Unveiling Automotive Majesty: Royal Bahrain Concours Debuts in Riffa with Rare Legends

Unveiling Automotive Majesty: Royal Bahrain Concours Debuts in Riffa with Rare Legends

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In the heart of Bahrain's sun-kissed landscapes, where tradition meets innovation, a new chapter in automotive excellence unfolded. The Royal Bahrain Concours made its grand debut on November 7-8, 2025, at the lush Royal Golf Club in Riffa. This inaugural event, under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and backed by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, drew global car aficionados to celebrate the timeless allure of collector vehicles. With a curated lineup of around 60 masterpieces—from vintage icons to cutting-edge hypercars—the concours wasn't just a display; it was a vibrant homage to the wheels that have shaped our world.

A Spectacle of Steel and Stories

Picture this: manicured fairways transformed into a gallery of gleaming chrome and polished curves, where the air hummed with tales of speed and sophistication. The Royal Bahrain Concours blended Bahrain's royal heritage with the universal passion for automobiles. Attendees wandered through themed exhibits, each car a time capsule on wheels. From pre-war elegance to modern engineering marvels, the collection spanned decades, inviting visitors to trace the evolution of design and performance. What set this debut apart was its intimate scale—fewer than 100 entries, ensuring every vehicle received the spotlight it deserved. Amidst the event's highlights were track sessions at the nearby Bahrain International Circuit, historical excursions to ancient Dilmun sites, and an enchanting "Cars by Candlelight" evening, where classics glowed under soft, flickering lights.

Spotlight on the Shah's Lamborghini Miura SV: A Persian Prince of the Road

Stealing the show was the 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV, a bespoke "Shah's edition" that whispered of imperial extravagance. Commissioned for Iran's last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, this one-of-a-kind beast boasts race-bred modifications: a front-mounted oil cooler for blistering desert runs, a straight-through exhaust that roars like a lion in the dunes, and a custom racing harness for its regal driver. Clad in studded Pirelli winter tires—ironic for Bahrain's heat—it was originally destined for the Shah's Swiss chalet but became a symbol of opulent excess. Post-revolution, it navigated geopolitical storms, resurfacing in Dubai before gracing auctions and private vaults. At the concours, its low-slung silhouette and fiery V12 engine—pumping out over 380 horsepower—evoked the Miura's legacy as the world's first true supercar. Judges and enthusiasts alike marveled at its unrestored patina, a testament to survival against all odds.


The Ferrari Zagato Niblio: Italian Flair in Arabian Sands

Equally mesmerizing was the 2008 Ferrari Zagato Niblio Spyder, a rare fusion of Maranello's might and Zagato's artistry. Limited to just five units worldwide, this open-top stunner reimagines the Ferrari 575M with a Kammback tail inspired by vintage racers, earning its "Nibbio" (Italian for kite) moniker for its soaring aerodynamics. Its hand-beaten aluminum body, accented in subtle silver and black, houses a 5.75-liter V12 that delivers 515 horses of pure symphony. Unveiled at the concours, it symbolized the event's nod to contemporary rarities—cars that bridge classic soul with hypercar precision. Owners shared anecdotes of its wind-whipped drives along Monaco's cliffs, now echoing in Riffa's gentle breezes, reminding us that true heritage isn't confined to museums.

Global Heritage, Local Legacy

Beyond these stars, the concours featured gems from GCC car clubs, including pristine Porsche 911s and Aston Martin DB5s, alongside Bahraini-owned hypercars like McLaren Senna and Pagani Huayra. It wasn't merely about admiration; conversations flowed on preservation ethics, sustainable fuels for classics, and Bahrain's rising role as an automotive hub. As the sun dipped on day two, awards crowned the finest, but the real victory was communal—a shared reverence for machines that stir the soul.

The Royal Bahrain Concours debut in Riffa wasn't just an event; it was a beacon for future gatherings, promising to elevate the Middle East's place on the global concours map. In a world racing toward electric tomorrows, these rare treasures remind us: the past accelerates the present. Whether you're a die-hard collector or a casual dreamer, this Riffa rendezvous proved that automotive heritage, like Bahrain itself, is resilient, regal, and endlessly captivating.

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