As we reported last year, the Heveningham Concours in Suffolk is perhaps the best-kept secret of the British motoring summer season – and it is very much becoming a season these days – what with this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed growing in stature and firmly entrenched in the motoring event calendar, Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace at the end of August, Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court in September and new for this year, the inaugural Royal Automobile Club Concours in the beautiful grounds of Woodcote Park in Surrey, which also took place this month.
This year’s event was once again held in conjunction with the long-established Heveningham Hall Country Fair, where thousands of guests, collectors and enthusiasts enjoyed the array of classic cars and aircraft sharing the picturesque grounds with local produce and rustic traditions.
The event also has a charitable purpose, with every ticket purchased and every vehicle entered directly benefitting the community by raising much needed funds for projects right across Suffolk. An Intelligent Mobility Scholarship at the Royal College of Art underlining the emphasis on contemporary design is also funded by the Concours.
The elegant mix of visitors, motoring and aviation excellence saw a meticulously curated line-up of vintage and classic cars, bikes and aeroplanes being judged by a distinguished panel, including renowned automotive designer Peter Stevens, perhaps best known for his work on the iconic McLaren F1, racing driver Marino Franchitti and Ian Callum, who has been responsible for countless iconic Jaguar and Aston Martin models, along with David Gandy, legendary stunt pilot Vic Norman and Supermarine Spitfire owner Sarah Hanna, all bringing their technical knowledge and artistic insight to the judging process. They evaluated each vehicle for its historical importance, originality, presentation and performance.
Since 2016, the event has become a beacon for how luxury and legacy can work together celebrating mechanical design and brilliance.
This year’s category winners included a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 in the Pioneers and Pre-War category, a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato in the Mid-Century (1946–1965) category, a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS in the Post-Modern (1966–1999) category, a 1984/2022 Porsche 930 TAG Turbo by Lanzante in the Performance Supercar & Hypercar category, a 1957 Aston Martin DBR2 in the Race & Rally category and a 1994 Ducati 916 in the Motorcycles category.
Meanwhile the Special Award went to a 2025 Picasso OMT 450C, designed entirely in carbon-fibre for flat-track racing, whilst the Chairman’s Choice was a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale. The Best in Show award went to a 1920 Sunbeam 350HP. This land speed record-breaking Sunbeam with its 18-litre aero engine, regularly fired up over the course of the weekend, much to the amazement of onlookers, spitting flames into the night sky!
Turning to the aircraft awards, the Hanna Aviation Trophy was awarded to the 1939 Gloster Gladiator, a biplane that symbolised the final chapter of the RAF’s pre-war aircraft development. The runner-up honours went to the beautifully preserved classic twin-engine 1941 De Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide.
Callum Design in conjunction with David Gandy’s bold Wood & Pickett Mini made its first public appearance and global debut, while James Nichols took the honours again in the ever-popular Horsepower Hill demonstration run, hitting a top speed of 117mph as he blasted up Heveningham Hall’s spectacular drive.
Chairman and founder of the Heveningham Concours, Lois Hunt, commented:
“What sets Heveningham Concours apart is not only the extraordinary cars and planes, but the fact that it all gives back to our community. We’re thrilled with the generosity of our entrants and guests, and very proud to be able to support a variety of deserving projects”.
Next year’s event will take place over the weekend of 27th and 28th June 2026. For more information, please visit: www.heveninghamconcours.com. And if you only get the chance to go to one motoring event next year, then make it this one, as the whole unique atmosphere of Heveningham is what makes it so special.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based motoring and travel journalist and editor, a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and former saloon car racing driver.
Photographs courtesy of Heveningham Concours
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