Image: MG EX181 CREDIT- BMIHT
More than 200 of the world's most significant cars and motorcycles – ranging from a 1908 Mercedes Grand Prix racer to modern supercars – will assemble at Wilton House, Wiltshire, from 19-21 June 2026 for the inaugural Concours des Légendes.
The exciting new three-day event celebrates the great machines of motoring history and the stories behind them, with an entry list spanning every corner of the automotive landscape: Grand Prix, Le Mans and rally cars, coachbuilt pre-war masterpieces, speed record breakers, film cars, celebrity-owned exotica and left-of-field curiosities, all displayed in the grounds of the Earl of Pembroke's family seat.
Among the headline entries are three Ferraris connected to a trio of Britain's greatest racing drivers. Leading them is the 250 GT SWB raced to victory in the 1960 RAC Tourist Trophy by Stirling Moss, now owned by F1 legend Ross Brawn. It is joined by the 1958 250 GT Pininfarina Coupé imported by World Champion Mike Hawthorn – the first Ferrari road car sold in the UK – and the unrestored 330 GT 2+2 gifted to John Surtees by Enzo Ferrari following his 1964 title triumph.
The diverse selection of competition machinery stretches across eight decades, from the 1908 Mercedes Grand Prix car formerly owned by the Earl of Pembroke's grandfather and the 1907 Itala that Tomas de Vargas Machuca will drive in the 2028 Peking to Paris, to the 1990 Jaguar XJR-15 and 1994 Penske PC23 'Pushrod' IndyCar – one of the most dominant open-wheel machines ever developed.
The British Motor Museum is bringing two stars of its collection: the MG EX181 streamliner in which Stirling Moss set records at Bonneville, and the prototype MG Metro 6R4 Group B rally car.
Glamour comes courtesy of the Lamborghini Miura SV once owned by rock legend Rod Stewart. It will be joined by a beautiful 1930s Delahaye 135, a gamut of hot rod beach racers and a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow converted into a pick-up surf wagon.
Concours des Légendes will also celebrate two-wheeled machines with a motorcycle display that includes Allen Millyard's famous Flying Millyard, the Triumph Scrambler ridden in Jurassic Park, and the Triumph Tiger T100 that Buddy Elmore rode to victory in the 1966 Daytona 200.
The Hagerty Owners' Stories display champions the idea that the most extraordinary cars are not always the rarest or most valuable, but those with the best tales to tell. Boasting a fresh line-up each day, every car will be accompanied by its owner, on hand to share its history. Highlights include the Porsche 911 in which Vic Elford won the very first rallycross event at Lydden Hill, a Ferrari F40 in which more than 1000 children have sat at motor shows over 25 years, and a Speedwell-tuned 1963 Mini Cooper now in the hands of its 17-year-old owner.
The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday 21 June in spectacular fashion with the Castrol Supercar Drive-In, which sees a 75-strong cavalcade of supercars – led by the Earl of Pembroke himself – depart from Winchester before rolling into the grounds of Wilton House. The line-up includes nearly 30 Ferraris, as well as rarities from Bizzarrini, Venturi, McLaren, Lamborghini and Aston Martin.
Star guests across the weekend include Ross Brawn, ex-F1 driver Stefan Johansson, Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni, land speed record holder Andy Green, car designer Frank Stephenson, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd fame, Le Mans legend Richard Attwood and television star Wayne Carini, among others.
“We’ve all been to car events in which we see fantastic cars and people but never have the chance to hear of their histories,” says David Lillywhite, content director of the event. “Concours des Légendes at Wilton House changes all that, with fascinating information available on every car and the chance to hear the stories from some of the greats of our beloved automotive world.”
“This is not your traditional concours, but something we wanted to create that would be far more immersive and thoughtful,” explains The Earl of Pembroke, event host. “It’s an event where you can sit, listen and engage, and come away with a deeper appreciation of the cars – and people – you thought you already knew.”
About Concours des Légendes
This brand-new concours is set to take the classic scene by storm this summer. Concours des Légendes will feature sensational cars and their owners, and uniquely will bring to life their stories over a weekend of festivities in a spectacular setting.
The event will take place on June 19-21, 2026 at Wilton House near Salisbury, UK, the home of petrolhead William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke.
Concours des Légendes will not only showcase scores of exotic, rare and unique machinery, but it will really focus on the rich history behind the cars and their owners. It will be all about their stories.
Concours des Légendes will have a main marquee hosting panels with authors, historians, owners, racers, artists and designers, along with smaller, more intimate stages for personal storytelling sessions and book signings, plus curated reader stories presented by classic car insurance specialist Hagerty.
There will also be displays of Formula 1 helmets – including Sir Jackie Stewart’s World Champions helmet, signed by every living modern F1 driver including more recently 7-time World Champion Michael Schumacher which is on display raising funds for his charity Race Against Dementia, motoring art, an artisan and skills showcase plus classic car, automobilia and watch auctions run by sale house Dore & Rees, which has signed up as the official Concours des Légendes auction partner.
Visitors will also have access to Wilton House, which houses a globally revered art collection including many old masters from the likes of Rembrandt and Anthony van Dyck, while the relaxed atmosphere of the event will be soundtracked by live music and various tea salons, local artisan vendors and themed treats inspired by different automotive eras.
About Wilton House
Familiar to millions through film and TV series such as The Crown, Bridgerton and much more, the Inigo Jones-designed Palladian mansion set in idyllic landscaped gardens is one of England’s most significant country houses. With its origins dating back to the 16th century, it is the family seat of the Earl of Pembroke.
William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke, is a car enthusiast who has owned everything from Veteran cars to a Bugatti Veyron. The venue is already host to the renowned Wilton Wake Up breakfast clubs, as well as previously holding the popular Wilton Classic & Supercar festivals.
