The annual Concours of Elegance is always guaranteed to have a broad variety of stunning cars on display from across the ages. This year promises to be of special significance for Aston Martins fans as the organizers have just confirmed the attendance of some extremely rare and noteworthy vehicles. First off is a 1932 Aston Martin Le Mans Lightweight ‘LM9’. Designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it finished fifth overall in its second attempt after mechanical issues forced a retirement the year before. It is a true piece of Aston’s racing heritage and will also be joined by some of its most coveted early DB models.
The oldest is a 1956 DB2/4 Mark II saloon, a four-seater version of the DB2, which was nevertheless still a capable sports car. It proved its mettle only a month after being purchased when its owner Count Charles de Salis and friend Cpt Gregor MacGregor entered it into the tough International Alpine Rally and came second in class winning the ‘Coupe des Alpes’ prize in the process.
A pair of DB5s—one being a rare convertible model—will also be on display and the saloon is noteworthy for being the first car to wear the Aston Martin Works Coachbuilders badge as it was the first project fully restored by the factory. Another notable Aston to be featured is a Kensington Silver 1985 V8 Vantage. This particular car was used as a development vehicle for the powerful X-Pack V8 Vantage models of which only 131 were ever built and has upgraded internals and suspension set-up.
There will be a lot more for Aston Martin aficionados to take in as Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance director explains: “For fans of the Aston Martin brand, Concours of Elegance 2019 is an absolutely unmissable event. Not only do we have a number of the most significant Astons ever produced in our main line-up, but we’ve also got a world-first Aston Martin Zagato display gathering one-offs and rarities that will come together only once in a lifetime. Add to that an official presence from Aston Martin itself, alongside car club displays from the Aston Martin Owners Club, and visitors will have nearly a hundred Aston Martins to admire.” The Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance runs from the 6th-8th September and tickets and further information is available on the organizer’s website.
Images courtesy of Concours of Elegance
