Lotus racer enjoys moment in the sun
Blistering sunshine and unbroken blue skies added extra glint to the special classics of the London Concours from 8-10 June at the Honourable Artillery Company.
The exclusive event, now a fixture of the early summer calendar, handed its Best in Show award to an ex-works Lotus Eleven that also claimed the Lotus Great Marques category. The manufacturer’s presence was unmissable, with a circular display of key models including 1965 Seven and late Elan Sprint drophead.
Porsche was also celebrated with a similarly expansive group, from Pre-a 356 Speedster to Carrera GT via 911 Carrera RS 2.7, 924 Carrera GT and earliest targa, but top of the lot was the first righthand-drive 356 Carrera ever built.
Among the many collections, the Italian Berlinettas took the lead spot on the perfect green. A Maserati Ghibli took home the class win, denying the unforgettable 250GT SWB that Stirling Moss raced to glory; the ‘SEFAC hot rod’ did claim the Chairman’s Award.
An important line-up of Jaguar E-types included 77 RW from the Geneva launch; 1 VHP, the first production RHD coupé; CUT 7; and the sole works ‘Low Drag’.
Elsewhere, C&SC’S own Simon Taylor’s AC Ace saw off the Lost Marques competition, The Young Timers went to a Mercedes-benz 560SEC Koenig Special amid very rare German-tinged emerging classics, while a commanding Ford Coupe won The Kustom Klass.
A highly original Ferrari F40, complete with full luggage set and watch, secured the 200mph Club.