When the Honourable Artillery Company moved to the City of London in the 17th Century, the venue’s playing fields were used for archery practice. Fast forward 300 years and they’re now playing host to a beautifully curated collection of cars that exemplify the diversity and evolution of the automobile. Divided into several classes, including ‘Era Defining’, ‘Fast’, ‘Very Fast’, and ‘Hyperfast’, the cars vying for the judges’ affection range from the 1911 Fiat S76, better known as ‘The Best of Turin’, to a fabulously specified Blu Pozzi LaFerrari from 2015.
In addition to the miraculously serene setting, it’s the way the cars are displayed that makes this event such a pleasure to stroll around – a BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ flanks an early Lamborghini Murciélago, while the Arancio Lamborghini Miura S, Ferrari F40, and McLaren F1 couldn’t be a more appropriate line up for the ‘Era Defining’ class. In spite of the startling variety and quality of the field, it’s the McLaren that we’d probably like to drive home the most. Resplendent in Grand Prix Red, this particular F1 was ordered new by former Formula 1 driver Michael Andretti. Simply put, it looks like the £15m car it most probably is.
Like last year’s inaugural event, a handful of Classic Driver dealers were present, including Fiskens, who brought a rare right-hand-drive Ferrari 250 GT ‘Lusso’ prepared to FIA specifications, and Nicholas Mee & Company, whose trio of cars comprised an Aston Martin DB4, GT12, and V600 Le Mans. Whether you’re visiting the capital, work in the City and have a free lunch break, or simply crave a mid-week automotive fix, head to London Concours today or tomorrow.
Photos: Robert Cooper for Classic Driver © 2018
