyone else.

  

  2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12

  TVR has never been a stranger to wild looks or outrageous power output claims, but the 1996 Birmingham Motor Show launch of Project 7/12 was far beyond what the Blackpool-based manufacturer had ever conjured before. Designed to take the fight to the McLaren F1 GTR race car, and act as the ultimate road-going TVR, the engine was two Cerbera Speed 6 straight-sixes combined, with a steel block before being further developed by TVR’s John Ravenscroft creating a 7.7-litre V12. Such was the engine’s performance that according to legend, it snapped the input shaft of the 1000bhp-rated dynamometer when first tested. 800bhp was quoted as the peak figure for road use. TVR had developed the car for GT1 racing, and later, for GT2 regulations. It also developed a roadgoing version – 800bhp, 1200kg and a price of £245,000: the Cerbera Speed 12 was born. Deposits for the new car rained in, but it all came to an end when company boss Peter Wheeler took a prototype home one night. He declared it too powerful and wide for public consumption, and production plans were dropped.

  In 2003, a single Cerbera Speed 12 was offered for sale bearing the number plate W112 BHG – this is that car. Simply having the money to buy it was not enough – potential suitors had to be personally vetted by Peter Wheeler one-to-one. After being reviewed in Evo magazine, where it was described as “terrifyingly quick”,  the car was on display at Cumbria’s Lakeland Motor Museum for several years. The car has been in the hands of its current owner since last year.

  

  Ferrari SP-8

  The latest addition to Ferrari’s ultra-exclusive One-Off programme, and the result of a close collaboration with a British client and Flavio Manzoni’s design team at the Ferrari Styling Centre. The SP-8 is a thoroughbred two-seater with its roadster credentials compounded by the fact it is entirely without a roof. Based on the F8 Spider, the SP-8 inherits the same layout and chassis and its award winning, 710bhp, 3.9-litre twin turbo V8. Inspiration was drawn from a number of models: the rear lights are Ferrari Roma-derived with specific lenses; the windscreen and tailpipes are treated in the exactly the same way as the 296 GTB; and the specially designed five-spoke wheels are a modern take on the legendary F40’s. The design was capped off with a bespoke paint finish, featuring a Blu Scuro Stellato specially developed for the car.

  Other stars of the show will include the 1953 Le Mans winning Jaguar C-type, a pair of Lagonda V12 DP115 racers, the first ever Porsche 911 Turbo prototype, and many more. These will park up as part of a display of 60 spectacular concours cars, drawn from leading private collections the world over. Outside of the main Concours display there will be a number of special features, including the Levitt Concours – dedicated to the most passionate female owners – the 30UNDER30, which celebrates enthusiastic owners under 30 years of age and the Club Trophy, which gathers the very best examples of models from the nation’s best car clubs.

  Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance 2024 will again be an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne will once again showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.

  Full list of 2024 concours cars:

  1922 Ballot 2 LS

  1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barrel Sided Tourer

  1926 Bugatti Type 37

  1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model

  1928 Alta Supercharged Sports – Prototype

  1928 Bentley 4½ Litre

  1928 Bentley 4½ Litre by Harrison

  1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Coupe by HJ Mulliner

  1931 Bentley 8 Litre Saloon by Freestone & Webb

  1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton

  1935 Lincoln Model K Coupe by LeBaron

  1937 Cord 812 Phaeton

  1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip

  1937 Talbot BI 105 Airline Saloon by Darracq

  1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop

  1938 Bentley 4¼ Litre Barouche de Ville by James Young

  1938 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff

  1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre MX Sedanca Coupe by Hooper

  1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith by Thrupp & Maberly

  1939 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS by Pourtout

  1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C

  1948 Jaguar Mk IV Drophead Coupe

  1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta ENASA

  1953 Frazer Nash Mille Miglia Roadster

  1953 Jaguar C-type – Le Mans winner, 1953

  1953 Siata 208 CS Balbo

  1954 Cooper-Jaguar T33

  1954 Lagonda DP115/2

  1955 Bentley R-Type Continental

  1955 Lagonda DP115/3

  1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Zagato Coupe

  1956 Jaguar D-type

  1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato

  1957 Talbot-Lago T14 America

  1959 Ferrari Dino 196S Spider

  1959 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder ‘Prototipo’

  1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe

  1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Comp SEFAC ‘Hot Rod’

  1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB

  1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale Aerodinamica

  1962 Shelby Cobra 260 Independent Competition

  1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C

  1965 Lamborghini 350 GT

  1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra Roadster

  1968 Aston Martin DBS Vantage

  1970 Range Rover Velar

  1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

  1973 Porsche 911 Turbo ‘Prototype’

  1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’

  1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Prince of Wales

  1995 McLaren F1

  2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12

  2010 Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

  2016 Pagani Zonda 760 Oliver Evolution ‘Hermes Edition’

  2023 Aston Martin DBR22

  2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta

  2023 Ferrari SP-8

  2023 Porsche 911 Dakar

  2024 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50