Windsor Castle Hosts First Public Event in 1000 Years: The Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance

A unique beauty pageant for automobiles and carriages is coming to England and car enthusiasts are getting anxious, as they should be.  For the first time in its 1000 year history, Windsor Castle will host an event open to the public, and as one might expect, it will be special.  In homage to Great Britain’s role in the development of the motor car, The Queen has given her permission for the inaugural Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance to be held for three days beginning Friday, September 7th, 2012.  The event will host 60 of the world’s rarest cars, horse drawn carriages and motorcycles, in honor of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, all to be displayed in the center quadrangle of the Castle.

Windsor Castle center quadrangle site of event

Windsor Castle center quadrangle site of event (Click to Enlarge!)

The cars will come from around the world, with nearly 20 of them being shipped from America.  Standouts will include a 1931 Alpha Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato Spider, a 1938 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante and a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1.  On opening day, most of the 60 vehicles will be driven onto the Castle grounds by their owners in an entry parade in the tradition of the original concours of 17th century France.   On Saturday 60 more cars will arrive as the Royal Automobile Club drives in with their top classics representing the “Best of British Tour.”

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1

1938 Bugatti 57S Atalante

1938 Bugatti 57S Atalante

On Sunday, the Jubilee Tour of Elegance will commence at Windsor as well.  On that morning, a collection of yet 60 more cars, each representing a year of The Queen’s reign, 1952 – 2012, will depart London and make the 30 mile trip to Windsor where they’ll enter the castle to form a separate display.  Occupants of each car will be dressed in clothing appropriate to the period of their car.  For many, the biggest attention grabbing event will take place Sunday afternoon when Prince Charles’ 1969 Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII arrives.  It is one of the most sought after Aston Martins and one of only a few convertibles made.  It was last seen carrying Prince William and Kate from their wedding reception last year.

Prince Charles’ 1969 Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII

Prince Charles’ 1969 Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII

The first day of the event is designated as owner’s day and will not be open to the public however the following two days, the public will be invited with 5000 tickets available for each of the days.  It is expected to be a sellout with tickets going for ₤35 or about $55 US.  Classic car enthusiasts are obviously excited about the possibility of seeing such a rare collection of vehicles in such a spectacular setting.   International Air Charter can make sure you don’t miss this extraordinary event.  We’ll not only fly you there, but can arrange for tickets and ground transportation as well.

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