"Innovation, Beauty and Engineering Excellence."
As part of the London Concours, hosted by Montres Breguet, a number of magnificent vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s will appear in the show. From June 6th-8th, London will host the ultimate automotive garden party, featuring a collection of these "Golden Age Coupés" alongside a display of nearly 100 of the world's most desirable privately owned cars in the pristine grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company.
Dunhillion, a legacy Scotch Whisky brand, sponsors this class, which features classic designs such as the Jaguar E-Type Series 1, often regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing car ever made. The legendary British sports vehicle has been around for over 60 years, but its long, sweeping hood and recognisable shape ensure it is still highly sought after by collectors. The 265 horsepower generated by the 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine backed up the stunning good looks, making it one of the quickest vehicles of its age. There aren't many people who would argue that it shouldn't be considered among the best British automobiles of all time.
The Aston Martin DB5 is another contender for the title, and it is included in this group. The DB5 shot to renown after making an impressive showing in several James Bond flicks, most notably the iconic, gadget-filled Goldfinger. However, the vehicle was notable for more than just its clever product placement. The Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera is responsible for the car's stunning good looks, and together with the car's 282 bhp 4.0-litre straight-six engine, they achieved the ideal combination of design and performance (0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 142mph). There will be a lot of people looking at the 1964 model at the London Concours.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a crowning achievement in German automobile design, will join these British classics. The 300SL, a derivative of Mercedes' phenomenally successful W194 race vehicle, made its debut at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York and was immediately recognised as a masterpiece. Its innovative tubular frame, petrol engine with direct fuel injection, and, of course, its gullwing doors went on to have a profound impact on the automotive industry. Having a top speed of 155 mph and an output of 212 bhp, it was the fastest production car of the mid-1950s and unlike anything else available at the time.
A 1964 Porsche 356 C, the final iteration of the model that made its debut as the company's first mass-produced car in 1948, will also serve as a representation for Germany. The 356 C may be a direct descendant of the VW Beetle, but it has Porsche's signature look and feel, making it the last and greatest of the old-school vehicles from Stuttgart before the 911 ushered in a new era. The 356 C, as we have come to expect from Porsche, was designed with an emphasis on improving the driving experience, and it succeeds admirably. It is the pinnacle of Porsche engineering, a car that exemplifies the brand's aspirations for the future.
Visitors to the London Concours 2023 will have the chance to pay their respects to the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, a car widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ever produced by the masterminds at Maranello, as part of the commemoration of Golden Age Coupés. The SWB, or Short-Wheelbase, was produced by the Modena-based Carrozzeria Scaglietti beginning in 1959, and it could be traced back to the 250 GT 'Tour de France' Berlinetta, which dominated endurance racing in the 1950s. It had great proportions for racing and was extremely rare, with only slightly more than 160 examples ever produced. There's a good reason why, when one finally comes up for sale, a 250 GT SWB fetches millions of dollars or pounds: it's automotive royalty.
The Maserati 3500 GTI, another magnificent Italian-made automobile, will be in line next to the Ferrari. This stunningly beautiful model was designed by Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring, and it was technologically advanced, with aluminium panels wrapped over a thin steel frame. It was mechanically significant because it was the first GT car to use an injected engine, which gave rise to the now-revered GTi badge. It was the first Maserati road car to be mass-produced after the brand withdrew from motorsport in 1957, with the 3500 GT, and helped pave the way for Maserati to become one of the world's most prestigious manufacturers of luxury, high-performance vehicles.
The Golden Age Coupés class is just a taste of the fantastic array of exotic gear that will be on display during the June event. Class announcements for Built to Race, For The Road, Evolution of Aero, and Grand Tourisme have already been made, and more are expected in the coming weeks as we get closer to the seventh edition of this not-to-be-missed event.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “This year’s event features some truly magnificent cars, and this is particularly evident in the Golden Age Coupés category, which shines a spotlight on a defining era for the motor industry. It is no exaggeration to say that the class includes some of the greatest cars ever created, and we are absolutely delighted that visitors to the London Concours will have the opportunity to savour them up close and fully appreciate their innovation, beauty, and engineering excellence. They promise to be a real highlight of the show, which is now just a matter of weeks away and is shaping up to be our best yet. Stay tuned for even more exciting announcements.”
Dunhillion, a heritage Scotch Whisky with a long history, is the official sponsor of the Golden Age Coupés class. With the release of the final private stock of a one-of-a-kind, 26-year-old offering, Sir Alfred Dunhill's legacy lives on. The rarest whiskies have been married in this extraordinary blend, which was once only available to a select few.
Expert craftspeople in the United Kingdom produce everything about Dunhillion, from the hand-cut crystal decanter to the opulent presentation box. Dunhillion, an icon in its own right, is pleased to sponsor the London Concours' Golden Age Coupés class this year.
Visitors to the Honorary Artillery Company will not only be able to marvel at the finest collection of automobiles ever assembled but also enjoy a delectable selection of food and drink, a newly introduced Club Concours hospitality experience, thought-provoking stage discussions, and a curated selection of luxury brands and boutiques. The 2023 London Concours promises to be another unforgettable celebration of fine automobiles.
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