Day 1 of the London Concours 2023 saw thousands of classic car enthusiasts admire a stunning array of vehicles at the Honourable Artillery Company. 80 cars were displayed across 11 classes and there were some truly special classics that helped create one of the most incredible collections of vehicles to ever be seen in London.
London Concours 2023 – Best In Show
The expert judges of the London Concours selected an extremely rare Schuppan 962CR P1 as Best in Show. This is one of just six examples (and one of only two CR models) and is the prototype for the 962CR project. The initial plan was based on using a Porsche 956/962 as a base before adding a Reynard carbon fibre chassis with bodywork styled by Mike Simcoe. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan and the project only ever produced six cars.
After going into private ownership and spending some time in France, this extraordinary car eventually made its way back to the UK where it has since undergone a full refurbishment and has also been retrimmed.
London Concours 2023 – Chairman’s Award
Another winner at the London Concours 2023 was a Jensen CV8 MKIII which was given the Chairman’s Award. This is given to the car that the chairman of the judges, Peter Read would most like to drive home himself. This particular CV8 was first registered in the UK in 1966 and had eight owners before ending up in the Netherlands in 1997. After its last Dutch MOT in 2002, it was put in a barn before being bought by its current owner in 2015. Since then, it has undergone a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration over almost 4 years to bring this matching numbers car back to its former glory.
Other Notable Vehicles
Outside of the main concourse event, there were even more special vehicles to be seen. One of these was a 1948 L07 pre-production prototype of a Land Rover which was lost in the 1960s before finally being found again in 2016.
There was also a 1954 Series 1 Land Rover that covered 25,000 miles on the Oxford & Cambridge Trans-Africa Expedition.
In Attendance At The London Concours 2023
The London Concours 2023 runs until Thursday 8th June. While there, you will be able to see some of the best automotive specialists including McLaren London, Koenigsegg London, Alpine, Rodin Cars and both Jaguar and Land Rover Classic brands. Norton Motorcycles are also there representing the best vehicles on two wheels.
Andrew Evans, London Concours director, said: “The opening day of the London Concours is always a special occasion, as we unveil for the first time the collection of rarities that we’ve gathered into the stunning gardens of the HAC. But now the event continues to amaze, with an additional 50 Porsche 911 RS cars entering for Wednesday 7th June and then those cars making way for our Supercar Day on Thursday 8th June, featuring a collection of 50 of the latest performance cars. With live entertainment and a range of fine food and drink options, each day at the London Concours is a luxury spectacle.”
Winners
Best in Show – Schuppan 962CR P1
Chairman’s Award – Jensen CV8 Mk III
Evolution of Aero, Sponsored by EMM – Schuppan 962CR P1
Highly Commended – McLaren P1
Built to Race, For the Road – Sponsored by Adrian Flux – Subaru Impreza WRC S12C
Highly Commended – Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Bespoke Automotive – Sponsored by Montres Breguet – Austin-Healey WSM
Highly Commended – Matra Beach Buggy by Bertone
Grand Tourisme, Sponsored by Magneto – Facel Vega Facel II
Highly Commended – Renault 5 Turbo 1
Make Green Great Again, Sponsored by Bespoke Handling – Aston Martin DBS
Highly Commended – Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Golden Age Coupés, Sponsored by Dunhillion – Jensen C8 MkIII
Highly Commended – Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Wildcards, Sponsored by Concours of Elegance – Lancia Fulvia Zagato
Highly Commended – Leyat Helica
60 Years of Lamborghini, Sponsored by Moss Automotive – Lamborghini Miura
Highly Commended – Lamborghini Islero S
