Event of the week: ‘showcase for astonishing cars’

Swoon over the motor that won the first Italian Grand Prix - and other polished chrome wonders

Concours of Elegance
Where Hampton Court Palace When 6-8 September Price from 40, students 18, children free Details concoursofelegance.co.uk

Park some of the world's rarest automotive masterpieces on the manicured driveways of Henry VIII's old stamping ground and what do you get? A rather nice day out. The Concours of Elegance is at Hampton Court from 6-8 September. The showcase for some of the most astonishing cars ever produced began in 2012 at Windsor. It's the only motoring event ever to have been held in the idyllic Quadrangle at the heart of the castle and personally signed off by the Queen. Since then, the event has evolved into a celebration of fine food and drink, and live music, and moved home to Hampton Court. But the cars will always be at the heart of the weekend: the line-up is a feast of famous brands and special finds. Each car has to be invited to attend and the judging panel focuses on unusual items, one-offs and motors with amazing backstories, such as the original Ballot 3/8 LC that won the first Italian Grand Prix in 1921 and was only recently rediscovered. And, if you get fed up with all the polished chrome, your ticket also gives you access to Hampton Court, too.