An event on the eve of the start of the event on Wednesday evening did not disappoint – even England’s loss in the semi-final of the World Cup in Russia did not dampen spirits. The latest in a long line of amazing sculptures was unveiled in the night skies, this year featuring Porsche.

Porsche is celebrating 70 years since it first produced the 356 sports car in 1948. The 356 was the company’s first production car, and with 76,000 produced until 1965, it put the company onto the path of greatness. The sculpture, once more produced by British artist and designer Gerry Judah, marks out several of the most important cars in Porsche’s life, including the 911, the 959 Group B rally car, and of course the original 356.

For 21 years Judah has been creating awe-inspiring sculptures as the focal point of the annual event, which has become Britain’s major motor show of the year. The first structure back in 1997 was impressive, but since then the bar (along with the sculptures) has been raised ever higher, with some astonishing feats of engineering being unveiled in Lord March’s front garden. Here are the highlights: