75 Years of Formula 1: Concours of Elegance 2025 to Bring Historic Grand Prix Cars to Life at Hampton Court Palace
The Concours of Elegance 2025, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, will mark the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship with an extraordinary display of historic Grand Prix cars – machinery that defined eras, inspired generations, and pushed the limits of speed and technology. Set against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, the showcase will bring together cars with extraordinary stories, including: the legendary 1956 Maserati 250F, the brand-debuting 1970 March 701, and the groundbreaking 1989 Ferrari 639.
The Maserati 250F remains one of the most revered Formula 1 cars of all time, immortalised by the feats of Juan Manuel Fangio. Chassis 2521, appearing at Hampton Court in its 1959 livery, represents the final evolution of the front-engined Grand Prix car before the mid-engined revolution took hold. With its elegant proportions and superb balance, the 250F became a driver’s favourite, its straight-six engine delivering a sonorous and potent soundtrack to match its pace. It is a car that embodies the glamour, danger, and artistry of 1950s Formula 1.
From a very different era comes the 1970 March 701, chassis 7 – the third car built by the fledgling March Engineering for the reigning World Champions, Team Tyrrell. Designed by Robin Herd and powered by the legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV, the March 701 shocked the establishment on its debut, with Jackie Stewart and Chris Amon setting joint fastest qualifying times at the opening race of the season.
Chassis 7 saw action with Johnny Servoz-Gavin before becoming the first Formula 1 mount of François Cevert, who scored his first World Championship points in the car at Monza. After two decades out of public view in a highly private collection in Europe, it returns to the spotlight at the Concours following a sympathetic recommissioning.
Completing the trio is the Ferrari 639, chassis 106 – the only example in private hands. Built as one of two factory prototypes for the 1989 Formula 1 season, it marked the dawn of a technological revolution. The 639 was the first Ferrari Formula 1 car to feature the now-ubiquitous semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox, paired with a new 3.5-litre V12 producing 685bhp at 13,000rpm. Developed and tested at Fiorano by Nigel Mansell, Gerhard Berger and Roberto Moreno, it was the forerunner to the race-winning 640. This historically significant car retains its original engine, transmission and pioneering paddle-shift steering wheel, and has been preserved with Ferrari Classiche certification.
James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “These three cars tell its story; from the elegance of the 1950s, through the raw engineering of the 1970s to the digital dawn in the late 1980s. Seeing them together in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And they are just part of a stunning collection of historic Formula 1 machinery that will be on display, representing some of the most important and beautiful racing cars the world has ever seen.”
The historic Formula 1 showcase will sit alongside the main concours displays, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see some of the sport’s most celebrated machines gathered together in one place. Elsewhere in the Palace gardens, the Concours will assemble 60 of the world’s most exceptional cars from across eras and continents, sourced from leading private collections.
Additional features include the Levitt Concours, dedicated to passionate female owners, the 30UNDER30 class for young enthusiasts, and the Club Trophy, celebrating the very best examples from the nation’s car clubs.
As ever, the Concours of Elegance will offer more than just a feast for motoring enthusiasts. Guests can indulge in a weekend of luxury hospitality, from champagne by Charles Heidsieck to picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and browse fine goods from world-class brands in fashion, jewellery, and art. Presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne will also be showcasing a selection of its most intricate and exclusive timepieces.