08 September 2025
Hampton Court Concours
This weekend we attended the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, an event that brings together a selection of 60 of the rarest cars from around the world.
Our highlight of the event was seeing Kate and Anna take part in the Levitt Concours. Created by women and designed for women, the Levitt Concours has now featured at the palace for four consecutive years and welcomed 15 rare vehicles, each driven by females, and judged by a panel of modern-day racers, editors, and style icons. The Levitt Concours honours Dorothy Levitt, the first English female racing driver. Dorothy set the ladies world land speed record, the first water speed record, and introduced the concept of a rear-view mirror, she was dubbed as ‘Fastest Girl on Earth’.
In a world where top-end collector vehicles and racing cars are still too often seen as a male domain, the Levitt Concours was a reminder of the reality: that some of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and daring car collectors are women.
Kate drove the SuperSports #9, one of the rarest and revered Bentley models, into the event. This Bentley has remained one of the most original examples extant, with a complete ownership history. Being the 9th of only 18 made and one of only four left with original coachwork, all matching numbers and built to a highly desirable specification. This car performs exactly as it should even after approaching 100 years of service later this year.
Kate and Anna headed off to Cowarth Park, where they were warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of ladies for breakfast. In attendance was Penhaligon, the iconic British perfumery established in 1870, known for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship. From Cowarth Park, the ladies drove to Hampton Court Palace where a panel of judges greeted the concours cars prior to very enjoyable luncheon.
Covering 100 miles in a 100-year-old car was a real pleasure. Kate and Anna’s participation in this historic feature was an honour, and a reflection of the spirit we celebrate at Vintage Bentley. Thank you to Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace for a memorable event, we look forward to next year.
Photographer: Ian Skelton
