A one-of-a-kind 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I wins Best in Show at Concours of Elegance 2025 at Hampton Court.
The 14th Concours of Elegance concluded this weekend at Hampton Court Palace with a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, known as The Phantom of Love, named Best in Show. The uniquely lavish car, commissioned as a romantic gesture by businessman Clarence Gasque for his wife, was selected by fellow participants from among 75 rare and historically significant automobiles on display.
The annual event drew more than 15,000 visitors to the palace grounds, where over 500 vehicles were exhibited. Highlights included celebrations of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary and dedicated concours classes covering each automotive decade.
The winning Rolls-Royce stood apart for its extraordinary story and craftsmanship. Costing £6,500 when new — at a time when the average home in Britain sold for £500 — the car featured a Rococo-inspired interior with Aubusson tapestries, gilded satinwood trim and porcelain floral vases symbolizing eternal love. Coachbuilders Charles Clark & Sons executed the design, inspired by Marie Antoinette’s sedan chair.
Gasque died just 18 months after commissioning the vehicle, leaving the car unused until 1952. It later passed through prominent collectors in Europe, America and Australia before returning to international prominence. Preserved in original condition, it remains a benchmark of bespoke coachbuilding and automotive romance.
Other notable winners included a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and a 1994 Bugatti EB110 America, recognized within their respective decade classes. Special awards also honored a 1956 Maserati 250F in the Formula 1 category and a 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Graber Drophead Coupe for best car club entry.
Concours of Elegance CEO James Brooks-Ward praised the show as “one of the world’s leading celebrations of automotive artistry,” noting the unprecedented range of vehicles curated for this year’s edition.
