1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Wins Best in Show at Concours of Elegance 2024

The Concours of Elegance 2024, held at the majestic Hampton Court Palace, concluded with a spectacular showcase of automotive history, drawing over 14,000 guests. As Europe’s premier concours d’elegance event, the 13th edition was presented by A. Lange & Söhne and spanned three days of luxurious displays. This year’s event did not disappoint, with an extraordinary collection of privately owned road and competition cars, spanning over a century, arranged elegantly in the palace gardens.

Best in Show: 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Best in Show award, a title uniquely decided by the car owners themselves. The winner, a stunning 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip, epitomized pre-war luxury and engineering excellence. This model was the last large Rolls-Royce introduced before World War II, marking the final project heavily influenced by Henry Royce. Of the 727 Phantom IIIs produced, only a few were made in the USA, including the award-winning car, chassis number 3CP18, a unique convertible coupé designed by J.S. Inskip.

Originally owned by philanthropist Colonel Joseph Samuels of Rhode Island, this three-and-a-half-ton, 7.3-litre V12-powered machine has a storied history. After being passed through the hands of notable figures such as Dr. Hamilton Rice, a Harvard professor and explorer, and others including Charles Melhinch and Pat Ryan, the car made its triumphant appearance at Hampton Court, where it gleamed in the late summer sunshine—a worthy winner indeed.

Class Awards: A Celebration of Automotive Heritage
In addition to the Best in Show, the Concours also celebrated excellence across decades, with class awards granted for different automotive eras, each category reflecting the design and engineering milestones of its time.

• 1920s: The winner was a 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model. This car, Bentley’s first production vehicle, was a groundbreaking achievement that established the brand’s racing pedigree. After a meticulous three-year restoration, the car made its first public appearance in over 60 years, reclaiming its former glory.
• 1930s: The 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS New York Teardrop captured the 1930s category. This rare beauty, with its iconic ‘Teardrop’ design by Figoni and Falaschi, was a unique piece of automotive art. Known for its twin outward-opening windscreens and patented design, it was also a formidable racer, competing in events like the 1950 Grand Prix in Watkins Glen.
• 1940s: The Aston Martin Speed Model Type C from 1940 won the 1940s category. Born from Aston Martin’s motor sport aspirations, this car featured a 2.0-litre engine with advanced dual-circuit braking and aerodynamics that made it nearly 20mph faster than its predecessors. Its victory in the inaugural race at Donington is a testament to its design and engineering.
• 1950s: A 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato was the winner of the 1950s category. Renowned for its elegant aluminium body and double-bubble roof, this Maserati was initially owned by racer Luigi Fornasari and had its debut at the 1956 Mille Miglia. Despite an accident during the race, the car was restored and remains a symbol of post-war sports car excellence.
• 1960s: The 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Coupe claimed the 1960s award. This model, designed by Ercole Spada, is considered the ‘holy grail’ for Aston Martin enthusiasts. With a sleek, lightweight design and an upgraded 314bhp engine, this car could accelerate to 60mph in just 6.1 seconds, making it one of the most coveted classics in automotive history.
• 1970s: The 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ took home the 1970s category award. This lightweight variant of the E9, known for its aggressive aerodynamics, is considered the first unofficial BMW M car. The ‘Batmobile’ version was meticulously restored after being discovered in storage and is a masterpiece of racing heritage.
• Future Classics: The 2023 Aston Martin DBR-22 won the Future Classics category. A creation of Aston Martin’s Q Personalisation Programme, this limited-run vehicle blends classic coachbuilding with modern technology. With a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine delivering 705bhp, the DBR-22 is a nod to the past with a firm grip on the future.

Special Awards and Highlights
The event also celebrated other automotive achievements, such as the women-only Levitt Concours, where a 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost won the trophy, and the Club Trophy, presented to a 1950 Jaguar XK120. The ‘Thirty Under 30’ concours, aimed at younger enthusiasts, was won by a 1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite Rally Car, showcasing the diversity and depth of automotive passion across generations.

Gooding & Company’s London auction, held alongside the Concours, added another layer of excitement to the event, offering a wide range of rare and iconic cars in the historic setting of Hampton Court Palace.

James Brooks-Ward, CEO of Concours of Elegance, remarked on the success of the event: “With a truly jaw-dropping array of cars on display – from Le Mans winners to mythical one-off bespoke commissions – the event underlined our show’s position as the leading Concours d’elegance event in Europe, and one of the top three globally. Our world-class curatorial team again raised the bar, assembling a range of automotive treasures the likes of which has never been seen in the UK before – all in the most stunning historic royal palace setting.”

This year’s Concours of Elegance 2024 has once again solidified its reputation as a showcase of automotive excellence, with timeless classics and future icons sharing the spotlight in an event that celebrates the art of the automobile.

Source: Concours of Elegance
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