Future Classics
It’s well known that the Concours of Elegance unites the world’s rarest cars in one spectacular event – yet, perhaps the most pressing question to emerge from the event is ‘How do you know which cars are the future classics? The Concours cars of tomorrow?’. A question which is well answered in the form of the ‘Future Classics’ class at Concours of Elegance, which will see the most significant and exclusive performance, luxury and limited-edition cars rival each other in a bid to be crowned the overall winner. They are all models that will eventually become highly-sought after inclusions of any car collector.
Perhaps the most encompassing example of these cars is the RUF CTR - it is a uniquely handcrafted model, very limited in quantity and ridiculously fast. The RUF CTR that features in the ‘Future Classics’ class is a 700bhp model, built on a bespoke aluminium platform. This model is the successor to the iconic RUF CTR ‘Yellowbird’; a model based on the Porsche 911, that has enticed motoring enthusiasts since its famous ‘Faszination’ lap of the Nürburgring. The ‘Yellowbird’ was well known for being able to outperform other exemplary performance cars that were popular at the time – such as the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach. Whilst this ‘Yellowbird’ was the quickest car in the world, the new CTR is far able to outperform this with an incredible top speed of 224mph. Visitors to the Concours of Elegance will also be able to view ‘Yellowbird’ in all its glory, displayed at Hampton Court Palace as part of the main Concours line-up.
Joining the RUF will be a British icon from Aston Martin in the form of the Aston Martin Vulcan. This two-seater track-only model was in limited production with only 24 units made globally. The Vulcan is powered by a phenomenal 7.0 litre V12 engine which can produce 820bhp, it utilizes a Formula One-style pushrod suspension, adjustable anti-roll bars and dampers and traction control which cements this model at the ‘ultimate track day car’. Another racing car in the form of the Ginetta G60-LT-P1 will also feature in the ‘Future Classics’ line-up, an endurance racer which boasts a full carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body as well as a seven-speed racing gearbox by XTrac.
A limited-edition Bentley model created to celebrate the popular brand’s Centenary in 2019, will also feature in the ‘Future Classics’ class. The model pays homage to Bentley’s founder – the Mulsanne ‘W.O Edition’ is based upon the founders very own 8 litre and a part of his cars original crankshaft is even displayed between the two rear seats.
One of the final cars in the class is the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé – this alluring handcrafted model is particularly special as it was the final Drophead Coupé to roll off the line at the Rolls-Royce facility, based in Goodwood. Over 800 hours of manual work went into producing the model and this is well reflected in the meticulous attention to detail present.
The Concours of Elegance as always is centered on a main display featuring 60 of the most exclusive cars ever built featuring cars produced in 1904 until the present day. This year expectations will be exceeded by a world-first Aston Martin Zagato display which will connect and showcase every model produced by one of motoring’s most celebrated partnerships. Visitors will also be treated to a 70th anniversary display of five Ferrari 166MM models such as one of the ‘most significant Ferraris in the world’ – the 1949 Le Mans and Mille Miglia winning car.
Find out what else you can expect from the Concours of Elegance by reading our event post.
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