The Concours moves to Central London for 2013
Last year the Royal lawns of Windsor Castle, this year the Royal gardens of St James's. Another sixty rare motor cars are being lined up for the historic garden party of the year.
The 2013 event will take place in St James’s, Central London, from September 5 to 7.
Historic St James’s has predominantly been home to royalty and aristocracy since the mid 17th Century. Today, amongst the many Royal Palaces and fine houses, it is the exclusive address for major corporations, gentlemen’s clubs, tailors, wine merchants and fine art houses, to name but a few. St James’s is off The Mall, the world-famous tree lined avenue that leads up to Buckingham Palace.
The St James’s Concours of Elegance will be held in an area that encompasses the gardens of Marlborough House, Marlborough Road and St James’s Palace, the official residence of the Sovereign.
Marlborough House is a 300 year-old Royal Palace designed by Sir Christopher Wren with a large high-walled garden set to lawn. (Apart from nearby Buckingham Palace, it is one of the largest gardens in Central London.)
The Concours has been granted special permission to use this rarely accessible space.
The St James’s Concours of Elegance will follow a similar format to last year's Windsor Castle event: 60 rare historic cars coming from around the world with a special Preview Day on Thursday and open to the public on Friday and Saturday.
As well as all the historic car owners and their guests, Owners from the 2012 event will be invited to join the Owners Club.
The 2012 event raised in excess of £250,000 for charity.
(Rolling car images above: Tim Scott at Fluid Images)
An Historic Garden Party
In keeping with the prestigious Central London address, the ambition is to ensure that the St James's Concours of Elegance is a truly glamorous occasion with the emphasis on style and elegance.
Apart from being ‘the’ historic motoring social event of the year, it will have all the sophistication of a major social gathering. ‘A London happening’, a select group of guests from around the world.
The very best in gourmet food and fine wine will be on offer in a specially constructed hospitality facility.
Patron of the Concours of Elegance
(Photo Credit: Mr Philip Strickland)
It is with great pleasure that we announce that HRH Prince Michael of Kent has agreed to become Patron of the Concours of Elegance.
Prince Michael is a keen ‘hands on’ motoring enthusiast. As well as being President of The Royal Automobile Club and Patron of Benjafields Racing Club, His Royal Highness is also an Honorary Member of the Bentley Drivers’ Club and the British Racing Drivers’ Club.
Prince Michael will officially open the Concours as well as attending the event and meeting the owners and their guests.
The Greatest Concours In The World
Last September history was made at Windsor Castle, venue for the UK’s first truly world class concours d’elégance.
Such was the splendour of the Regal setting within the walls of Windsor Castle and the unmatched quality of the assembled 60 historic cars under the bright autumn sunshine, that the event was deemed an unqualified success, and a highly fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen in her Diamond Jubilee year.
Receiving universal praise and acclaim from owners, visitors, sponsors and press alike, the Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance went on to collect two major awards at the International Historic Motoring Awards in London: Motoring Event of the Year and Personal Achievement of the Year for Jeremy Jackson Sytner and Graham Sharpe.
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