London Concours to Celebrate Classic Coupés of the '50s and '60s

• London Concours announces new Golden Age Coupés class that pays
  tribute to some of the most iconic cars of the Fifties and Sixties
• Legendary models including the Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin DB5,
  Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and Ferrari 250 GT SWB set to appear
• Classics will go on show at Honourable Artillery Company in just six weeks'
  time
• Golden Age Coupés class is Sponsored by Dunhillion, the #heritage Scotch
  Whisky brand
• Seventh annual #londonconcours to run from the 6th to 8th of June in the
  heart of the City
• Tickets on sale now at #londonconcours.co.uk/tickets, from £35

The #londonconcours, presented by Montres Breguet will display a selection of some of the most majestic models from a golden era in car design; the late '50s and early '60s. An array of these 'Golden Age Coupés' will join a
display of nearly 100 of the world's most desirable privately owned cars in the
immaculate grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, from June 6th-8th, at what
is set to be London's ultimate #automotive garden party.

The class, sponsored by Dunhillion, the #heritage Scotch Whisky brand, showcases
timeless designs, including the model considered by many to be the most beautiful
ever, the Jaguar E-Type Series 1. More than 60 years after its launch, the classic
British sports car still cuts an imperious figure with its long, sweeping bonnet and
unmistakable silhouette, remaining much coveted by collectors. The bewitching
looks were backed up by thoroughbred ability on the road, with its 265bhp 3.8-litre
six-cylinder engine ensuring it was among the fastest machines of its era. Few would
dispute it merits serious consideration as one of the greatest British cars of all-time.

Another model which could make a legitimate claim to that title, the Aston Martin
DB5, also features in the class. The DB5 achieved worldwide fame and acclaim
thanks to its prominence in the James Bond series of films, in particular its
memorable, gadget-laden appearance in Goldfinger. But there was much more to
the car than inspired product placement. Gorgeous looks – courtesy of Italian
coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera – and a 282bhp 4.0-litre straight-six
engine produced the perfect blend of style and performance (0-60mph in 7.1
seconds, plus a 142mph top speed), and today it remains one of the most
recognisable cars ever created. The 1964 model appearing at the #london Concours
is sure to be hugely popular with visitors.

Joining these British legends will be one of Germany's towering automotive
achievements, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. First revealed in 1954 at the
International Motor Sports Show in New York, the 300SL was derived from
Mercedes' prodigiously successful W194 race car and instantly hailed as a
masterpiece. It went on to prove hugely influential on account of its lightweight
tubular-frame construction, groundbreaking petrol engine with direct fuel injection
and, of course, the extraordinary gullwing doors. There was, literally, nothing else
quite like it, and its pedigree was enhanced further by an output of 212bhp, which
provided a top speed of 155mph, making it the fastest production car of the mid Fifties.

Also representing Germany will be a Porsche 356 C from 1964 – the final version of
a car initially introduced as the marque's first-ever production vehicle in 1948.
Although descended from the Volkswagen Beetle, the 356 C features distinctive
Porsche styling, and is now considered the last, and best, of the old-school models
from the Stuttgart brand before the arrival of the 911 signalled the dawn of a new
era. As we have become accustomed to from Porsche, the focus was very much on
honing the 356 C's ability on the road, and even now it is an extremely enjoyable
and surprisingly comfortable car to drive. In many ways it is the definitive Porsche
history lesson – a machine that showed exactly how the company wanted to evolve.

No celebration of Golden Age Coupés would be complete without an Italian
presence, and in the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, visitors to the London
Concours 2023 will have the opportunity to pay their respects to a car frequently
feted as one of the most stunning ever to be offered by the wizards at Maranello.
Built from 1959 onwards by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, based in nearby Modena, the
SWB – or Short-Wheelbase – could trace its lineage to the 250 GT 'Tour de France'
Berlinetta that dominated endurance racing in the Fifties. Complementing its
impeccable motorsport credentials were perfect proportions and relative rarity, with
only just over 160 ever made. Little wonder the car now sells for millions of pounds
or dollars on the rare occasion one becomes available; the 250 GT SWB is genuine
automotive royalty.

Lining up beside the Ferrari will be another glorious example of Italian
craftsmanship, the Maserati 3500 GTI. Mechanically significant by being the first GT
car to use an injected engine – hence introducing the world to the now revered GTi
badge – this breathtakingly elegant model was penned by Milanese coachbuilder
Carrozzeria Touring, and was advanced in its construction, with aluminium panels
wrapped over a thin steel frame. Alongside the 3500 GT, it was the first Maserati
road car to be produced in decent volume after the marque withdrew from
motorsport in 1957, and to a large extent paved the way for the brand to establish
itself as one of the world's most prestigious manufacturers of luxury, highperformance models.

The Golden Age Coupés class offers just a taste of what to expect from June's
event, which will feature a wonderful range of machinery from a range of exotic
marques. It joins previously confirmed classes Built To Race; For The Road,
Evolution of Aero and Grand Tourisme, with further category announcements set to
follow in the coming weeks, as we build towards the 7th edition of this unmissable
event.

Andrew Evans, #londonconcours Director, said: "This year's #event features some
truly magnificent cars, and this is particularly evident in the Golden Age Coupés
category, which shines a spotlight on a defining era for the motor industry. It is no
exaggeration to say that the class includes some of the greatest cars ever created,
and we are absolutely delighted that visitors to the #londonconcours will have the
opportunity to savour them up close to fully appreciate their innovation, beauty and
engineering #excellence. They promise to be a real highlight of the show, which is
now just a matter of weeks away and is shaping up to be our best yet. Stay tuned for
even more exciting announcements."

The Golden Age Coupés class is presented by Dunhillion, a #heritage Scotch Whisky
with a rich history that is synonymous with classic motoring. The legacy of Sir Alfred
Dunhill continues with the brand's release of the remaining private stock of a unique,
26-year-old offering. This exceptional blend marries the rarest whiskies, and was
historically only available in the most exclusive private circles.

From its hand-made crystal decanter to the elegant presentation box, all elements of
Dunhillion are handcrafted proudly by skilled UK artisans. An icon in its own right,
Dunhillion is proud to support the Golden Age Coupés class at this year's London
Concours.

In addition to an exceptional array of cars – the finest yet assembled - guests to the
Honorary Artillery Company will be treated to a decadent range of food and drink
options, including a brand-new Club Concours hospitality experience, engaging live
stage discussions, as well as a carefully selected line-up of luxury brands and
boutiques. #londonconcours 2023 is set to be another occasion of total automotive
indulgence.