FROM VICTORIAN VETERANS TO FORMULA 1:
The Royal Automobile Club's free-to-attend showcase promises an even bigger celebration of automotive history, innovation and motorsport icons in the heart of London
The Royal Automobile Club's popular St James's Motoring Spectacle returns to Pall Mall on Saturday 31 October, bringing together the very best of motoring past, present and future in a unique celebration open to all.
With the famous central London street closed to through traffic, visitors will once again be able to enjoy an extraordinary display spanning the full spectrum of automotive history, from pioneering Victorian veterans through to today's cutting-edge electric vehicles and tomorrow's low-carbon technologies.
More than 12,000 people attended last year's free-to-enter event, captivated by more than 150 remarkable vehicles representing every era of motoring. Organised by the Royal Automobile Club and staged on the doorstep of its historic Clubhouse in Westminster, the 2026 Spectacle promises to be even bigger and better, with exciting new displays and special celebrations alongside established crowd favourites.
Staged on the eve of the famous RM Sotheby's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, one end of Pall Mall will once again host the St James's Concours, the world's most prestigious beauty parade for vehicles dating back to the dawn of the motor car. Adding to the unique atmosphere, many entrants and their passengers will be dressed in evocative period costume.
Formula 1 will also return with an even larger display of racing icons celebrating the centenary of Britain's first Grand Prix, organised by the Royal Automobile Club at Brooklands in 1926. Offering the capital's Formula 1 fans a rare opportunity to get close to some of the sport's greatest machines, the Spectacle will feature Grand Prix legends ranging from a trailblazing Delage from the Brooklands era through to the latest generation of hybrid Formula 1 trailblazers.
Visitors will also be able to savour the Royal Automobile Club's famous golden British Grand Prix Trophy, most recently presented to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc following his victory at Silverstone in July. The trophy proved one of last year's most popular attractions.
As in previous years, the 2026 Spectacle will celebrate a number of other significant motoring and motorsport anniversaries while showcasing an exceptional collection of supercars, many demonstrating pioneering technologies helping to shape a lower-carbon future.
For those inspired by the innovation, engineering excellence and craftsmanship on display, information and advice on educational pathways and career opportunities within the automotive and motorsport industries will also be available.
"Now entering its third year the St James's Motoring Spectacle has quickly established itself as one of London's most distinctive motoring events, bringing together extraordinary vehicles, remarkable stories and enthusiasts of all ages in the heart of the capital,” said Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “Whether your passion is for veteran cars, Formula 1, supercars or the technologies shaping the future of mobility, there will be something to inspire every visitor. We are delighted to welcome everyone to Pall Mall for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting Spectacle yet."
The St James's Motoring Spectacle will take place from 10.00am until 3.00pm on Saturday 31 October and be one of the highlights of the Royal Automobile Club’s busy London Motor Week – a week filled with anniversary dinners, awards presentations, and the Art of Motoring Exhibition.
RM Sotheby’s London auction is another cornerstone of London Motor Week and has become the definitive fixture on the UK car collector calendar. Returning to the exquisite setting of The Peninsula London, the sale stands as the country’s flagship automotive auction – renowned for its atmosphere, quality and exceptional consignments.
The celebrations culminate on Sunday (1 November) when more than 400 veteran cars depart Hyde Park at daybreak for the 2026 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
