The third Concours on Savile Row took place last week in London, with the usual display of both new and classic cars on show on the most famous street in the world when it comes to tailoring.
This is a replica of John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls Royce, which he bought and had painted in 1967. The original is now in a Canadian museum and this copy was made in 2014.
A new and welcome addition this year were two symposiums, at the nearby Royal Academy of Arts . The first of these dealt with Restoration and Preservation and examined the classic car world’s approach to this wide-ranging subject. The following day the topic was The Future of Fuel: The Road to Zero Emissions . I was quite encouraged by this one as most of the expert speakers felt there was room for more solutions besides just EVs. One of the strongest contenders are eFuels, artificial petrol and diesel produced sustainably. They’re expensive at the moment but a lot of classic events now mandate their use with major players like Formula One shortly due to do the same.
This 1958 250 GT Pininfarina was the first Ferrari road car to be sold in the UK, with the first cars being imported by Mike Hawthorn, who won the 1958 World Championship for Ferrari.
Hydrogen could also have a major role to play powering HGVs and even aviation, although there are some major obstacles to be overcome in this area.
VIDEO
There was even a world début at the event, with ex-Jaguar designer Ian Callum unveiling his Callum Skye off-roader EV on the first morning of the event, even though the rain came down at just the wrong time.
Morgan originally built 3 wheeled cars and this modern interpretation, the Super 3, is powered by a 1.5 litre Ford triple, a very compact unit. A five speed gearbox from an MX-5 is also employed.
Despite the weather though, it was another great event that brought a collection of rarely seen cars into the heart of the city of London for everyone to enjoy.
One of just eight examples remaining, this 14/28 Bullnose is one of the earliest MGs still in existence. Powered by a 1.8 litre four, it has a top speed of 65mph.
One of the first hybrid bikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 7, comes with performance similar to a 650cc engine, with 451cc of ICE power, augmented by a 5kW motor, capable of 49mph on its own. Twin batteries can be removed for charging.
A 1907 Mercedes 75 PS Spider, Daimler’s first production car with a six cylinder engine, it was formed of three pairs, with a displacement of 10.2 litres.
I saw this dog last year sleeping in the boot of a classic car. This time, he was in a cargo bike, fitted with a Riley grille.
This mid engined Lotus Emira is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 supercharged engine offering 400bhp for a top speed of 180mph.
Closeup of the recreated Jensen Interceptor RS.
This restored SL Pagoda uses a 68kWh battery to give a 200 mile electric range. The conversion was carried out by EV specialists, Everrati.
Originally light blue, this 1963 Mercedes-Benz SL was repainted in period correct Pearl Green during a full restoration, which also added electric windows, air conditioning and a hard top. It’s soon to go up for sale.
With styling by Guigiaro and Chevrolet V8 power, the GK1 was built in the UK. This car from 1966 was built to be raced at Le Mans, but the company went bust and it was converted to road spec by the liquidators for a sale to the public.
A 1985 Audi Quattro S1. The S1 shortened the wheelbase over the original rally machine in a bid to improve handling. Other developments included an anti-lag system for the turbo and an early implementation of a twin clutch gearbox.
This is a revival of the original Bizzarrini 5300 styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Each car is hand built following original factory drawings and blueprints.
A faithful recreation of the original Jensen Interceptor, although updated for the modern world with a 6.2 litre Chevrolet supercharged engine pushing 650bhp through an eight speed automatic. Racing brakes with ABS and updated front suspension also feature, along with a bespoke traction control system. The interior features electric seats, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, a heated frot screen and redesigned air conditioning.
The TR or Testa Rossa takes its name from the red paint on the cylinder heads. This is a 500 TR from 1956.
Morgan originally built 3 wheeled cars and this modern interpretation, the Super 3, is powered by a 1.5 litre Ford triple, a very compact unit. A five speed gearbox from an MX-5 is also employed.
Ian Callum unveiled his Callum Skye EV in a world début at Savile Row.
Ian Callum’s new Skye was unveiled in the rain.
One of the first Ferrari Convertibles and not something Enzo wanted to build, was this 1961 250 GT SWB, but the American market demanded it.
The Koenigsegg Jesko has a 5.1 litre V8 whose twin turbos produce up to 1600bhp on the right fuel. To reduce lag, a 20 litre air tank and electric compressor keep the turbos spinning, even off throttle.
Powered by a Ford V8 with between 230 and 306bhp, just 401 of these De Tomaso Mangustas were made, with only 150 for Europe. Styling by Guorgetto Giugiaro. This example is from 1968.
This 1958 250 GT Pininfarina was the first Ferrari road car to be sold in the UK, with the first cars being imported by Mike Hawthorn, who won the 1958 World Championship for Ferrari.
Owned by model David Gandy, this 1954 Jaguar XK120 has been modified for greater legroom by moving the batteries, the fitment of a smaller steering wheel and specially made seats.
Designer Ian Callum after unveiling his Callum Skye EV, which had its world début at the show.
The Touring Arese RH95 is a mid-engined supercar with power courtesy of a 670bhp Ferrari V8.
A Ferrari 250 GT parked near Savile Row.
This 1951 Jaguar XK120 has spent its life competing in rallies and circuit races. It was restored recently to take part in this year’s Mille Miglia.
A Jaguar XK parked in the rain.
This is a replica of John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls Royce, which he bought and had painted in 1967. The original is now in a Canadian museum and this copy was made in 2014.
When Enzo Ferrari demanded that his Swiss importer, Peter Monteverdi, buy 100 Ferraris up front, Monteverdi decided to build his own car, powered by a 7.2 litre Chrysler V8. This is a 375L from 1971.
Produced from 1955 to 1958, the 300 Sc came with three body styles – Coupés, Cabriolets and Roadsters. Only 200 were built. It was considerably more expensive than the contemporary 300 SL Gullwing.