This 1960 Fiat-Abarth 2200 Allemano was displayed on Anthony Crook’s Bristol stand at that years’ London Motor Show and was purchased by William Pigott-Brown, a baronet and amateur jockey.
Story and Photos by Jonathan Sharp
The tourists are back in London in large numbers but the City of London employees would still seem to be working from home, or at least they were on the 28th June as I walked through the city towards the Honourable Artillery Company’s green oasis surrounded by high-rise office blocks with just a few remaining Georgian houses to pretty up the view.
The reason for the trip up to ‘the smoke’ as we used to say? The London Concours. I have always found the event to contain an eclectic mix of classes and this year did not disappoint, with everything from Italian Spiders and Japanese Jewels, to American chrome and fins, not forgetting an impressive line up of Ducati Motor Bikes. So with nice things to look at and buy, places to purchase food and champagne, and knowledgeable commentary throughout the day from Peter Wallman, a fine time was no doubt had by all.
This fully restored Alfa Romeo 1750 Duetto began its life in South Africa before being imported into the UK via Ireland in 2018.
From the Coachbuilt and Concepts class, The ex-Jo Bonnier 1955 Swedish Grand Prix class winning 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Zagato.
Bizzarrini again had a presence at the show, showing the Lamborgini V12 powered P538 and the 5300GT Corsa Revival.
From ‘Coachbuilt and Concepts.’ Revealed at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, the aluminum bodied Bizzarrini Ghepardo took its inspiration from the 5300 GT, even to having its Alpina derived V8 fitted way back in the chassis.
By the time the car appeared at Villa d’Este it had been fitted with a Renault derived GP2 engine redlined at 10,000 rpm with, it said, a 225 mph top speed and a 0 to 60 time of 3.8 seconds.
Not an entrant but brought along to the show by Gooding & Company, who will be auctioning it off at the London Auction being held as part of the Hampton Court Concours this September. 1960 alloy bodied Ferrari 250 SWB, Ex Garage Francorchamps, Pierre Noblet’s 1960 Le Mans entrant.
From the Italian Spiders class, 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS, one of 200 examples believed to have been constructed. In long term one family ownership this 275 is regularly exercised on competitive rallies and continental tours.
This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 is number 68 of the 121 official factory spiders, and was original supplied new to Los Angeles.
This 1963 Lancia Flaminia GT 2.5C and the Daytona Spider.
The 1963 Lancia Flaminia GT 2.5C is one of 667 built with the 2.5 Liter triple-carb V6 engine and was at one time owned by the Earl of Chichester.
This 1962 Ferrari 250GT California SWB is believed to be one of only 56 short wheel base examples built.
From Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia’s collection, a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe.
This nonadjustable suspension, catalytic converter fitted 1992 Ferrari F40 has only covered 4000 kms from new.
From the ‘Pursuit of Speed’ class, 2004 Ferrari Enzo, supplied by Ferrari UK, an original example showing just 13000kms on the clock.
This very early aluminum dashed Fiat Dino Spider 2000 dates from 1967. Imported into the UK in 1976 and remained with the same owner for the next 40 plus years. The current owner commissioned DTR Sports Cars to fully restore the Dino which returned to the road in 2021 and has covered nearly 5000kms since.
Dino from the rear.
A true survivor. The first New Jersey based owner of this 1975 Fiat 124 Spider kept it for 44 years before selling to a UK buyer. A proper original and factory correct example.
In 1990, when this 25th Anniversary Countach was built, Lamborghini did not have Arancio Muira on their colour chart. However if you are a very very good customer of the factory, and you have Valentino Balboni in your corner, then maybe, just maybe, they can paint your new Countach to match your other Countach, namely a 1975 LP400 Periscopio, which is exactly what happened here making this example unique.
This 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider is one of only 59 examples constructed in right hand drive.
From ‘Coachbuilt and Concepts.’ Just 60 Maserati A6G 2000 GTs were built. This example, chassis 2170, dating from 1956, is one of only 21 examples clothed by Allemano.
This 1960 Maserati 3500 Vignale Spider is one of six pre-production cars and differs from the factory in several ways; the roofline is 2cm lower, the body is narrower, the bonnet reaches up to the base of the windscreen, and the mirrors and lights differ slightly.
The London Concours is not just about cars, they have bikes as well. From the “Ode to Ducati” display, a 1971 750GT Sandcast heads up this rather impressive line up of the most significant Ducatis of the past 50 years. Only 400 examples of the 750 GT Sandcast were produced. Fabio Taglione blended two bevel drive singles onto a common crankcase in a 90 degree V- or L-twin as he described it. The first of the Multi Cylinder Ducatis the sandcast power units were popular in racing due to their perceived extra toughness over the production unit. A cheap design but very complex to repair which is why so few remain.
Great to see motorcycles appreciated! Thanks
Unfortunately I was not able to attend the recent London Concours, but was delighted to receive a copy of the programme from a friend. Seeing the delightful blue Spider on p41, I could just hear Alfisti everywhere groaning at the ‘Duetto’ description. Why oh why can whoever writes these captions not get it right?! It is of course a 1750 Spider Veloce and not a Duetto which can only be attributed to the original boat-tail 1600 Spider as featured in the classic film ‘The Graduate’. For such a prestigious event I would like to think that contributors of any sort would get their facts right!
End of rant.