One-off TVR Scamander Prototype to Front Wildcards Class.
The 'Wildcards' class of 2024 will be a celebration of automotive eccentricity at the London Concours, the most spectacular automotive garden party in the capital. Taking place at the Honourable Artillery Company from June 4th to 6th, this year's event will showcase an assortment of the most extraordinary and uncommon automobiles, each with its own fascinating history.
Adrian Flux's Wildcards class at the London Concours will feature some of the most remarkable cars ever made, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for guests. Every vehicle in the lineup is one-of-a-kind in terms of design, engineering, and innovation, ranging from timeless classics to custom-built masterpieces.
The centrepiece will be the wildly eccentric Scamander, which the late Peter Wheeler (a former head of TVR) created. With its unique design that combined off-road capability with the ability to traverse water, the amphibious Scamander was a true "wildcard" in the game.
With three seats tucked behind a smooth sliding canopy and an extended body that was half aeroplane fuselage and half hull, the Scamander had a unique design, even by TVR's eccentric standards. Beyond his tenure as owner of the Blackpool marque, Wheeler's devotion to this automotive marvel had no bounds. A mid-mounted 275-horsepower Ford V6 was later installed in the Scamander, replacing the earlier 2.0-litre engine. This engine sent its power to the rear wheels via an automated gearbox.
Wheeler may have done his best, and the Scamander did indeed emerge as a working prototype in 2008, but manufacturing never took off, and the vehicle on display this June is still the only one of its kind. After being recommissioned after 12 years of inactivity with the aid of Harry Metcalfe, creator of EVO and YouTube sensation with Harry's Garage, the Scamander will make its long-awaited return to the public eye in June when it arrives at the HAC grounds.
On Sunday, May 5th, you may catch a glimpse of the Scamander on Harry's Garage YouTube channel. The film will document the car's restoration and the preparations for its concours debut in June.
The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S "Ponton" Cabriolet, a classic that will never go out of style, is another Wildcards class highlight. With its pontoon-like sides, the Mercedes-Benz 220, which debuted in 1954 as part of the trailblazing "Ponton" series, ushered in a new age of design, marking the end of distinct fenders seen in prior models. These cars were the first to use Mercedes-Benz's unit-body building process, which revolutionised vehicle design and structural reliability.
The 220S Cabriolet was introduced in 1958 as part of the prestigious series and had upgraded features such as a twin-carburation, 2.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine, a one-piece front bumper, and stylish chrome accents on the sides. Known for its sleek profile and painstaking craftsmanship, the 220S exemplified Mercedes-Benz's steadfast commitment to revolutionising automotive engineering.
The Lotus 1976 Esprit, a legendary vehicle made well-known by its appearance in the James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me," has joined the esteemed lineup. Giorgetto Giugiaro and Oliver Winterbottom, who was in charge of Lotus' design, created this mid-engined marvel, which captured the attention of onlookers with its elegant wedge shape.
The aerodynamic body conceals a 1973cc straight-four engine that Lotus built with painstaking attention to detail. Built from alloy and having a twin-cam setup with four valves per cylinder, this state-of-the-art engine produces an astonishing 160 horsepower, demonstrating outstanding performance for its small size.
At the event, you may also see a beautifully restored Jaguar XK120, a car with a rich history of racing. With its storied history of dominating the legendary Goodwood circuit, this legendary model is a fitting tribute to Jaguar's legendary motorsport heritage.
Under its sculpted body is a powerful 3442cc inline-six engine, renowned for its smooth power delivery and exceptional torque. No matter if it's blazing up the track or cruising down the open road, this famous roadster never fails to wow drivers and fans with its classic good looks and indisputable performance.
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London Concours 2024 Code: IMP24
