Concours of Elegance: The Best of British.
Gorgeous cars that showcase the pinnacle of British engineering and design will be on display at the Concours of Elegance 2024, presented by A. Lange & Söhne. The annual celebration will take place in Hampton Court Palace in west London, UK, from August 30 to September 1.
The Concours of Elegance is an annual summer event that has a proud showpiece consisting of a century's worth of vehicles produced by an industry that was once the pride of the world. Highlights of British technical prowess will be on display for visitors to enjoy, including a 1925 Rolls-Royce that hasn't been restored, a 1938 Bentley that represents prestige, and a 1939 Rolls-Royce that was formerly owned by British composer Benjamin Britten. Then there is the 1940 aerodynamically innovative Aston Martin Speed Model Type C, and the 1960 DB4GT, which was given an Italian makeover by Zagato. And today's GMA T.50 supercar rounds up over a century of innovation.
1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ‘barrel-sided’ tourer
Despite having been owned by four different people for over a century and having accumulated 130,000 miles in total, this 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost has never been restored, with the exception of new paint, upholstery, and minor engine maintenance.
It is, in fact, the final Silver Ghost ever constructed for a client in the United Kingdom, Henry Thomas, who preferred a replacement for his previous Silver Ghost over Rolls-Royce's Phantom, which had now supplanted that model.
Constructed concurrently with the Phantom at Rolls-Royce's Derby facility, the Ghost's elegant 'barrel-sided' body, with curved flanks designed by acclaimed coachbuilder Barker & Co., conceals several enhancements seen in its successor. These include improved brakes, a four-speed transmission, and a 4.5-litre version of the dependable six-cylinder engine.
As an enthusiastic photographer, Thomas recorded every trip he took since 1929 and utilised the vehicle to explore and capture the Cotswolds' natural beauty. Following Thomas's death in 1954, the Ghost's subsequent owners carried on the custom.
The vehicle has travelled thousands of kilometres on several excursions around Europe in recent years. It also participated in the 2021 reenactment of the London to Edinburgh Trial, a Rolls-Royce promotional stunt from 1911, whereby the whole 440-mile journey was accomplished in top gear.
1938 Bentley Brougham de Ville
This 1938 Bentley Brougham de Ville is the only vehicle of its kind and the one that really astonished the audience at the Earls Court Motor Show that same year. Constructed just for the occasion by prominent coachbuilder James Young, its "razor-edge" design has been credited to AF McNeil, a highly influential coachwork designer at that era.
In the days when servants knew their place, the first owner of the Bentley, the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, was clearly drawn to its crisp lines and de Ville style. In this case, that position was the chauffeur's exposed front seat, while his boss sat in the snug back. But maintaining appearances wasn't the only reason for this magnificent vehicle.
Under the Bentley's elegant façade was a 4,257cc six-cylinder engine that received dual carburettors, increased compression, and a sportier camshaft for more power, all in line with Bentley's racing pedigree.
With its all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox and overdrive, this long-distance tourer was capable of reaching 100 mph with elegance. Ads during the Little Wonder era called it the "Silent Sports Car."
1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith
Beginning with English writer Robert Sheriff as its first owner, this elegant Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible was known for cruising about literary and music circles in its early years. In 1939, he received delivery of the four-door Thrupp & Maberly automobile. He had it until 1954, when he sold it to Benjamin Britten, a fellow countryman and composer, conductor, and pianist. Later, British author Elleston Trevor purchased it.
Newspaper distributor Martin Zanger owned the Wraith in 1964, and it was residing in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in the United States. In 1969, he shipped it back to England for restoration, and after 5,000 miles, he ultimately listed it for sale in 1986.
After being purchased by automobile collector Louis Wright, the Rolls-Royce was driven nearly 900 miles from Holyoke to Summit, Illinois, with only a broken fan belt as its only mechanical issue.
Not bad for a car that was over 50 years old at the time—after all, it was a Rolls-Royce. Its 4.3-litre straight-six engine produced 123 horsepower and included hydraulic tappets for silent operation. Suitable for a car named "ghost," it could reach speeds of 85 mph. Luckily, it had brakes aided by a servo system.
1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C
This Speed Model Type C, one of only eight, was inspired by Aston Martin's goals for motor sports. The business was so thrilled with the possibilities of their new 2.0-litre engine that it specifically constructed a new chassis for the car with a Lockheed dual-circuit advanced braking system, with an eye towards the Le Mans 24 Hours.
With two carburettors and a high-lift overhead cam, the dry-sump engine generated 125 horsepower when it was in the "Works" trim level. It was a racer's dream, especially when combined with a brand-new, close-ratio gearbox that made adjustments happen extremely quickly.
Due to its aerodynamic shape, which had sweeping wings and dual headlamps positioned below an oval radiator grille, the wind-cheating Type C was able to outpace its open-wheeled stablemates by over 20 mph. In case evidence of this potent combination was required, the vehicle won its class in its debut race at Donington.
Competition laws required the production of many road-going Speed Models in various body types; the eight super-slippery Type C vehicles were the last to be completed prior to World War II.
Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato
Italian style studio Zagato made the already stunning and swift Aston Martin DB4GT even more stunning.
The DB4 shed almost 100 pounds and was made smaller, sleeker, and more aerodynamic under the masterful design of Zagato designer Ercole Spada. Lightweight aluminium components were used in place of several steel ones; Perspex windows took the place of the original ones, and non-essential parts, such as the bumpers, were removed.
In the meantime, the 3,670cc double-overhead-cam straight-six engine of the Aston gained 314bhp in power by boosting the compression ratio.
With Zagato's help, the vehicle was able to reach a peak speed of 154 mph and accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds while on the road.
Sadly, just 19 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagatos were produced for the car's 1960 Earls Court Motor Show premiere, which must have sent hearts racing. But later on, because to demand, the brand approved Zagato's modification of some DB4s that were already in existence.
GMA T.50
Gordon Murray Automotive, a British supercar maker, has created the futuristic-looking GMA T.50, which is poised to propel humanity into the twenty-first century.
The ultra-lightweight T.50's carbon fibre monocoque and panels allow it to weigh only 986 kg. Nevertheless, it has plenty of power, reaching a maximum of 664 horsepower for those who dare to depress the accelerator.
The fastest-revving engine on the road, a 3.9-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12, provides the power, reaching over 12,100 rpm. Equipped with a six-speed transmission manufactured by Formula 1 expert Xtrac, the T.50's extremely sophisticated aerodynamics allow it to reach speeds of up to 226 mph.
What about the fan on the back? Although it has a Batmobile-like appearance, it is really rather useful, producing 220 kg of downforce at 155 mph to increase the stability of the vehicle.
The T.50, which is driven from the middle seat with passengers seated on either side, has been called one of the most driver-centric supercars ever created. It won the BBC TopGear.com 2023 Hypercar of the Year award.
Additionally, the T.50 is the only vehicle in the Concours of Elegance 2024's Best of British collection that is still in production. Desire one? You will pay £2.8 million for it.
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