LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONCOURS DES LéGENDES AT WILTON HOUSE

Dore & Rees Motoring join Wilton House, Octane and Magneto Magazines as official auction partner for this celebration of the stories behind legendary cars and the people who designed, built and raced them.

One of England’s great historic houses, Wilton House is without doubt one of the most important cultural estates in the country. Wilton has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Pembroke for more than 400 years, and remains a living seat of heritage, creativity and patronage.

Widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in Britain, with a sequence of state rooms that helped introduce classical architectural principles to England, Wilton House is equally celebrated for its exceptional art and sculpture collection. Exhibits include masterpieces by artists such as Anthony van Dyck, Rembrandt, Hans Holbein, Joshua Reynolds, Peter Lely and Pieter Brueghel, alongside important works of sculpture and decorative art, all set within 22 acres of landscaped parkland, framed by classical architecture, water features and mature trees. 

William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke, is a custodian of heritage with a distinctly modern passion for the motor car. As steward of Wilton House, he has brought fresh energy to one of Britain’s great historic estates, combining its architectural and artistic legacy with a genuine enthusiasm for automotive culture. A committed enthusiast rather than a ceremonial host, Lord Pembroke has long championed cars for their design, engineering and cultural significance.

Under his stewardship, Wilton House has become an internationally recognised venue for classic and supercar gatherings, welcoming rare historic machines and cutting-edge performance cars alike. These events reflect his belief that cars belong within a wider cultural conversation, alongside art, craftsmanship and human ingenuity. His approach has helped establish Wilton as a place where past and present meet naturally, creating events that feel both intellectually grounded and emotionally engaging. Concours des Légendes builds directly on this vision, shaped by his passion for cars and his commitment to thoughtful, meaningful curation.