13 reasons to visit London Concours 2024

Classics in the city

London Concours, the classic car celebration in the British capital, is back from June 4-6, 2024.

From a line-up of McLaren supercars to a Ferrari 365GTC owned by Eric Clapton, there will be plenty to see at the Honourable Artillery Company in central London.

So, here’s a round-up of what to expect.

And don’t forget, you can be there for less with Classic & Sports Car’s exclusive ticket offer. Simply enter the code 24CLASSIC at the checkout, here, to enjoy 20% off.

1. Many McLarens

The classic cars on show will change across the three-day event, and that’s because the concours vehicles will be joined by some special celebrations.

On June 4, it’s all about McLaren, with a 50-strong display that will span the British marque’s history.

The showcase will focus on its roadgoing models, so expect to see the three-seater F1, V8-powered MP4-12C, P1 hypercar and much more.

2. Corvette celebrations

The Chevrolet Corvette hit its 70th anniversary in 2023.

Carrying this momentum into 2024, Classic & Sports Car and the Classic Corvette Club UK have joined forces to present a set of 10 ’Vettes at this year’s London Concours.

It will explore the model’s eight-generation history, from the drop-top C1 to the mid-engined C8.

3. Zagato greats

Zagato-styled classic cars will get their own showcase at London Concours.

There will be a 1958 Abarth 750 Zagato DB, a 1960 Bristol 406 Zagato (above), a 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ and a 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

Plus, a one-of-three Ferrari 550GTZ Barchetta that was built to celebrate 90 years of the Prancing Horse’s relationship with Zagato.

4. Get bidding

Watches, artwork, automobilia, plus a handful of classic cars and ’bikes will go under the hammer at the London Concours Lifestyle Sale, presented by Iconic Auctioneers.

It takes place at 5:30pm on June 5, and the lots include a restored Aston Martin DB5 (above), an early Jaguar E-type roadster, a Honda Monkey Bike and a wine decanter in the style of a classic Mercedes-Benz grille.

5. V12 power

A class dedicated to classic cars with 12-cylinder engines will be one of the highlights at London Concours this year.

This one-off Jaguar XJ13 prototype will be one of the stars. 

Victory at Le Mans was the main driver of the project, which stalled when Jaguar and BMC merged.

It’ll be joined by a Lamborghini Diablo, two Aston Martins and a zany, Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined car…

6. Beauty and The Beast

According to the Guinness World Records, John Dodd’s ‘The Beast’ was the world’s most powerful car in 1977.

Hardly a surprise when you learn that it’s fitted with a Supermarine Spitfire engine, minus the supercharger.

You’ll be able to marvel at this gawky invention at London Concours 2024.

7. Letting the cat out of the bag

Following Tuesday’s McLaren celebration, Jaguar E-types (sold as XK-Es in North America) are set to steal the show on Wednesday June 5.

That’s because 2024 marks 50 years since the final Series 3 model rolled off the production line.

From flat-floor cars to V12-powered examples, every generation of Jaguar’s swoopy sports car will be represented, plus the marque’s classic division will bring along 10 cars from its collection.

8. London pop-ups

Everybody loves pop-up headlights, right?

Well, the ‘Enlightened: All About Aero’ division will focus on classic cars with hidden headlamps.

This concours class will include journalist Harry Metcalfe’s 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint, a one-of-492 Lancia Stratos road car, a Lamborghini Miura, a De Tomaso Pantera and more.

9. Ambitious amphibian

Confused? This wacky creation was dreamt up by Peter Wheeler, the former boss of TVR.

Styled by Graham Browne, it’s a go-anywhere vehicle that was designed to be a fun off-roader with plenty of space inside. And it’s a boat.

Its appearance at London Concours, where it will join the ‘Wildcards’ class, will be the first time that it’s been seen in public for almost 12 years.

10. Competition cars

A 1970s Hesketh Formula One racer, an MG Metro 6R4 rally car and the 1988 Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 (above) will be among the motorsport stars in the ‘British Racing’ category.

The class will also mark 60 years since John Surtees won the F1 drivers’ championship with his eponymous 1971 TS9, a car he designed with Peter Connew and Shahab Ahmed.

It will also be joined by a 1962 Lotus Elite, plus an Alan Mann-prepared Ford Escort that was campaigned by Frank Gardner and Jackie Oliver.

11. Supercars aplenty

Thursday June 6 is Supercar Day at London Concours.

Expect McLarens, Bugattis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more on display at the Honourable Artillery Company.

12. Best of the best

Classic cars will be vying for the Best in Show trophy at London Concours.

They will be split into nine classes, including ‘Purple Reign’, for purple-colored classics, and a group of hypercars.

Meanwhile, ‘Carnaby Street’ will gather roadgoing hits from the 1960s, including a Ferrari 365GTC previously owned by Eric Clapton.

13. Food and drink

Need a break from looking around the classic cars on show?

There will be plenty of fuel stops dotted around London Concours.

For a tipple, there will be the Jim and Tonic Gin bar, the German Kraft beer bar and the Veuve Clicquot garden. 

And if you’re after a bite to eat, check out the many food outlets, including Pizza Post, Longboys doughnuts and Pabellón’s Venezuelan food.

See you there

London Concours is back at the Honourable Artillery Company’s central London headquarters, located between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations, from June 4-6, 2024.

And remember, you can get 20% off when you buy your tickets online. Simply enter the code 24CLASSIC at the checkout, here.