Castle Cars Windsor

The sweeping inner Quadrangle at Windsor Castle (second picture) will play host to some of the world’s rarest, most historic cars at the Concours of Elegance from September 7 to 9. In this diamond jubilee year, the Queen has given permission for 60 cars – some of which have never been seen in the UK – to be driven, mostly by their owners, into the castle grounds on Friday September 7.

In terms of location, this new event is unique. In terms of the quality of the cars, it should be the British equivalent of the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Indeed, three previous Pebble Beach “Best of Show” cars will be on display at Windsor: a 1931 Daimler Double-Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupé, a 1933 Delage D8S de Villars Roadster and a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta. There’s also the Petersen Museum of LA’s 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupé (first picture) – aka the “Round Door Rolls” – plus a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Zagato Berlinetta.

Then, 60 classic British cars arrive on Saturday September 8 – the first day the Concours is open to the public – all of which are on the RAC’s Best of British Tour. These beauties will be parked and displayed inside the Cambridge Gate. Think Lotus Elan, Jaguar E-Type, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost… The Aston Martin Owners Club will also arrive in force – again with 60 cars, including the DB4GT Zagato 2VEV and a 2012 One-77, to represent each year of the Queen’s reign. Sunday sees 60 more motors drive up The Long Walk to park at the Castle, forming part of the Octane Jubilee Tour.

In keeping with the royal location and theme, royal cars will be on display, including Prince Charles’s 1969 Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII, famously driven by the Duke of Cambridge as he left his wedding reception with his new wife. And the official charity of the Concours also has regal connections: it’s the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, which works in the area of palliative care for children and young people.

Those who wish to attend the Concours should note that entry is limited to advance-ticket holders only – and to just 5, 000 visitors per day.