A MOTORING EXTRAVAGANZA SPECIALLY FOR YOU: THE ST JAMES’ S MOTORING SPECTACLE HAS IT ALL!
It’ s 1 November, the Saturday before the big‘ off’ on Sunday morning, which means it’ s time for you and your family to enjoy the greatest free motor show anywhere in London. Giles Chapman explains
A
bedazzling concours of mostly unique veteran cars; a hypercar display you won’ t find on YouTube; a Formula 1 feature where you can take the podium yourself; and even a glimpse into a future where you can shape the cars of tomorrow. And it’ s all for one very special day this weekend at the St James’ s Motoring Spectacle, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday.
The idea of a concours d’ elegance for the world’ s most venerable cars was added to the annual Veteran Car Run festivities many years ago, and used to amaze Regent Street shoppers in a festival of gleaming brass and starting handles. And the St James’ s Concours has now found its rightful place despite a move to Marlborough Road, the St James’ s Concours has now found its rightful place at the head of the St James’ s
Motoring Spectacle, the first staging of which was in 2024 and attended by some 10,000 people.
The Spectacle itself is taking place on London’ s Pall Mall. It’ s right in front of the historic Royal Automobile Club’ s magnificent clubhouse, itself the birthplace of British motoring, so the atmosphere simply couldn’ t be more appropriate.
Indeed, this usually-busy London thoroughfare is closed to through traffic for the whole day to let the event take place in safety, so the whole family can enjoy it, as well as any London tourists who just happen to chance upon it … it’ s their lucky day! The Royal Automobile Club, which organises everything, has worked in a happy collaboration with Westminster City Council to make it all possible.
There are some 60 splendid veterans of all shapes,
36 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run