London Concours 2025: Bugatti Crowned King
Once again, the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company were transformed into an automotive sanctuary as the London Concours returned for its ninth edition. From June 3rd to 5th, the capital played host to a jaw-dropping display of machinery with themes catering to both long-time collectors and a rising generation of enthusiasts. Here are the highlights...
A Bugatti Crowned King
Source: Thorough Events // Tom Shaxson
All eyes were on this striking 1993 Bugatti EB110 SS that walked away with the coveted Best in Show title. But this wasn’t just any EB110 — it was VIN001, the very first SS built, originally commissioned for the Brunei royal family. As one of just 31 ever produced it’s as close to automotive royalty as one can get. It was in good company too, as it sat alongside an impressive line up of ‘Dream Cars’ from the golden era of the ’80s and ’90s, such as the McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, and Ferrari 288 GTO.
Source: Thorough Events // Tom Shaxson
Modern Classics Take the Spotlight
London Concours 2025 leaned heavily into a younger collector demographic, and nowhere was that more evident than in the Dream Cars and Youngtimers classes, where poster cars of the VHS generation stood tall.
A particularly charismatic entry was the 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo SE Flachbau — a rare, factory-built flatnose model finished in Minerva Blue. Once used as a Porsche press demonstrator and later owned by Grand Theft Auto creator David Jones, it was the embodiment of '80s cool and took top honours in the Youngtimers class.
Notable Highlights
Among the themed classes was a celebration of mid-engined Ferrari V8s, with the trophy going to a 2019 488 Pista Spyder that had covered 12,000 miles, many of which were accumulated on road trips throughout Europe. British marques were also proudly represented. A rare 1967 AC 428 Frua Spyder, one of only three prototypes, took home the AC Cars class win, while a 1986 Ford RS200 — one of 15 rally-spec right-hand drive examples — dominated the Fast Fords field.
Source: Thorough Events
Hypercars Steal the Show
In the Hypercars class, a 2019 Lamborghini Centenario, the only one in the UK, took home top honours. Built to celebrate Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th anniversary, just 40 examples were built, all with a 769bhp 6.5-litre V12. It sat alongside Pagani’s, Bugatti’s, Koenigseggs and the UK’s only example of the Maserati MCXtrema.
A Tribute to the Mercedes-Benz SL
Source: Thorough Events
London Concours 2025 also paid tribute to seven decades of the Mercedes-Benz SL, with the dedicated 70 Years of SL class showcasing everything from iconic 300 SL Gullwings to cutting-edge AMG models. Taking the top prize was a striking 2012 SLS AMG, originally delivered to Qatar and believed to have been commissioned for a member of the royal family. Finished in a unique, special-order shade called Night Black Magno — a colour not officially offered on the SLS — the car features a carbon-fibre engine bay and is equipped with every available carbon option.
The Wild Card
The Wild Cards class at London Concours 2025 — reserved for exceptional cars that didn’t quite slot into the main categories — was claimed by a beautifully storied 1961 Maserati 3500 GT. Originally delivered to Milan in early 1962, the car later crossed the Atlantic and spent five decades in California before returning to the UK in 2012 as part of a trio of 3500s brought over by Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman. It was then acquired by Craig Jones, who undertook an extensive 3000-hour restoration himself. In 2021, the Maserati changed hands once again and is now regularly driven on grand touring adventures, including Scotland’s NC500 and multiple European road trips. Fresh from a full drivetrain restoration in 2024, the car also earned the prestigious Chairman’s Award, selected by Peter Read.
London Concours 2025 Results
Best in Show: 1993 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport (also won Dream Cars)
Chairman’s Award: 1961 Maserati 3500 GT (also won Wild Cards)
Class Awards
- The Legendary AC Cars: 1967 AC 428 Frua Spyder
- Fast Fords: 1986 Ford RS200
- 50 Years of Ferrari V8: 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spyder
- 70 Years of Mercedes-Benz SL: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Youngtimers: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo SE Flachbau
- Hypercars: 2016 Lamborghini Centenario
- Dream Cars: 1993 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport
- Wild Cards: 1961 Maserati 3500 GT