Excitement builds for the first Royal Automobile Club Concours
Over 250 of the world’s most desirable and beautiful motor cars on display
Legendary road and track treasures once driven by chart-toppers and world champions
Tickets now on sale for members of invited clubs and fellow motoring organisations
The countdown is on for the first ever Royal Automobile Club’s eagerly anticipated inaugural Club Concours, taking place at its exclusive Woodcote Park country estate, adjacent to the Epsom Downs in Surrey, on Wednesday, 9 July.
This spectacular new event will showcase over 250 of the world’s finest cars, celebrating more than a century of road and track history. Around 50 of these true icons will appear in the curated Club Concours, divided into seven distinctive classes: Grand Tourers, Riviera, Coachbuilder’s Art, Limousines, Mille Miglia, Pioneers, and Motorcycles.
Many of these rare cars come from the private collections of Club members, with additional notable entries sourced from prestigious museums and internationally renowned collectors and enthusiasts.
A stunning array of marques and models will be on show, including eye-catching Aston Martins, Bentleys, Bugattis, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. Headlining the Mille Miglia category is a 1955 ‘Silver Arrows’ Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W196 S), generously loaned by Mercedes Heritage.
Adding a touch of stardust, the Limousines category features a royal Daimler DS420, produced exclusively for the late Queen’s mother, as well as John Lennon’s personal Rolls-Royce Phantom V. Under the Riviera banner, a dazzling collection of convertibles includes a Jaguar E-type and lesser-known but captivating models such as a 1963 Auto Union 1000SP and a Sunbeam Alpine like the one driven by Grace Kelly in the film To Catch a Thief. Motorbike enthusiasts can look forward to a Ducati 998 once raced by superbike legend Carl Fogarty, featured in the Motorcycles showcase.
All seven Club Concours classes will be judged by an independent panel of experts – comprising celebrities and leading industry figures. Awards will be given for Category Winners, People’s Choice, and the prestigious Best in Show.
Complementing the Concours are six special Features, celebrating major motoring milestones. The 75th anniversary of British racing marque BRM will be honoured with the presence of an infamous BRM V16 F1 from the 1950s, Graham Hill’s 1962 title-winning ‘Old Faithful’ BRM P578, and the gas-turbine Rover-BRM that raced at Le Mans in 1965 with Hill and Jackie Stewart.
Paying tribute to 100 Years of Phantom, a breathtaking collection of Rolls-Royce Phantoms will be gathered at Woodcote Park. Among them is the unique 1928 17EX Phantom prototype with its original boat-tail design.
As the UK’s oldest motoring organisation, the Royal Automobile Club will also spotlight one of its earliest ventures: the 1000 Mile Trial of 1900. This pioneering city-to-city voyage introduced the joys and practicality of motoring to new audiences across the country. Among the remarkable display will be the 1899 Wolseley driven by its creator Lord Herbert Austin on the event 125 years ago.
Beyond the Concours and special Features, every corner of the Club’s 350-acre estate – including lawns, terraces, and a golf course – will serve as a stunning backdrop to the day’s festivities.
Enhancing the summer spectacle, guests will enjoy anniversary displays from invited car clubs, alongside exhibits from some of the industry’s most respected dealers and manufacturers. A collection of retail lodges will offer the finest in luxury goods.
Two dedicated drive-in displays will allow Royal Automobile Club members to showcase their own vehicles. The Supercar Boulevard, lining both sides of Captain’s Drive, will make for a dramatic Concours entrance, gleaming with the latest high-performance machines. Meanwhile, the Lockton Members’ Paddock will house an eclectic mix of cherished classics – from Morris Minor to Maserati Mistral.
“The quality of the cars being displayed is just extraordinary and a tribute to the exalted position the Royal Automobile Club holds in the hearts of its members and friends. This is our first Club Concours but, as a curtain-raiser, it’s going to be a truly fabulous occasion,” said Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.
While Club members and their guests are warmly welcomed, Woodcote Park will also open its doors to a wider audience for the very first time. A limited number of tickets are now available through selected car clubs and fellow motoring organisations.
