Highly successfuly concours-winning classic cars make up a significant portion of my work on classic car insurance valuations. I recently valued of one of the most successful concours-winning classic cars in the UK.
This was a very late Lancia Delta HF Integrale, which had won 10 national Lancia Motor Club concours events, including coming first overall as a national winner, second place on two other occasions and winning its class on every other event. This puts this car at the very top in terms of condition and obviously has a significant impact on market value.
Creating and maintaining a concours-winning classic car demands an extraordinary level of commitment, precision, and passion. It’s not just about having a beautiful vehicle — it’s about relentless attention to detail, historical accuracy, and months, sometimes years, of meticulous restoration and preparation.
Every nut, bolt, and trim piece must be either original or restored to factory-correct specification. Paintwork must be flawless, panel gaps perfect, and aspects such as wiring, badges, and hose clamps must reflect the car’s production standards exactly — often better than when it left the factory. Authenticity is everything.
Concours winning classic cars are used and treated differently
Once the build is complete, the real work begins. Concours contenders tend to be maintained in near-clinical conditions. Sometimes transported in enclosed trailers, they are kept in temperature-controlled storage, and detailed obsessively before each showing. Tyres are cleaned with toothbrushes, engine bays polished to perfection, and interiors vacuumed with surgical precision.
When the car finally rolls onto the lawn or into the judging hall, it must outshine dozens of other entries, each from owners who’ve lavished their cars with equal devotion. These are not neglected garage finds; they’re treasured heirlooms, presented by fellow enthusiasts who know every inch of their machines.
Winning at this level isn’t luck. It’s the result of thousands of hours, expert craftsmanship, and an almost unreasonable level of dedication. To take home a trophy from such company is a triumph of both passion and perfectionism. These cars are beyond average and deserve much more than average values!
Have you got a special classic? Make sure it is valued correctly for insurance and put it in the best company by joining our client base. Contact us with any questions or to order your bespoke valuation report.