One hundred of the most beautiful cars in the world are set to descend on the Chateau de Chantilly on 4 September for the third iteration of the Chantilly Arts & Elegance.
Top collectors from as far afield as the United Stages, Hong Kong and South America will enter a stunning selection of classic cars across several categories, with the ultimate aim of capturing the Best of Show Award – won in previous years by Peter Mullin’s sublime 1937 Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi and Evert Louwmann’s 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster.
This year’s concours will be contested across a whopping 21 categories, ranging from early steam cars through to Tour de France competitors of the late 1980s. Special classes will pay tribute to Jean Todt, the Pozzi racing team and the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura, while three further categories are dedicated to the works of carrozzeria Zagato.
Highlights include an Alfa Romeo TZ, Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato and Alfa Romeo 8C 2.3 Zagato Spyder, while English manufacturers are set to be represented by a Frazer-Nash Le Mans Replica, Bristol 401 Touring and Wolseley HP10 Doctors Coupé.
Representing the spirit of competition are an ex-Pozzi Ferrari 512BB LM, a former Tour de France BMW 3.0CSL, a Ferrari F2004 Grand Prix car and Sir Stirling Moss’ 1956 TdF Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’.
A focus on emerging aerodynamic trends lends itself beautifully to the Lancia Astura Cabriolet ‘Bocca’, which contrasts with the closed Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupé.
New cars have their place too, with several manufacturers set to show off their cutting-edge concepts. A special award is up for grabs, which in the event’s inaugural year was won by Touring’s Alfa Romeo Disco Volante and, last year, by BMW’s 3.0CSL Hommage.
Away from the glitz and glamour of the concours ramp, hundreds of club cars are expected to fill the grounds of the chateau, with visitors encouraged to embrace the ‘country picnic’ theme. The relaxed garden party atmosphere for which the event has become renowned is likely to prove a huge draw.
