As part of the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, a Concours d’Elegance was staged in 2012 on the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Sixty cars were invited, one representing each year of Her Majesty’s reign on the British throne.
A 60th anniversary may last only a year, but organizers of the concours decided from the start to do an annual gathering of 60 “of the very best cars in the world.” They also had good enough connections with the royal family to stage the subsequent concours at various royal palaces.
In 2013, the Concours d’Elegance was held at St. James’ Palace in London. This year, the third international concours will be September 6-7 on the grounds at Hampton Court Palace, which was built for King Henry VIII.
While only 60 cars are included in the formal concours, hundreds more — from British Aston Martin, Bentley, Bristol, Ferrari and other marque car clubs — will be on display around the extensive palace grounds.
The concours is organized by Thorough Events, which also stages classic car tours and enthusiast experiences, and is held with His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent as patron. Money from ticket sales and other sources go to charity.
Unlike most concours, there is no judging. Organizers contend that each car is scrutinized before being invited and therefore all 60 cars already have been deemed winners before arriving on the royal grounds.
Updates will be posted on www.concoursofelegance.com.
