Bolesworth Concours
Bolesworth Concours
Best in Show
1933 Standard Swallow SS1 Coupé
Owner: Michael Jewell
The inaugural Bolesworth Concours Best in Show award was presented to Michael Jewell’s exceptional 1933 Standard Swallow SS1 Coupé, a beautifully preserved example of one of William Lyons’ earliest creations before the formation of Jaguar.
Having remained in the same family ownership for more than 90 years, the SS1 captivated the judging panel with its remarkable provenance, elegant proportions and outstanding originality. Judges praised the preservation of its timber coachwork, authenticity and exceptional history, recognising it as a rare example of sympathetic preservation and an important chapter in British automotive design.
Its unique combination of heritage, craftsmanship and originality perfectly embodied the values at the heart of the Bolesworth Concours, making it a fitting recipient of the first-ever Best in Show award.
2026 Concours Winners
Coachbuilt Masters
1933 Standard Swallow SS1 Coupé
Owner: Michael Jewell
Praised for its authenticity, elegant proportions and exceptional preservation, the SS1 first secured victory in the Coachbuilt Masters category before being selected as Best in Show.
Bentley Through the Ages
1927 Bentley 6½ Litre Doctors Coupé
Owner: Anthony Thompson
Admired for its original Harrison coachwork, sympathetic restoration and fascinating provenance, this beautifully restored Bentley stood out among an impressive field celebrating the marque’s heritage.
Mercedes-Benz: A Century of Excellence
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Owner: Nigel Griffiths
One of the most iconic sports cars ever produced, the 300 SL Gullwing was recognised for its historical significance, engineering innovation and enduring influence on automotive design.
British Sporting Icons
1952 Jaguar XK120 Stirling Moss
Owner: Charley Jurak
Famously campaigned by Sir Stirling Moss, this historically significant XK120 was celebrated for its exceptional competition pedigree and place in British motorsport history.
The Italian Thoroughbreds
1968 Lamborghini Islero
Owner: John Day
A rare and highly original example of Lamborghini’s elegant grand tourer, the Islero impressed judges with its authenticity, presentation and understated significance within the marque’s history.
The Racing Legends
1955 Lotus VIII
Owner: Henning Soltau
Praising its innovative engineering, aerodynamic purity and competition heritage, judges recognised the Lotus VIII as a perfect embodiment of Colin Chapman’s philosophy that “form follows function”.
Host's Choice
1938 Talbot-Darracq T23
Owner: Andy Lee
People's Choice
1949 Jaguar XK 120 ex-Clark Gable
Owner: Stephen Gannon
Judging Panel
The Bolesworth Concours is defined by the quality of its judging. From its inaugural event, Bolesworth established genuine concours authority by assembling an internationally respected panel of experts drawn from across the worlds of restoration, manufacturing, design, collecting and vehicle valuation.
Entries are assessed on criteria including provenance, originality, historical significance, craftsmanship, presentation and design excellence, ensuring every vehicle is evaluated with both expertise and integrity.
The 2026 judging panel was led by renowned restoration specialist Iain Tyrrell as Chief Judge and included:
- Dr Matthias Rabe – Member of the Board for Research & Development, Bentley Motors
- Julian Thomson – Acclaimed automotive designer, known for some of the industry’s most iconic modern designs
- Tony Willis – Ferrari specialist and respected consultant valuer
- Nina Barbour – Founder and Managing Director of Bolesworth
- Dominic Taylor-Lane – Founder of the Association of Heritage Engineers
- Stuart Shield – Luxury Publisher, Motoring Writer & Collector
- Tom White – Classic Car Curator & Broker
Together, the panel brought decades of experience across concours competition, automotive development, restoration and design, reflecting Bolesworth’s commitment to recognising excellence at the highest level.
A Unique Concours Experience
Bolesworth offers owners far more than traditional concours judging. The event culminates in the spectacular Power & Grace presentation, where class-winning automobiles are ceremonially showcased alongside horses in the International Arena – a unique celebration of both mechanical and equine horsepower.
This striking finale brings together the elegance of world-class automobiles and the grace of elite equestrianism in a way that cannot be found at any other concours event. As each winning car takes its place in the arena, owners become part of a truly memorable spectacle that reflects the distinctive character of The Art of Horsepower.
In keeping with the event’s philosophy of celebrating automotive craftsmanship and design, each class winner receives a bespoke commissioned artwork alongside their concours trophy. Individually created to honour the winning vehicle, these unique pieces provide a lasting tribute to the provenance, artistry and engineering excellence that define the concours experience.
More than a competition, The Art of Horsepower is a celebration of the stories, craftsmanship and heritage behind some of the world’s most remarkable automobiles.
2027 Bolesworth Concours
If you own a vehicle of exceptional provenance, historical significance, originality or coachbuilt distinction, we invite you to apply for consideration for the 2027 Bolesworth Concours – The Art of Horsepower.
Join a carefully selected field of outstanding automobiles and become part of one of the UK’s most exciting and prestigious new concours events.
Register your interest for the 2027 Bolesworth Concours today.
