London Concours 2025: A Record-Breaking Edition Crowns Bugatti EB110 SS as Best in Show

With record crowds and a vibrant atmosphere that blended automotive elegance with high-end lifestyle, this year’s ninth edition set a new benchmark for the event.

As the engines quietened and the champagne flutes emptied, a clear consensus emerged from judges, collectors, and guests alike: 2025 offered the most exceptional array of automotive exotica ever assembled within the City of London.

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The 2025 Best in Show: A Bugatti of Royal Origins

Capping off three days of automotive drama was the crowning of the Best in Show winner: a 1993 Bugatti EB110 SS, chassis VIN 0001. One of only 31 SuperSport models ever built, the car stunned guests and judges with its rare blend of history, performance, and provenance.

Originally commissioned for the Royal Family of Brunei, this particular EB110 SS later passed into private hands in 2007 and has since been driven extensively across the UK and Europe. Powered by a 3.5-litre quad-turbo V12 producing 603bhp, it is capable of reaching 220mph, statistics that remain deeply impressive more than three decades on.

Styled by Marcello Gandini, the EB110 was launched under the stewardship of Romano Artioli, Bugatti’s visionary saviour during the marque’s renaissance in the early 1990s. Today, it stands as a technological landmark: a four-wheel drive, carbon-fibre hypercar born before such attributes became the industry norm. Its win in both the Dream Cars class and overall Best in Show underscores its ongoing importance.

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Judging the Icons: A Panel of Pedigree

The competition was assessed by an esteemed judging panel led by Peter Read, who serves as Chairman of the Judges. Read also presented the Chairman’s Award to a stunning 1961 Maserati 3500 GT, finished in deep Blu Sera. This particular car began life in Milan before spending half a century in California. Recently restored, it’s now back in the UK and continues to be enjoyed regularly, having been driven throughout Europe and Scotland’s NC500.

Speaking of the Maserati, Read praised its “elegant grand touring profile paired with a competition heart,” citing its Touring Superleggera construction and racing-derived straight-six engine as standout features.

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Celebrating Class Winners and Commendations

This year’s event featured eight major concours classes, with additional commendations that reflect the sheer quality of vehicles on display.

Among the most talked-about were:

• Hypercars: Won by the 2016 Lamborghini Centenario, with highly commended mentions for the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport and Gordon Murray Automotive T.50
• Youngtimers: Won by a 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo SE Flachbau, standing out amid strong entries such as the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton and Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL AMG
  
• Fast Fords: Won by the 1986 Ford RS200, commended vehicles included the 2005 Ford GT and 1972 Ford Capri Perana V8
• 50 Years of Ferrari V8s: Taken by a 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, with notable entries including a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB and 2003 360 Modena
• 70 Years of Mercedes-Benz SL: Won by a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, commended were the 1957 300 SL Roadster and 1997 SL Roadster
• The Legendary AC Cars: Dominated by the 1967 AC 428 Frua Spyder, one of three prototype convertibles; other commendations went to the 1927 AC Royal Saloon and 1962 AC Ace 2.6 Ruddspeed
  
• Wildcards: Shared the spotlight with the 1961 Maserati 3500 GT taking top honours again, with charming commendations like the 1963 Peel P50 and 1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration

Two Highly Commended Dream Cars also garnered attention: the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 and 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo S.

Adding to the accolades, the Classic & Sports Car Editor’s Award was presented to a graceful 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300S, a fitting tribute to timeless design.

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A Cultural and Social Triumph

As ever, London Concours was more than a car show. Over the three days, guests enjoyed gourmet food, bespoke cocktails, and flutes of Veuve Clicquot champagne while browsing boutiques from brands such as Bremont, Canali, and Hilton & Moss.

The show attracted a discerning crowd including collectors, stylists, journalists, designers and familiar faces from the world of motoring and lifestyle. Quiet networking under London sunshine was punctuated by music, curated talks, and close-up conversations with the people behind the cars.

In his closing remarks, Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, reflected on the growth of the event:

“This year’s show welcomed record crowds... it really was the most staggering lineup of cars ever assembled in the City. We’d like to thank our immensely supportive partners and the car owners themselves. Without them, this event would simply not be possible.”

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London Luxury Chauffeuring: Discretion Behind the Detail

As guests made their way through gated entrances, polished gravel paths, and shaded seating areas, a quiet contributor to the event’s seamless delivery operated in the background.

London Luxury Chauffeuring (LLC) provided discreet, high-level chauffeur services for exhibitors, VIP guests, and partners across the event’s duration. From early morning arrivals at private airports and hotels to post-award evening departures, the emphasis was on timing, comfort, and familiarity.

Their fleet, which included the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Flying Spur, and Mercedes S-Class, matched the calibre of the vehicles on display. With minimal branding and maximum poise, LLC’s team supported a logistical experience that let guests focus on the occasion.

Also showcased during the event was LLC’s self-drive supercar hire collection, featuring models like the Ferrari 296 GTB, Lamborghini Revuelto, and McLaren 720S. Guests with a deeper passion for performance took the opportunity to explore hire options for weekends or special occasions, turning admiration into anticipation.

A Season of Celebrated Machines: The Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace

Following the success of the London Concours 2025, where a Bugatti EB110 SS captured Best in Show among a field of rare and revered automobiles, the British motoring calendar now turns its attention to an equally distinguished venue: Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace.

While the London event brought automotive excellence into the heart of the capital with vibrancy and contemporary flair, Salon Privé offers a more contemplative atmosphere, one steeped in history, heritage, and quiet grandeur. Set against the opulent backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salon Privé combines mechanical elegance with cultural refinement, offering a counterpoint to the urban excitement of the Honourable Artillery Company’s lawn.

Where London Concours highlights metropolitan energy and diversity, Salon Privé is a dialogue between time, tradition, and taste, a place where classic grand tourers, modern supercars, and cutting-edge concepts share common ground in craftsmanship and provenance.

As summer draws to a close, the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace becomes more than a stage, it becomes a sanctuary for motoring artistry. Continue reading for a preview of Salon Privé Concours 2025, where legacy is not just remembered, but redefined.