- The inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours positions Kingdom as a premier destination for automotive excellence in the Gulf; 90 world-class collector cars on display.
- One-of-a-kind 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis by Carrozzeria Boano Torino headlines the class; aircraft-inspired Italian coachwork on American chassis.
- Also joined by an award-winning Cord L-29 Cabriolet, the first major US production car with front-wheel drive.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours will showcase ten of the finest cars in U.S. automobile history, taking place 7–8 November 2025 at the Royal Golf Club.
This exclusive collection, headlined by the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis, will feature ten exceptional examples of American automotive innovation and coach-building artistry.
Hosted with the support of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the Royal Bahrain Concours will feature 90 of the world’s most exceptional collector cars, alongside 300 additional vehicles from GCC-based car clubs. The event marks Bahrain’s emergence as a premier destination on the global concours calendar, ranking alongside shows in the United States and Europe.
Designed by Gian Paolo Boano at Carrozzeria Boano Torino, his adaptation of the Indianapolis represents the fusion of Italian design vision with American engineering expertise. Built on a stock 1955 Lincoln chassis, Boano’s creation was inspired by aircraft design, featuring a rounded centre section that tapers between pontoon-like outer wings, decorative side exhaust intakes, and a glassy canopy reminiscent of streamlined 1930s Le Mans racers. The radical design eliminated the traditional grille in favour of an air opening beneath the front bumper, while four upright headlamps in chromed oval surrounds and matching taillight nacelles completed the striking aesthetic.
When the Indianapolis debuted at the Turin motor show in 1955, it immediately captured international attention. The car was subsequently purchased by Ford Motor Company, reportedly at the request of Henry Ford II himself, and shipped to the United States.
After decades in private collections, the Indianapolis underwent an extraordinary two-year restoration by Jim Cox Sr. and Jim Cox Jr., under the stewardship of renowned Packard collector Thomas Kerr. The meticulous restoration earned top honours in the Postwar Custom Coachwork class at the 2001, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The car went on to collect further accolades at premier events, including Amelia Island and Greenwich, culminating in a triumphant return to Pebble Beach, where it won the coveted Lincoln Trophy.
Joining the Indianapolis in the American Classics class is an equally distinguished Cord L-29 Cabriolet, representing another milestone in American automotive innovation as the first mass-produced American car with front-wheel drive. This example boasts impeccable provenance through the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and Classic Car Club of America, having been owned by longtime ACD Club member Pete Walker – a former employee of the Atlanta Auburn-Cord dealership – before passing to L-29 collector Bob Agle and finally to Jack Dunning, who oversaw its award-winning restoration by Ed Cobb.
Finished in a striking two-tone combination of Navajo Red and Black with rare Woodlite headlamps and other period accessories. The Cord achieved Certified Category 1 status from the ACD Club, received the prestigious Alan Leamy Trophy for Best L-29 in 1996, and earned three perfect 100-point scores in CCCA National judging, along with Senior badge recognition from both organisations.
Eight additional American classics will complete this class, showcasing the breadth and depth of American automotive achievement featuring a range of cars from the pre-war era through to the golden age of custom coachwork.
“The American Classics class exemplifies the Royal Bahrain Concours’ commitment to presenting automotive excellence from around the world,” said James Brooks- Ward, Chairman of the Royal Bahrain Concours. “These vehicles represent pivotal moments in American design and engineering history, and we’re honoured to showcase them alongside the world’s finest collector cars in the Kingdom of Bahrain.” The two-day programme includes The Prestige Day on Friday, 7 November, featuring presentation of the leading cars on the Concours stage, followed by the Awards ceremony on Saturday, when the class winners and best in show will be recognised.
Tickets are strictly limited and available now at royalconcours.com.
Event Details: Royal Golf Club, Bahrain 7–8 November 2025
Tickets and further info: royalconcours.com @royalbahrainconcours
