From the roaring engines of the 1960s to the high-octane innovations of the 1990s, a stunning collection of iconic race and rally cars will be showcased at the prestigious London Concours. This eighth annual event, held from June 4-6, 2024, at the Honourable Artillery Company near Old Street, promises a thrilling journey through British motorsport history. Tickets are available now at www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets, starting at £35.
London, UK (22 May 2024): The London Concours proudly unveils its “Great British Racing” class, a tribute to the rich legacy of British race engineering. This year’s event will feature a dazzling array of automotive masterpieces that have made their mark on the global racing scene.
1971 Surtees TS9B: A Tribute to John Surtees
To mark the 60th anniversary of John Surtees’ Formula 1 World Championship victory, the Great British Racing class will showcase the 1971 Surtees TS9B. Powered by a 3.0-litre V8 Ford Cosworth DFV engine producing 450bhp at 10,800rpm, this car is a testament to Surtees’ engineering brilliance. It made its debut at the 1971 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, driven by Derek Bell, and later clinched victory at the Gold Cup at Oulton Park with Surtees at the helm.
Hesketh 308E: The Epitome of 1970s Formula 1 Excess
Designed by Frank Dernie and Nigel Stroud, the Penthouse-sponsored Hesketh 308E features the iconic Cosworth DFV 3.0-litre V8 engine paired with a Hewland FGA400 five-speed gearbox. Despite its modest racing achievements, the car’s bold livery and flamboyant sponsorships captured the era’s spirit, making it a standout in the 1977 Formula 1 season.
Metro 6R4: The Rally Car That Defied Expectations
British Leyland’s collaboration with Williams Grand Prix Engineering produced the Metro 6R4, a mid-engined, four-wheel-drive rally car with a specially built 3.0-litre V6 engine. Debuting at the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally with Tony Pond, the Metro 6R4 quickly became a rally legend, winning the Circuit of Ireland in 1986 with David Llewellin behind the wheel.
Lotus Elite: Colin Chapman’s Lightweight Marvel
Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness” is embodied in the 1962 Lotus Elite. With its lightweight glassfibre monocoque construction and Coventry Climax engine, the Elite achieved impressive results, including a class win at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours. The car on display competed in US events, gaining notoriety with a raccoon tail hanging from its bootlid, driven by Bob Challman.
Ford Mk1 Escort: A Saloon Car Racing Icon
The Alan Mann Racing-prepared Ford Mk1 Escort, with its distinctive red and gold livery and bubble wheelarches, became a symbol of 1960s and 1970s racing. Equipped with a 1.6-litre Formula 2 Cosworth FVA engine, the Escort dominated the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship, driven by Frank Gardner and Jackie Oliver.
Jaguar XJR-9: Le Mans Glory
The 1988 Jaguar XJR-9, designed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, brought Jaguar back to Le Mans glory with a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 650bhp. The car, driven by Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, and Andy Wallace, secured Jaguar’s first win at Le Mans since 1957, completing 394 laps and 3,313 miles in 24 hours.
Andrew Evans, Managing Director of London Concours, commented, “The Great British Racing display is a colorful reminder of the proud tradition of British engineering excellence that created some of the legends of motorsport. Cars and drivers alike flew the flag for British ingenuity and can-do attitude during those glory days, capturing the popular imagination in the process. It’s an enduring legacy we need to celebrate.”
Guests at the Honourable Artillery Company will enjoy an unparalleled array of historic cars, complemented by gourmet food, premium drinks, and a curated selection of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2024 promises an unforgettable experience of automotive splendor.
