Sublime 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible Wins ‘Best In Show’ at Concours of Elegance 2024
The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne – Europe’s premier concours d’elegance event – closed its doors yesterday after another glorious event, held over three days at Hampton Court Palace in west London.
The 13th edition of the annual event saw over 14,000 guests enjoy a jaw-dropping display of exquisite privately owned road and competition motor cars – spanning over 100 years of automotive history – parked in the palace gardens.
The Best in Show winner—uniquely chosen by the Concours car owners themselves—was a sublime 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip. The Phantom III was the last giant Rolls-Royce launched before World War II and marked the final car with significant input from Henry Royce. Of 727 Phantom IIIs produced, only a few were made in the USA, including the victorious car, 3CP18, a unique convertible coupé designed by JS Inskip.
Philanthropist Colonel Joseph Samuels of Rhode Island initially owned the imposing three-and-a-half-ton, 7.3-litre V12-powered machine. It was later sold to Dr. Hamilton Rice, a Harvard professor and explorer, and eventually passed through several notable owners, including Charles Melhinch and Pat Ryan. It was a worthy winner and looked glorious. It was parked in the Palace gardens yesterday afternoon, glinting in the late summer sunshine.
Elsewhere, class awards were given for different automotive decades—again voted for by the car owners. The winners were as follows.
Decade Awards
1920s: 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model
The winner in the 1920s category was a superb example of Bentley’s first car, the 3 Litre – a groundbreaking engineering achievement that quickly established the brand’s reputation in the automotive world. Powered by a 3-litre four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, it produced 70bhp and featured advanced technology.
The car’s racing debut at the 1923 Le Mans 24 Hours, where it narrowly missed the podium, laid the foundation for Bentley’s long and successful association with the race. 1,600 units of the 3 Litre were produced until 1929, including chassis TN1564, first owned by Francis Ronald Lambert Mears in India. The triumphant machine was making its first appearance in public in over 60 years, following a thorough three-year restoration process.
The 1930s: 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop
The winner in the hotly contested 1930s category was an exceptionally rare 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS, the fourth chassis of this model, known for its striking ‘Teardrop’ or ‘Goutte d’Eau’ design by Parisian coachbuilder Figoni and Falaschi. This model, part of the ‘New York’ series, is unique as it was the only Teardrop built without a sunroof. It features twin outward-opening windscreens for ventilation, a patented design by Joseph Figoni.
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, this car was also a capable racer. James Floria, driving it, achieved 11th place at the 1950 Grand Prix in Watkins Glen and participated in other races like those at Wilmot Hills and Elkhart Lake. Over the years, it has been owned by notable collectors, including Tommy Lee, Brooks Stevens, and Bruce Lustmen, before joining The Pearl Collection in Switzerland.
1940s: 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C
The winner in our 1940s category, the Speed Model Type C -one of just eight examples produced – was born from Aston Martin’s motorsport aspirations. So excited was the company at the potential of its new 2.0-litre engine that, with an eye on the Le Mans 24 Hours, it designed a new chassis explicitly featuring an advanced, dual-circuit braking system by Lockheed.
Fitted with a high-lift overhead cam and twin carburettors, the dry-sump engine produced 125bhp in ‘Works’ trim. It was the racer’s dream when matched to an entirely new, close-ratio gearbox that allowed lightning-fast changes.
Its aerodynamic body – with flowing wings and twin headlights set behind an oval radiator grille – meant the wind-cheating Type C was nearly 20mph faster than its open-wheeled stablemates down the straights. And if proof of such a heady combination were needed, the car came first in class in its inaugural race at Donington. Competition regulations demanded the manufacture of several road-going versions of the Speed Model, which were produced in various body styles – with the final eight cars built pre-war being the super-slippery Type Cs.
1950s: 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato
Known for its elegant, lightweight aluminium body and distinctive “double-bubble” roof, the 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato, which won the 1950s category at Hampton Court, is one of only 20 cars produced made by Carrozzeria Zagato. The specific car, chassis number 2155, was initially owned by racer Luigi Fornasari and debuted at the 1956 Mille Miglia.
Despite an accident during the race, the car was repaired and fitted with unique design features. Over the years, it changed hands and participated in various races and shows, undergoing restoration to its original form in 2000. This Maserati is a testament to the fusion of beauty and performance, capturing the spirit of post-war sports cars.
1960s: 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe
As if Aston Martin’s DB4GT wasn’t already beautiful, Italian styling house Zagato took it to another level – creating one of the most coveted classics of all and the ‘holy grail’ for Aston Martin fans. Zagato designer Ercole Spada revised the DB4, making it smaller, sleeker, and more aerodynamic while shedding more than 100 pounds. Various steel components were swapped for lightweight aluminium ones, the windows were replaced with Perspex versions, and anything deemed non-essential, such as the bumpers, was dispensed with.
Increasing the compression ratio on the Aston’s 3,670cc double-overhead-cam straight-six engine increased power to 314bhp. Thanks to Zagato’s efforts, it could accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.1 seconds and charge to a top speed of 154mph. Only 19 beautiful cars were produced during this period; they remain showstoppers.
1970s: 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’
In 1971, BMW and Karmann collaborated to create a lightweight variant of the E9, inspired by the success of Alpina’s tuning efforts. They modified 169 CS models, stripping them of unnecessary weight by replacing steel parts with aluminium and Plexiglass and removing features like sound insulation and electric windows, resulting in a significant 200kg weight reduction.
These cars, known as Ultra Lightweights, were raced by Alpina and Schnitzer. They produced around 200bhp from a reworked 3003cc engine. This project laid the groundwork for BMW Motorsport GmbH’s development of the CSL, which, although not officially badged as an “M” car, is considered by many to be the first of its kind.
The final iteration, the ‘Batmobile’ version, featured aggressive aerodynamics and was produced in limited numbers. One of these, delivered initially to Bahrain’s Royal Family, was found after decades in storage and meticulously restored to its original specifications, including its rare paint and bodywork.
Future Classics: 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22
The winner in our Future Classics category was one of the latest creations from Aston Martin’s Q Personalisation Programme. This programme offers customers highly bespoke and limited-run vehicles that push the boundaries of luxury and performance. Notable projects include the one-off Victor and the ultra-exclusive Vulcan and Vantage V600 models.
The 2023 DBR-22 stands out with its blend of classic coachbuilding and modern technology, featuring a 3D-printed aluminium rear subframe to enhance stiffness without added weight. Designed by Marek Reichman’s team, the DBR-22’s body is inspired by the DBR1 and DB3S racers, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic design with customisable elements, including lightweight 21-inch wheels and unique motorsport-inspired details. Under the hood, a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine delivers 705bhp and 555 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car to a top speed of 198mph. Only 22 units were made,
Elsewhere at the event, the women-only Levitt Concours, celebrating female car enthusiasts and collectors, was once again a great success. After a day of judging, led by Izzy Hammond, the trophy went to a fabulous 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, while the Club Trophy, presented by the Royal Automobile Club – anointing the best car club car in the UK – went to an exceptional 1950 Jaguar XK120.
The ‘Thirty Under 30’ Concours – a Concours for younger enthusiasts – was also a great hit, with an outstanding range of machinery on the show – everything from a 1 of 11 alloy-bodied RHD Ferrari 275 GTB to a Citroen 2CV. The winner – chosen by train enthusiast (and automotive expert) Francis Bourgeois and viral car design sensation The Kyza – was a startlingly original 1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite Rally Car.
Gooding & Company’s London auction, held alongside the main Concours in the Hampton Court Palace grounds on Friday, also generated significant interest. Lots from various eras were again evocatively parked up in the Palace’s inner courtyards for a unique auction experience.
Full List of Winners:
BEST IN SHOW
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip
WINNER 1920s
1st 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model
2nd 1928 Alta Supercharged Sports – Prototype
3rd 1926 Bugatti Type 37
WINNER 1930s
1st 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop
2nd 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff
3rd 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Saloon by Freestone & Webb
WINNER 1940s
1st 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model Type C
2nd 1948 Jaguar Mk IV Drophead Coupe
WINNER 1950s
1st 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato
2nd 1959 Ferrari Dino 196S Spider
3rd 1953 Jaguar C-Type
WINNER 1960s
1st 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe
2nd 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB Comp SEFAC ‘Hot Rod’
3rd 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale Aerodinamica
WINNER 1970s
1st 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’
2nd 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
3rd 1973 Porsche 911 Turbo ‘Prototype’
FUTURE CLASSICS
1st 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22
2nd 2024 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50
3rd 2023 Ferrari SP-8
SPECIAL AWARDS
Best pre-1940 American Coachbuilt Car
1st 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton
2nd 1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton
3rd 1935 Lincoln Model K Coupe by LeBaron
Best pre 1940 English Coachbuilt Car
1st 1938 Bentley 4¼ Litre Barouche de Ville by James Young
2nd 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barrel Sided Tourer
3rd 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre MX Sedanca Coupe by Hooper
Best pre 1940 French Coachbuilt Car
1st 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop
2nd 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C SS by Pourtout
3rd 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff
Best 1950s Coupe
1st 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Zagato Coupe
2nd 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental
3rd 1957 Talbot-Lago T14 America Coupe
Best 1950s Open Sports Car
1st 1953 Jaguar C-Type
2nd 1959 Ferrari Dino 196S Spider
3rd 1954 Lagonda DP115/2
HRH Prince Michael of Kent Award
1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
The Chairman’s Award
1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Coupe by HJ Mulliner
Gooding & Co Award
1939 Talbot-Lago T150C SS by Pourtout
The Club Trophy, Presented by the Royal Automobile Club
1950 Jaguar XK120
The Levitt Concours
1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Thirty Under 30
1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite
Best Car Club Award, presented by Classic & Sports Car
Saturday – 1972 Lotus Europa JPS Edition
Sunday – 1980 Ford Escort MK2 1.6 GL
Bentley Trophy
1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by Mulliner Park Ward
Jaguar Trophy, presented by Jaguar Classic
Jaguar XK120
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