Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Supercharged Prototype Triumphs at London Concours
Penthouse-Liveried Hesketh 308E Receives Chairman’s Award
80 Exquisite Cars Displayed at London Concours, Including Gourmet Experiences and Luxury Boutiques
Tickets Available for Final Day of Event
London, UK (Thursday 6th June): The London Concours, the capital’s premier summer automotive garden party, has announced its Best in Show winner for 2024 in front of record-breaking crowds at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). The prestigious title was awarded to an exceptionally rare 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 prototype, triumphing over a field of more than 80 stunning motor vehicles, ranging from blue-chip classics to contemporary hypercars and motorsport legends. Held in a lush five-acre green oasis near Bank, the eighth edition of the event showcased an unparalleled collection of vehicles in the heart of the city.
This year’s standout Lamborghini Diablo is a unique prototype, significantly enhanced with a specially developed supercharger upgrade. The project was realized through the combined efforts of Lamborghini Hoecker in Landau, Germany, and the Lamborghini factory in Italy. The result is one of the most powerful Diablos ever produced, boasting an impressive 634bhp from its ferocious supercharged V12 engine—an upgrade from the standard 525bhp, surpassing even the legendary McLaren F1 hypercar of the ’90s. The current owner frequently tests its limits on the German autobahn, reaching speeds of over 225 mph.
The Diablo’s supercharger conversion, executed in 1994, was a costly endeavor, amounting to 200,000 Deutsch Marks (approximately 180,000 Euros today). Additional modifications included McLaren F1 brakes, a customized ECU to optimize the supercharger, a carbon intake, and a 400km/h speedometer. Painted in a deep, resplendent purple, this one-of-a-kind automotive masterpiece is a deserving winner.
Elsewhere, the Chairman of the Judges, Peter Read, presented the Chairman’s Award to an iconic Formula 1 car with a distinctive ’70s livery: the Penthouse-sponsored Hesketh 308E. Designed by Frank Dernie and Nigel Stroud, the 308E features the renowned Cosworth DFV 3.0-litre V8 engine paired with a Hewland FGA400 five-speed gearbox. The car’s striking livery, showcasing a ‘Penthouse Pet’ from the popular men’s magazine holding a packet of Rizla cigarette papers, garnered significant attention.
Other awarded classes included the Legendary V12s category, celebrating British Racing heroes from 1960 onwards, and a retrospective of the magnificent creations of Zagato.
Beyond the automotive spectacles, guests enjoyed gourmet food and fine champagne from Veuve Clicquot, along with pop-up boutiques from leading luxury brands. Further excitement was provided by the Iconic Auctioneers Luxury Lifestyle Auction and a series of curated live stage panel discussions.
Andrew Evans, London Concours director, remarked, “We are privileged to have established the London Concours as a must-attend event in the summer calendar. We continuously strive to enhance the experience, expanding from a two-day to a three-day event, elevating our luxurious hospitality, and introducing more engaging content for our visitors. This year’s diverse automotive celebrations, alongside nine car classes and a live Lifestyle Auction by Iconic Auctioneers, attracted a record number of attendees.”
The final day of the London Concours is Thursday, 6th June. Tickets are available exclusively online at londonconcours.co.uk/tickets.
Full List of 2024 Winners
- Best in Show: 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Supercharged Prototype
- Chairman’s Award: Hesketh 308E
- Great British Racing, Presented by Hilton & Moss: 1986 Jaguar XJR-9
- Highly Commended: 1967 Ford Escort Mk1
- Highly Commended: 1986 MG Metro 6R4
- Carnaby Street, Presented by Intapp: 1977 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante
- Highly Commended: 1970 Ferrari 365 GTC
- Highly Commended: 1961 Harrington Le Mans
- Coachbuilt Greats – Zagato, Presented by DRVN: 2001 Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta
- Highly Commended: 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ
- Highly Commended: 1960 Bristol 406 Zagato
- Purple Reign, Presented by Magneto: 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Supercharged
- Highly Commended: 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’
- Highly Commended: 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring
- The Hypercars, Presented by Apollo Capital: 2023 Ferrari SP3 Daytona
- Highly Commended: 2006 Porsche Carrera GT
- Highly Commended: 2015 Jaguar C-X75
- Corvette – A Design Icon, Presented by Classic & Sports Car and The Classic Corvette Club UK: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray LT-1
- Highly Commended: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Split Screen Coupe
- Highly Commended: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
- Aero Front Enlightened, Sponsored by Concours of Elegance: 1973 De Tomaso Pantera GTS Group 4
- Highly Commended: 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
- Highly Commended: 1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder
The Legendary V12, presented by EMM London Private Office: 1999 Ferrari F50
Highly Commended: 1972 The Beast
Highly Commended: 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
- Wild Cards, presented by Adrian Flux: 2007 TVR Scamander Amphibious
- Highly Commended: 1966 Iso Grifo GL350
- Highly Commended: 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 S ‘Pontoon’ Cabriolet
- Classic & Sports Car Editor’s Award: 1966 Iso Grifo GL350
