Hampton Court Palace 2018

The first weekend in September held host to the Concours d'Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. An excellent setting, ideal weather and a wonderfully eclectic mix of cars on display. McLaren brought along three F1's including the hallowed XP LM, Harry Metcalfe curated a selection of super saloons and a myriad of classic car clubs offered a selection of treasures around the outer gravel pathways.

We prepared a 904 GTS for the event on behalf of a client. This example was acquired by DK Engineering on behalf of a client in 2014; who, having recently parted ways with an outstanding 250 GT SWB through us - provided us with a simple brief: To supply the very best 904 one could find and, in addition, it HAD to be matching-numbers. We located 083 in the USA and were more than happy to repatriate the car to the UK, having assisted in the sale and export of the car some four years earlier. 083 is one of only very few GTS' that retains not only its matching-numbers gearbox, but engine also. Currently fitted with a 6 cyl engine akin to the 904/6, the original 4 cyl accompanies the car on a bespoke engine stand.

083 raced earlier this year in the Ronnie Hoare trophy at the Goodwood 76th Members Meeting with James at the wheel. Despite sub-zero temperatures and six other 904s in the field, James took the win. The Concours D'Elegance provided a striking and diverse mix of cars, both new and old, competitive and road going. It was fascinating too, to see #024MB - the 166 MM/212 Export "Uovo" by Fontana once again- a car restored by David personally at DK Engineering in the early 1980s.