The Most Famous Concours d’Elegance: Hampton Court and Salon Privé, British Tradition and Inclusion

One glance around is enough to understand how the British passion for classic cars perfectly blends with the sumptuous palaces of a country that continues to follow the stories of its Royals with respect and curiosity. In London, at the palace that was once the residence of Henry VIII and opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1838, the aristocratic Hampton Court Concours of Elegance takes place. A concours that, for variety's sake, has also been held at Windsor Castle and St. James Palace. The formula of the Concours is the classic one with about sixty cars selected for judging, from which the class winners and the Best of Show are chosen.

To this strictly British ritual, a second winner is added, chosen by the public from the cars presented by the Clubs in an area adjacent to the Concours. These cars are often of such high quality that the chosen one is automatically admitted to the official Concours the following year, much to the delight of the presenting collector. The Hampton Court event is set for the coming days, from August 30 to September 1, and the winner will take the place of last year's Best of Show, the Maserati A6GCS/53 Frua Spider.