CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE WELCOMES THOUSANDS OF VISITORS ON STUNNING FIRST DAY

Auto Event PR

In auto event PR news, Hampton Court Palace today (Friday 31st August) opened its gates. Thriving with some of the world’s rarest and most incredible cars as Concours of Elegance 2018 got underway. Running through weekend, this year’s Concours will see nearly 1000 of the most incredible cars ever produced gather in one of the UK’s most spectacular settings.

Main Concours Cars

The first day saw the arrival of the main Concours of Elegance display. After completing the final leg of their journey through Home Park and into the Palace. Leading the way, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent. It was a unique opportunity for visitors to see unique coachbuilt Ferraris. As well as, race-winning endurance motorsport legends. Similarly, pioneering vintage motor cars make their way into the glorious Fountain Gardens.

Auto Event PR: The Concours of Elegance 2018 today welcomed hundreds of the most incredible cars in the world to the glorious Fountain Gardens of Hampton Court Palace

Among these cars was the unique Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’. Originally owned by racing enthusiast and British Racing Drivers’ Club co-founder Earl Howe. Notably, fitted with a revolutionary body which incorporated a lightweight and aerodynamic shell. Also built with unique aluminium side pods and came fitted with an altimeter. Ultimately, all based on aircraft construction by legendary English coachbuilders Barker.

McLaren F1 GTR Longtail

In addition, making its debut at the Concours of Elegance, a freshly restored McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, finished in iconic Davidoff Gulf colours. Certainly one of the most incredible endurance racing cars of its day. McLaren Special Operations lovingly restored this F1 GTR.

Aston Martin 60th

Friday at the Palace also saw the debut of three new special features for 2018. The Aston Martin DB4 Celebration is a world-first gathering of cars. Assembled by the Aston Martin Owners Club. Examples include:
DB4 prototype
An example of DB4 Series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
An original DB4 GT, DB4 GT Zagato and DB4 Bertone Jet
Newly launched DB4 GT Continuation

Future Classics

The Future Classics feature is an all-new line-up of the Concours stars of the future. Crowning the line-up, the completely bespoke and unique Rolls-Royce Sweptail. It’s the first fully in-house designed and fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce in half a century. Finished with a bespoke body and interior. Joining the Sweptail is:
The one-of-26 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster
McLaren Senna chassis number one
The one-of-seven Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600

This year’s new ‘Harry’s Garage’ display was a collection of the fastest supersaloons ever created. A creation of founder of the Harry’s Garage YouTube channel and evo magazine, Harry Metcalfe. Among them you’ll find:
The 200mph Jaguar XE SV Project 8
The 205mph Aston Martin Rapide AMR
As well as past masters like the Lotus Carlton
And the Mercedes AMG Hammer – the first saloon car to ever hit 186mph

Across the weekend, visitors will be treated to a number of car displays and trophy presentations. Firstly, the Club Trophy. The winning car, an Alvis Speed 25 Drophead Coupe by Charlesworth/ Hooper, is acknowledged as possibly the finest of Alvis pre-war models. Complete with a Hooper body and a unique interior and fittings. Furthermore, the Alvis will now be displayed among the Main Concours cars at Concours of Elegance 2019.

Jaguar will be hosting a special display on Saturday. Plus, Bentley will gather a number of historic cars on Sunday. Finally, Concours of Elegance media partners, Octane, will welcome the Octane Tour to Hampton Court Palace on Sunday. Overall, ensuring an ever-changing collection of vehicles.

Influence Associates are world leaders in Automotive / Auto PR, Motorsport PR, Auto Event PR and Classic Car PR. As well as brand strategy and building, PR and communications.