Words: Rory FH Smith
Late summer is a time for gentle breezes, squeezing the last rays of summer sun and…err…classic cars. That’s right; September is the month to see some of the finest and most sought after classic cars to have ever graced the UK’s shores. Starting with the Concours of Elegance in early September, regard this elegant garden party with a twist of horsepower as an aperitif to Goodwood’s epic Revival weekend. And to whet your appetite, we’ve shortlisted the top 20 cars to see over the weekend. Peruse in wonder, gentlemen.
Sure, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is rare with only 81 built but the DB4 GT Zagato – shaped the by Italian coachwork company from which it takes its name – is rarer still. Only 19 were ever built making them one of the most sought-after Aston Martin models in existence.
Built in 1934, this enormous Packard coupe encapsulates true 1930s American luxury. Powered by a 7.3-litre V12 producing 162hp, complete with a three-speed manual gearbox, the Packard is one of the great cars from the ‘Al Capone era’.
Big burley Bentley’s don’t get better than this. The Bentley Speed Six ‘Old No 2’, chassis number HM2868, is one of the most original works Bentleys in existence today. The car finished second in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours race, just behind Speed Six ‘Old No 1,’ in case you hadn’t worked that one out from the numbers.
Only thee roadsters were built on the Phantom III chassis, and this unique Thrupp & Maberley designed model is one of them. Like so many pre-war Rolls-Royces, this model was bound for Eastern shores as commissioned for the Shal of Bopal in 1936.
Built in 1935, along with only 20 others, the Ulster Competition is a rare sight, even for the most experienced collectors. But this particular Ulster comes with pedigree, having competed in more than 100 races, including an eight-place finish at Le Mans in 1935.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato dominated the most important races of its time, including the Mille Miglia in 1933, the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1931 and 1932 and the Targa Florio.
This short chassis Speed Six, originally delivered to California, is fitted with a unique Saoutchik body. Alongside the car’s immaculate appearance sits the original fitted luggage.
Both celebrities and royalty have been known to own this elegant classic from the mid-1930s. Paired up to a three-speed manual gearbox, the K6 was said to cruise comfortably at 80mph. Perhaps not the greatest claim to fame these days but let’s not forget, gents, this was 1935.
The Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Pourtout Coupé is arguably one of the most beautiful designs from a time when aerodynamics started to impact on car design. Only a handful of cars were finished with the ‘Pourtout’ coachwork. Despite its handsome appearance, the car wasn’t just designed to make a visual impact – this car actually raced.
Delivered in April 1963, this E-Type Lightweight picked up podium finishes in the ‘60s at Goodwood, Silverstone, Mallory Park, Brands Hatch, Snetterton and more. One of the finest E-Types, with a history to match.
We don’t blame you for not knowing what this one is. The one-off Hispano Suiza’s art deco design incorporates aircraft-inspired bodywork and clever parallel sliding doors. One that’s worth taking a closer look at.
The DB2 Prototype has more than one significant claim to fame. Alongside being one of only four DB2 chassis built – of which it was the second six-cylinder variant – this particular car served as the personal transport of David Brown ‘DB’ himself, Aston Martins former owner and father of the iconic DB era cars.
The Ferrari 250 GT Short-Wheel Base (SWB) is one of the most desirable classic cars on the market, this car was driven to victory three times by Sir Stirling Moss, including at the Goodwood Tourist Trophy in 1960.
Now here’s a car that needs no introduction. Alongside being one of the most expensive cars in the world, this particular car is the only 250 GTO to roll out the factory finished in white. Its claim to fame on the track comes from its second place
The most desirable Countach produced, there were only 150 Periscopios made. Powered by a 4.0-litre V12 engine with 375bhp.
The only factory-built Testarossa convertible ever built. It was specially made for style icon Gianni Agnelli when he took over Fiat SpA.
One-of-four ever built, and regarded as the precursor to the F40. The 288 GTO was built for Group B rallying before the racing class was banned after a number of deaths, making it one of the wildest racing cars to never have raced
This elegant sports tourer may not look like a motorsport champion, but once upon a time this car’s unique Figoni and Falaschi-designed coupé body was replaced by lightweight, open-top coachwork for motorsport, leading to a class win at the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans.
One-of-seven to be produced, this modern tribute to Italian craftsmanship is based on the workings of an Alfa Romeo 8C Spider and powered by its 4.7-litre V8 engine.
Only three XK120 ‘Supersonics’ were originally produced, and only two remain in existence today. Based on the Jaguar XK120, but clothed in a stunning Ghia-designed aircraft-inspired body, this car was originally exhibited at both the Paris and London Motor Shows in 1954. If stunning automotive architecture and exclusivity are what you’re looking for in a classic, gentlemen, then look no further.
These cars can be seen at the Concours of Elegance, Windsor Castle between the 2 until the 4 of September. Click here for more information and tickets.
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