The air at Hampton Court Palace is normally filled with history. It is a place of royalty, intrigue, and grand occasions. Soon, however, a new kind of magic will take over. The manicured lawns will host a collection of cars the world has never seen: ‘The Collector’. A secretive private collection of legendary Ferraris and Porsches will appear for the first time. It promises to be a spectacular display. The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is one the UKs premier car shows, for rare and significant motor cars. This year, it will feature what many consider to be the finest private display ever assembled.
An Exclusive First Look
‘The Collector’ is unique for a simple reason. A single, passionate enthusiast owns all of the cars. For years, this enthusiast hid these incredible machines from public view. They kept them in a private haven. Now, the owner is sharing these jewels with the world. The show, running from 5th to 7th September and if you are yet to secure tickets, make sure you enter our competition here.
Attendees can see an unrivalled range of rare road and competition cars up close. This is a special moment in the world of classic and modern performance motoring.
The Great Rivalry: Maranello versus Stuttgart
Few rivalries in the automotive world are as fierce as that between Ferrari and Porsche. Both brands have built their reputations on racing success and exceptional road cars. This collection brings the two titans together. It presents a fascinating look at their different design philosophies. It also showcases their pursuit of speed and innovation. From the raw power of a mid-80s Ferrari to the meticulous engineering of a Porsche race winner, every car has a story. This unique display is named ‘The Collector’. It will be a highlight of the weekend.
Prancing Horses Unleashed
The Ferrari lineup includes some of the most sought-after cars in the marque’s history. These cars define what it means to be a Maranello masterpiece. Each one is special.
The Ferrari 288 GTO: A Homologation Hero
Many people consider the 288 GTO to be the world’s first true ‘hypercar’. It set the stage for a new class of supercars. Ferrari built it for Group B racing. The organisers cancelled the series before the car could compete. Still, the 288 GTO became a road car icon. A twin-turbocharged 2.8-litre V8 powered it. This engine delivered 400 horsepower. That was a serious amount of power in the mid-1980s. With only 272 examples ever made, it is an extremely rare machine. Its name honours the legendary 250 GTO. It perfectly blends racing technology with road car usability. It will certainly draw a crowd.
The Ferrari F40 LM: The Ultimate Evolution
The Ferrari F40 is one of the most celebrated Ferraris ever made. Its raw, unfiltered character has won it countless fans. The F40 LM is a hardcore, track-focused version. It was built for endurance racing. The LM model was lighter and had better aerodynamics. It had a more powerful twin-turbo V8. Michelotto Automobili handled the special conversions. The LM was a sharpened, more intense version of an already uncompromising car. Only 19 were ever built. Seeing one in the flesh is an incredibly rare treat.
The Ferrari 333 SP: The V12’s Roar
Ferrari made a triumphant return to American endurance racing in the mid-1990s. The 333 SP was the reason why. It remains one of the most beautiful racing prototypes ever built. The car had a feral, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V12 engine. It was based on a Formula One engine. The sound it produced was hard-edged and thrilling. This car was a huge success. It earned many wins and championships for its private owners. Just 40 chassis were made. The 333 SP helped revitalise sports car racing in the United States. Its appearance at Hampton Court is a chance to honour its glorious racing past.
The Ferrari SF90 XX Spyder: The Hybrid King
‘The Collector’ also includes a modern icon. The SF90 XX Spyder represents the pinnacle of hybrid performance. The ‘XX’ designation is reserved for Ferrari’s most extreme cars. It is an extreme, track-focused version of the SF90. It combines an open top with immense power. A twin-turbo V8 works with electric motors to produce nearly 1000 horsepower. This makes it a true hypercar. It shows how Ferrari continues to push the limits of technology. Seeing this modern marvel next to its historic ancestors will be truly remarkable.
Porsche’s Winning Heritage
The Stuttgart contingent is just as impressive. These cars showcase Porsche’s long and successful racing history. Each one represents a different era of innovation.
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR: Targa Florio Legend
The 911 Carrera RSR is arguably the most desirable 911 ever built. The car was based on the iconic 911 Carrera RS. It took performance and weight reduction to new levels. It had a lightweight fibreglass body and wider arches. A flat-six engine powered it. This very car won the Targa Florio in 1973. It was one of the last major road races. The race was held on public roads in Sicily. This historic win sealed the RSR’s status. It proved the 911 could win against far more powerful prototypes.
The Porsche 911 GT1 EVO: A Le Mans Contender
The 911 GT1 EVO is a rare sight you can see in ‘The Collector’. This example is one of only nine factory-built customer race cars. Porsche also converted it into one of only two cars with full 1997 ‘Evo’ specification. The car boasts a rich history at Le Mans. Specialists Maxted Page recently converted it for road use. The conversion now lets drivers take it on the open road. It is a stunning, 650 horsepower machine. It offers a link between the race circuit and the public highway. This ‘Collector’ is a perfect example of racing technology being brought to the streets.
The Porsche 935 Homage: An Icon Reborn
The Porsche 935 Homage is a wild creation. It was a limited-run, track-only special from 2018. It was a tribute to the legendary 935 ‘Moby Dick’. The original car dominated endurance racing in the late 1970s. The new 935 is based on the 911 GT2 RS platform. It has a twin-turbo engine with 700 horsepower. It has bespoken bodywork with a long nose and the distinctive ‘whale-tail’ rear wing. The original car got its nickname from this wing. The Homage is a modern take on a classic. Only 77 examples were made.
The Porsche 911 Rennsport: Pure Driving Pleasure
The 911 Rennsport represents the pinnacle of modern 911 engineering. They built it purely for driving thrills. Racing regulations or road-legal requirements do not hold it back. This car delivered 620 horsepower from a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine. That is a remarkable achievement. It weighs just 1,240kg. This is significantly lighter than its road car equivalent. Porsche limited production to just 77 examples, reserving each one for its most significant collectors. The Rennsport is a pure and undiluted track machine. It provides a thrilling experience for those lucky enough to drive one.
More Than Just Cars
The Concours of Elegance is a lot more than just a car show. It is a true garden party. The cars are the main attraction, of course. But there are many other features. Guests can explore the Levitt Concours, which celebrates passionate female owners. The 30UNDER30 display highlights owners under 30 years of age. This shows that the love of classic cars is being passed on to a new generation. The Club Trophy will also be there. This brings together the best examples from the nation’s car clubs.
Luxury partners add to the occasion. Champagne will be provided by Charles Heidsieck. Fortnum & Mason will provide delicious picnics. The setting is beautiful. The atmosphere is relaxed. Leading names in fashion, art, and jewellery will also be present. The presenting partner, A. Lange & Söhne, will show its intricate timepieces. The event is a celebration of fine craftsmanship and design. It is a day to enjoy both cars and company in a beautiful setting.
Now, if this sounds like a show you’d love to experience, we have a pairs of tickets up for grabs! So how do you win a pair of tickets to this great event? To find out click here.
Here is our walk around the show from 2024 (below):
Conclusion
The Concours of Elegance 2025 promises to be a memorable event. This secret collection of Ferraris and Porsches is an exceptional feature. It is an opportunity to see history in motion. It showcases some of the most influential cars ever built. They represent the best of both brands. This private display is a true honour to the event. It reminds us of the dedication of passionate collectors.
Are you planning to attend this year’s show? Which car from this stunning collection are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below.
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