Concours of Elegance Launches New ‘Finest Bentley’ Award for 2026

For 2026, the Concours of Elegance is proud to introduce the Finest Bentley award, celebrating the very best example of one of Britain’s most prestigious and influential automotive marques. Chosen from the Bentley models taking part in this year’s main Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, the award will honour the car that most exemplifies the marque’s remarkable heritage.

Judged on its provenance, originality, condition and historical importance, the winning Bentley will be selected from an outstanding group of concours entrants that reflects the breadth and prestige of Bentley’s illustrious history.

Among the highlights is the celebrated 1930 Bentley Speed Six, one of the defining performance cars of the pre-war era, alongside the striking 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Aerofoil Coupé by Gurney Nutting, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coachbuilt Bentleys ever created. They are joined by the exceptionally rare 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre by Vesters & Neirinck, the elegant 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé by Park Ward, the exquisite 1958 Bentley S1 Continental by H.J. Mulliner, and the 1961 S2, representing the pinnacle of Bentley’s coachbuilt grand touring tradition.

The new award shines a spotlight on Bentley’s enduring legacy, recognising the individual car that best captures the craftsmanship, engineering excellence and timeless elegance for which the marque has become renowned over more than a century.

These exceptional Bentleys will form part of the 80-car Concours of Elegance display, bringing together many of the world’s rarest and most significant collector cars in the spectacular grounds of Hampton Court Palace from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September. The result is an unrivalled celebration of automotive artistry, history and design.

More concours entries and special event features will be revealed in the lead-up to this year’s Concours of Elegance.