Classics on show
Gallery: Hampton Court Concours of Elegance 2025
Winding through a sea of linen suits and polished loafers, the Car Design News team descended on Hampton Court Palace for the Concours of Elegance
In the perfectly manicured grounds of the historic Hampton Court Palace, a plethora of sought-after vehicles met at one of the most respected events in the UK motoring calendar.
The three-day celebration opened with an exclusive Owners’ and VIP day. Guests were treated to the rare sight of each Concours vehicle being driven onto the main stage, where introductions were delivered by Richard Charlesworth, former director of royal and VIP relations at Bentley Motor Cars, and Peter Wallman, the renowned auctioneer and classic car authority. Their commentary lent both authority and colour, where guests were able to get to know both owner and car to a deeper level.
Among the highlights was the unveiling of Halcyon’s remastered, electrified Rolls-Royce Corniche — which we explored in more detail in an interview with the lead designer Patrick McCallion.
Over the following two days, the programme broadened to include a series of special highlights. A line-up of fifty of the finest Jaguars competed for the coveted ‘Jaguar Trophy by Jaguar Classic’. Younger enthusiasts were celebrated through the ‘Thirty Under 30 Concours’, open to anyone under thirty who owns a motor car built between 1900 and 1999. Adding further depth, the ‘Levitt Concours’ placed the spotlight on twenty rare women-owned vehicles, each evaluated by a distinguished all-female judging panel.
This year's highest honour, Best of Show, was awarded to the 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I.
Beyond the main Concours, the lawns of the Palace brimmed with hundreds of other notable automobiles vying for ‘The Club Trophy’. Victory in this competition guarantees a place in the following year’s Concours of Elegance, a highly prized accolade. 2025's prize went to a 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Graber Drophead Coupe.
Naturally, the CDN team was in attendance and once a suitable amount of coffee was consumed it was time to set out to absorb the atmosphere.
Enjoy the image galleries that captures only a selection of the vehicles on show, plus some crackers we saw in the car park – always check the car park!
