Mercedes-Benz and Savile Row Craftsmanship Meet at Hampton Court Palace

Mercedes-Benz brought automotive personalization and Savile Row tailoring together at the 2026 Concours of Elegance, held September 4–6 at Hampton Court Palace. Appearing as the event’s “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year,” the marque paired classic and contemporary cars with a demonstration workshop run alongside London tailoring house Henry Poole & Co.

The presentation gave visitors an opportunity to examine the work behind bespoke interiors and clothing. Upholsterers from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach worked beside Henry Poole’s tailors, who constructed a men’s jacket during the event. It was the second consecutive year the two companies had collaborated at the concours.

Craftsmanship in a Palace Setting

Under the theme “Masterpieces of Individualisation,” Mercedes-Benz connected its restoration expertise with the options available through its current MANUFAKTUR program. The workshop emphasized the material knowledge, cutting, fitting and assembly involved in producing individually specified pieces.

Henry Poole & Co, founded in 1806, marked its 220th anniversary in 2026. The house continues to cut and sew bespoke clothing on Savile Row, making the joint demonstration a meeting of two established craft traditions within the grounds of the royal palace.

Mercedes-Benz Classic at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. Photo from 2026. On the left, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupé (W 198); on the right, a Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC long-wheelbase version (223 series). Photo: Craig Pusey.

Classic and Contemporary Color Pairings

Four cars formed two corresponding displays. A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” coupe appeared alongside a long-wheelbase S-Class prototype, both combining grey exterior shades with light blue interiors.

The S-Class wore MANUFAKTUR silicon grey paint over an exclusive Vista Blue cabin. Its Made to Measure specification extended to personalized headrest cushions, seat cushions, floor mats, a trunk mat and individually designed door sill panels.

MANUFAKTUR provides an expanded selection of colors, materials and finishes for selected Mercedes-Benz models. Made to Measure takes that process further through individual consultations, allowing customers to explore bespoke options within the company’s technical capabilities.

A second pairing brought together a 300 Sc Roadster and a Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series in shades of red. The classic was one of just 53 roadsters built, while the contemporary Maybach featured handcrafted hood Monogram patterns, chrome accents and a crystal white Nappa leather interior.

Mercedes-Benz Classic at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. Photo from 2026. Work on a bespoke jacket by Henry Poole & Co in the joint demonstration workshop with Mercedes-Benz Classic. Photo: Craig Pusey.

An Established Concours Destination

The display also included a faithful replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, marking 140 years since Carl Benz filed his automobile patent in 1886. Alongside the paired cars and live workshop, it added an earlier chapter to the presentation of Mercedes-Benz design and manufacturing.

The Concours of Elegance began at Windsor Castle in 2012 and has been held annually at Hampton Court Palace since 2017. For visitors interested in craftsmanship as well as cars, the Mercedes-Benz and Henry Poole collaboration showed how a concours can provide access to the processes behind the finished exhibits.

The 2026 presentation has concluded. Its combination of historic automobiles, contemporary commissions and working craftspeople illustrates the breadth of the event for travelers considering a future visit.

Mercedes-Benz Classic at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. Photo from the year 2026. Stand of Mercedes-Benz, the “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year”. Vehicles from left to right: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series (R 232), Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster (W 188), a faithful replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen (Benz patent motor car), Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé (W 198) and Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC long-wheelbase version (223 series). Photo: Craig Pusey.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Event: Concours of Elegance
Venue: Hampton Court Palace
Location: South-west London, United Kingdom
2026 Dates: September 4–6; event concluded
Mercedes-Benz Theme: “Masterpieces of Individualisation”
Featured Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz, the 2026 “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year”
Craft Collaboration: Mercedes-Benz Classic Center upholsterers and Henry Poole & Co bespoke tailors
Featured Cars: 300 SL “Gullwing” coupe, MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure S-Class prototype, 300 Sc Roadster and Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
Additional Exhibit: Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica
Notable Specification: MANUFAKTUR silicon grey S-Class with Vista Blue interior and personalized cabin details
Event History: Founded in 2012 at Windsor Castle; held annually at Hampton Court Palace since 2017
Future Dates and Tickets: Consult the organizer’s website for subsequent editions
Official Website: Concours of Elegance