Le Mans-winning Porsche 917K triumphant at the 2020 Concours of Elegance

By Steve Wakefield

10th September 2020

Just over five decades since it crossed the finishing line, weather-stained at the world-famous 24-hour race, the now immaculate, Salzburg-liveried Porsche won Best of Show at the Concours of Elegance, held once more at Hampton Court Palace.

Founder, Steering Committee member and official photographer of the event Tim Scott has provided K500 with an exclusive set of stunning images. Simon attended the event throughout, and was impressed:

“What a breath of fresh air – literally! After months of confinement the sigh of relief from the car-collecting community who came out to play was almost palpable. Although our American friends were missing, there was very little during the weekend – except the absence of grand, seated dinners in centuries-old banqueting halls, and the abundance of hand sanitiser on offer – to remind you that the 2020 concours was any different.

“Despite condensing months of preparation into weeks, the organising team performed a miracle to assemble a great selection of cars, first class hospitality and the patronage of many top tier collectors. Best of Show went to the formidable Porsche 917K, pipping the freshly restored 250 GTO (pictured, above) by one vote, which seemed appropriate on the 50th anniversary of its Le Mans triumph.

“Gooding’s one-owner, record-breaking auction was the icing on the cake and felt perfectly at home with Hampton Court Palace as its backdrop. All in all, a much-awaited shot-in-the-arm for the motoring world and market.”

September 2020 Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance – Official Results

Best in Show – 1969 Porsche 917 K
Pre-1915s – 1904 Fiat Type 24/32
1920s – 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
1930s – 1930 Bentley 4.5-Litre ‘Blower’ by Gurney Nutting
1940s – 1948 Land Rover Model 80 #001
1950s – 1958 BMW 507
1960s – 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Clienti
Post-1970s –1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’
The Royal Automobile Club Trophy – Messerschmitt KR200
Jaguar Trophy – 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Bentley Trophy – 1926 Bentley 4.25 Litre by Mulliner
The Junior Concours – Porsche 917
The Bridge of Weir Design Award – Bugatti Type 57 Atalante by Gangloff
Future Classics – Aston Martin Victor
Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Saturday: Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Sunday: Lotus Eclat
Classic & Sports Car Pre-90 Car Park Award – Saturday: Iso Grifo
Classic & Sports Car Pre-90 Car Park Award – Sunday: Mercedes 230 SL ‘Pagoda’