The London Concours once again surprised and delighted. This year, in 2025, one standout class did exactly that: “The Wildcards.” In particular, this unique collection brought together cars that defied easy categorisation. These were overlooked gems, curious marvels, and extreme interpretations of familiar models – each one a testament to the sheer diversity and ingenuity of the automotive world.
“The Wildcards” class celebrated individuality. In particular, it highlighted vehicles that pushed boundaries and captured hearts for unconventional reasons. While some represented engineering extremes, others boasted distinctive designs or held unusual historical significance. As a result, the London Concours 2025 offered a rare opportunity to see these eclectic machines gathered in one unforgettable display.
Visitors explored a truly intriguing lineup. These ten cars sparked conversation, admiration, and no small amount of awe. Each one offered a fascinating glimpse into the wild side of automotive brilliance.
2016 Volkswagen XL1
Ferdinand Piëch was known to push the boundaries, and while his Bugatti Veyron pet project was hardly an environmentally friendly machine, the VW XL1 showed that he also had fuel efficiency in mind.
Development started in 2002, with the aim of building a car that could cover 100km on a litre of fuel – or 235mpg. By the time it reached production in 2015, the project had cost €250m. Just 250 XL1s were made – and 50 were kept by the factory.
The carbonfibre chassis, magnesium wheels and carbon brakes kept weight down to 795kg, while its 0.189 drag coefficient – a record for a production car – helped it cleave the air efficiently. Power came from a 47bhp 800cc two-cylinder diesel assisted by a 27bhp electric motor, and official fuel consumption was 313mpg.
1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration
The Celebration arrived in 1995 to mark both the end of XJS production at Brown’s Lane and Jaguar‘s 6oth anniversary. It featured embossed ‘leapers’ on the seats, a gold bonnet badge and 16-inch diamond-turned aero sport wheels.
Registered in January 1996, no. 224845 was one of the last XJS cars built. It boasts Ice Blue metallic paint, a Navy soft-top and Magnolia leather. Supplied new by Perry’s Jaguar of Huddersfield, it was part of a private collection for some years before being purchased for Jaguar’s heritage collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. The car has done only 22,000 miles.
Its current owner bought it in April 2021. He’s since carried out extensive detailing to bring it up to concours standard, returning the underside to as-new condition.
1969 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
No photo for this car, one I must have missed photographing on the day. Doh!
The Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce with a separate chassis to be built at the marque’s Willesden, London coachworks. It was powered by a 623OCC V8 engine with twin SU carburettors, coupled to a four-speed auto gearbox.
This particular Phantom V1 was once owned by luxury store Harrods. Prior to joining the fleet of eight limousines used exclusively for the transportation of visiting VIPs, dignitaries and royalty, it underwent an extensive mechanical and body restoration to the highest standards, and was refinished in Harrods’ Green with a basket-weave side effect and a tan roof.
SC Gordon Ltd subsequently fitted it with green leather trim, a TV, VHS player, fax machine, wine cooler, cocktail cabinet, three telephones and a custom headlining screen-printed with the iconic Harrods’ logo.
1984 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole
The Mondial broadened Ferrari‘s appeal in a new way. Previously the preserve of V12 GT flagships, the model offered 2+2 seating with the more sporting verve of the 308-derived V8.
There were several upgrades over its life, and 1982’s Quattrovalvole had four valves per cylinder and Bosch K-Jetronic injection, which helped the 2.9-litre mid-mounted V8 produce 240bhp. A true slice of Maranello magic, but with a usable boot and rear space.
This unrestored, 23,000-mile car was sold new by HR Owen. It later spent six years in Northern Ireland before returning to London in 2000, and the current owner has cared for it for 20 years.
1993 Jaguar Lister XJ40
This XJ40 was taken to Lister in the early 1990s by Douglas Hall, son of then-Newcastle United FC owner Sir John Hall. He specified a 7.0-litre twin-supercharged V12 and manual ‘box, along with a custom interior.
Lister owner Laurence Lister Pearce took him to Le Mans in the car. Hall asked what it would cost to go racing at Le Mans, and then wrote a £500k cheque. This seed money financed the Lister Storm project, which went on to race in Hall’s beloved NUFC colours. Note the XJ40 Lister’s ‘Magpies’ colour fade on the sill.
Now owned by Petroleum & Co, this Wildcard is soon to star in a short film in which two boys steal the car from a London gangster and take it on a night out. It will be released this year.
1961 Maserati 3500 GT
Maserati‘s road cars had been barely contained racing machines up to the launch of the 3500. Touring Superleggera construction encased a 350S-derived straight-six that made 217bhp – or 232bhp with Lucas mechanical injection.
This Blu Sera car was sold to Milan in early ’62, before going to the US. It stayed in California for 50 years, coming to the UK in 2012 with two other 3500s courtesy of Coldplay’s Guy Berryman. It was then sold to Craig Jones, who restored it himself over 3000 hours.
In 2021 this Wildcard was sold to the current owner, who uses it for touring, with – recent trips including Scotland’s NC500 and multiple trips through Europe. A full drivetrain restoration was completed late last year.
1997 Maserati Ghibli Cup
To reinvigorate Maserati when Fiat took over in the 1990s, it created a Ghibli lI one-make series. The Ghibli Open Cup ran for a season in 1995, but in ’96 it was cancelled after two rounds.
This inspired the Ghibli Cup road car, based on the Italian-market 2.0-litre twin-turbo V6. It made 325bhp, the highest output per litre of any engine for over a decade. It also had a much sportier suspension set-up, Speedline alloys and a carbonfibre interior.
Just 60 were built, 26 coming to the UK. This car is the only Verde Foresta Ghibli Cup ever made. After residing in a shed for ten years, it was restored by McGrath Maserati in 2023-24.
1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution Il Giallo Ginestra
Lancia’s Delta won World Rally Championships by the hatful back in the day. The HF 4WD morphed into the Integrale, each evolution requiring ever more exciting homologation specials. The final one boasted 212bhp due to a Garrett turbo and revised engine management.
One of just 220 Giallo Ginestra specials, this 66,300km Wildcard is finished in Broom Yellow. It’s been with one owner since new, first as a family daily driver, and in more recent times as part of a wider collection.
1963 Peel P50
The smallest car ever made had the biggest character. Built in the Isle of Man from 1962-65, it had a 49cc DKW single-cylinder two-stroke engine with 4.2bhp. It measured just 137cm in length, 99cm in width and 119cm in height, and weighed a mere 59kg. It could reach 38mph and do 100mpg.
There were a few caveats: it had space for only one person and a small bag. There was no heater or suspension, and in the rain you’d have to operate the wiper yourself. Still, you were unlikely to struggle to find a parking space…
Around 47 examples were produced in period, but hand-built replicas were made available in the 2010s. These had a choice of petrol or electric propulsion.
1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS
This Giulia SS lived in Italy for many decades, remaining in the second owner’s family for over 40 years. It arrived in the UK via the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale, where it was snapped up by racing legend Robs Lamplough, who owned it for five years.
The current keeper commissioned a bare-metal respray by DTR of Surrey, but with a brief to retain original features including Security glass, window stickers and manufacturing labels.
After 1280 hours of restoration wizardry, this Wildcard was all set for the 2024 London Concours – but it ‘failed to proceed’ on the day, thus missing its debut. DTR took it back for a no-holds-barred engine rebuild, and now it’s ready for its 2025 concours showing.
1967-68 Con-Ferr Meyers Manx
This dune buggy is a Hollywood legend. It had a major role in 1968’s The Thomas Crown Affair – and that movie’s star Steve McQueen played a key part in customising it for the film.
It received bespoke bodywork with sunken lights and a wraparound screen, and a 2.7-litre Chevy Corvair engine with 140-180bhp – a lot for a car weighing so little. After the film wrapped it was sold on to a dealer, and it’d spend many years bobbing around Hawaii’s beaches.
Along the way its engine and transaxle were replaced. After two decades in storage, it was restored to original spec – Corvair engine included.
The Unsung Heroes and the Unexpected
The London Concours 2025 “Wildcards” class delivered a genuinely diverse and exciting experience. It celebrated cars that pushed boundaries – whether in design, engineering, or purpose. These vehicles offered a refreshing contrast, standing apart from traditional concours categories and showcasing the immense creativity within the automotive world.
Visitors to the Honourable Artillery Company discovered hidden gems, encountered vehicles that sparked curiosity, and marvelled at feats of engineering ingenuity. The exhibition proved a fitting tribute, honouring the bold, the unconventional, and the truly unique cars of history. It reminded us that automotive passion takes many forms.
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Which Wildcard Car Steals Your Heart?
Which of these unconventional “Wildcards” do you find most compelling? Do you prefer the raw charm of the Meyers Manx or the ultimate luxury of the Harrods Phantom? What other “wildcard” cars do you think deserve recognition? Share your thoughts and tell us which unexpected hero captures your imagination in the comments below.
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