‘Evolution of Aero’: Outrageously styled, rare and significant

In less than three months, the London Concours, which is put on by Montres Breguet, will show how the aerodynamics of cars have changed over time in a very interesting way. From June 6 to 8, an impressive line-up of cars will be on display at the event. These cars show how the auto industry is always looking for ways to improve aerodynamics, whether it's to get the fastest top speed or the most exciting on-track performance.

From the first cars that were inspired by aeroplanes in the 1920s and 1930s to the latest supercars and hypercars, a carefully chosen collection of cars will be on display. The Honourable Artillery Company will throw the best summer garden party for cars in the capital. The best supercars and classics from all over the world will be there.

The 1991 Schuppan 962 CR P1, one of only six cars in existence, will be among the machinery on display this June. It is one of the most striking road cars ever. Australian racer Vern Schuppan, who had won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1983 while operating a Porsche 956, served as the project's executive director. The Porsche 962 racer's carbon-fibre chassis served as the basis for his design, giving the Schuppan 962 its light weight kerb weight of just 1,050kg. Performance was insane, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph thanks to a 3.3-liter type-935 twin-turbo flat-six producing 600bhp. The Schuppan 962 is one of the most aerodynamically outrageous cars ever given number plates, with a dramatic full-width rear wing, a small cockpit, and other aero elements used to control the power. a genuine road racer.

Visitors will also be able to look at the exciting 993 GT2, which has a long history with Porsche motorsport. The 993 GT2 was made for the FIA GT2 series as a homologation special. It came out in the middle of the 1990s and quickly became famous around the world for its raw power and wings. The strictly rear-wheel drive vehicle weighed just 1,295kg, about 200kg less than the 993 Turbo, and was unfinished and stripped out. Performance was electric, with a top speed of 187 mph and at least 430 bhp available from the twin-turbo flat-six. The body of the GT2 was similarly pumped up, with an enormous rear wing that had air scoops to feed the flat-voracious six's appetite and an enormous front splitter that guaranteed excellent track performance. Just over 160 GT2s were produced between 1993 and 1998, and they are regarded as the pinnacle of air-cooled 911s.

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird, which may have the most well-known rear wing of all vehicles, will be on display at the show this June. The Superbird, a heavily modified Plymouth Road Runner, was designed specifically for the eye-wateringly fast NASCAR racing. The changes for the V8 vehicles, which could produce up to 425 horsepower with the hottest motor, were primarily focused on aerodynamics. The body was modified using computer analysis, which was novel at the time. The changes included an extended, smoothed-off nose cone and, of course, that infamous rear wing. It was jacked up so it could operate in "clean air" above the roofline, towering over the "trunk." The improvements produced significantly more downforce and one of the most recognisable automotive silhouettes ever.

Modern hypercars with innovative aerodynamic designs, like the now-iconic McLaren P1, will also be on display. Britain will be shown by the McLaren P1. The P1 was unlike anything the world had ever seen when it was first introduced back in 2013. Its 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine and strong electric motor gave it ferocious performance. Another important aspect of the P1's otherworldly, high-tech appeal was aerodynamics; in its most aggressive track mode, the P1 could dramatically hunker down. The P1 could produce 600 kg of downforce at 160 mph when the active rear wing was fully extended, working in conjunction with the slashed and vented bodywork to help it lap the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes. Similar to an F1 car, that rear wing also featured a DRS (Drag Reduction System) feature that was activated by a button on the steering wheel. This 903 bhp, 217 mph vehicle had already secured its place in the pantheon of legendary hypercars by the time production ended in 2015.

One of the all-time fastest open-top cars, the amazing Bugatti Veyron Vitesse, in ultra-rare "WRC" (World Record Car) edition form, will be on display at the event. One of only eight WRCs made, the limited edition model was built in 2013 to commemorate the 1184 horsepower Veyron Vitesse hitting 254 mph on a German test track, briefly holding the record for the fastest car in the world. Aerodynamics were obviously key to making this happen. In addition to the Veyron's aerodynamic shape and active rear spoiler, the Vitesse also had a specially designed roof spoiler and a carefully crafted windbreak to make open-top driving smooth, even at speeds of over 250 mph!

This is just a preview of the spectacular collection of machinery from a variety of exotic marques that will be on display at the event in June. As we get closer to the seventh iteration of this unmissable event, more class announcements will be made in the ensuing weeks and months.

Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: "We’re delighted to announce that our show this June will feature this celebration of aerodynamic innovation through the ages. Car manufacturers’ continued quest for higher rates of downforce and lower drag coefficients, has resulted some of the most dramatically styled motor cars the world has ever seen. Our team of expert curators have relished the fascinating challenge of assembling the stunning machinery for this category - we can’t wait for guests to see the results!"

"In addition to a fantastic selection of cars – the best yet assembled - guests to the Honorary Artillery Company will be treated to a decadent range of food and drink options – including a brand-new Club Concours hospitality experience, engaging live stage discussions, as well as a carefully selected line-up of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2023 is set to be another occasion of total automotive indulgence."

Discover more: Book your ticket