Review: London Concours 2023

The traditional motorshow as we know it might be in a state of flux, but specialist and in particular heritage events are alive and kicking. Car Design News went along to the 2023 London Concours, held at the remarkable Honourable Artillery Company’s lawn which, rumour has it, hides dozens of emergency military tanks underground.

Many brands took the opportunity to plonk their latest model infront of potential suitors, but the majority of models on show were clearly cherished collectibles, rare one-offs and cult classics. It was interesting to see many of the trends in car design today evident in those from decades earlier, in particular the influence of aerodynamics and how that can shape the exterior. It was also an interesting case study of the interior design evolution, particularly on the CMF front.

Models on show were gauked at by visitors but also judged by members of the London Concours Steering Committee, with both an overall winner and individual class winners. A nice touch to name drop ‘highly commended’ runners up, too.

Best in Show – Schuppan 962CR P1

Chairman’s Award – Jensen CV8 Mk III

Built to Race, For the Road – Sponsored by Adrian Flux – Subaru Impreza WRC S12C

Highly Commended – Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Bespoke Automotive – Sponsored by Montres Breguet – Austin-Healey WSM

Highly Commended – Matra Beach Buggy by Bertone

Grand Tourisme, Sponsored by Magneto – Facel Vega Facel II

Highly Commended – Renault 5 Turbo 1

Make Green Great Again, Sponsored by Bespoke Handling – Aston Martin DBS

Highly Commended – Rolls-Royce Phantom II

Golden Age Coupés, Sponsored by Dunhillion – Jensen C8 MkIII

Highly Commended – Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Wildcards, Sponsored by Concours of Elegance – Lancia Fulvia Zagato

Highly Commended – Leyat Helica

60 Years of Lamborghini, Sponsored by Moss Automotive – Lamborghini Miura

Highly Commended – Lamborghini Islero S

Evolution of Aero, Sponsored by EMM – Schuppan 962CR P1

Highly Commended – McLaren P1

With members of CDN in attendance, we figured that a round-up of models that caught our eye was also in order. It turns out this was not the easiest of tasks but, albeit with no formal judging criteria, here are our favourites from the lawn.

James McLachlan: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

The Alfa Romeo 8C is a gorgeous thing – its perfect curves looking absolutely at home on the lawn alongside bonafide design icons of more vintage persuasions. But for the registration plate awkwardly offset like a man wiggling his moustache, it is hard to fault. The crowning moment of a purple patch for the Alfa design team led by Wolfgang Egger in the mid-noughties. That said, it is hard to look at a car like the 8C and not feel a little dispirited about the current line-up, which has seen Alfa Romeo sucked into the SUV quicksand like everyone else. One wonders what it might take to break the homogeneity of the form and produce another halo car with an equivalent charisma of the 8C.

Freddie Holmes: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Zagato

It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but this was a wonderful surprise. The Zagato is a special edition of an already very special car and stood out despite its surroundings (parked in the ‘green corridor’ of similarly-hued cars that flanked the steps down onto the front lawn). Reportedly one of just six models the Zagato coachbuilders got their hands on, its main differences to the original Carrera GT (designed by Harm Lagaay, also of BMW Z1 fame) can be seen from the rear, with sleek engine cover tunnels, new exhaust tips and distinctive ‘Z’ badging. Pictures struggle to do this thing justice, with shimmering seaweed green paintwork and proportions that even today look outlandish.

Guy Bird: 1973 Peugeot 504 Break Riviera

One-offs you know, but don’t know, like the 1973 Peugeot 504 Break Riviera at the London Concours, are classic car gold. Pininfarina showed a Riviera estate concept at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show based on the 504 Coupé and Cabriolet – very different off-shoots from the regular rugged 504 range which sold millions worldwide. The prototype didn’t go into production and where (or if) it still exists today are unknown, so a collector commissioned HC Classics to build one based on a 504 Cabriolet, with an identical front end, remodelled rear seats and a boot floor replete with Riva boat-style wood with embedded aluminium rails. Stunning.

CDN’s special mention: 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird

Not all cars looks the same. The Superbird starts with the addition of an aero-enhancing nose cone with pop-up lights, a hunkered-down cabin with slim windows framed by thick rear pillars clad in black vinyl, and a long tail with a huge and high ‘towel-rack’ spoiler supported by angled struts adorned with the Road Runner character. Just 1935 Superbirds were built in a one-year production run but the car’s extreme design has since gained iconic status as the basis for the Strip ‘The King’ Weathers character in the 2006 movie Cars. Rare as hen’s teeth in the UK too.

It would seem a shame to exclude everything else on show from making the cut, so do peruse the gallery below at your own leisure to see what else caught our eye as we wandered the lawn in frankly scorching heat. This year’s London Concours ran from 6-8 June so unfortunately it is no longer possible to attend; we would recommend pencilling it in your events calendar for next year.