WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOS: SALON PRIVÉ
Salon Privé returns to the splendour of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for its 18th edition from August 30-September 2, 2023. This year’s event brings a new format that sees the concours portion condensed over two days (August 30-31), followed by Boodles’ Ladies Day on September 1, and capped off by the public day, Supercar Saturday, on September 2.
“With the UK automotive events calendar seemingly at bursting point, organisers have an obligation to work together for the good of the car community,” explained Salon Privé chairman Andrew Bagley.
The event begins with the concours d’elegance, which sees almost 100 classics compete for the coveted Best of Show prize
“Guests and collectors can now enjoy the Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace, with the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance at the end of the week. It also allows foreign owners and enthusiasts, particularly US collectors, to enjoy multiple events in one trip – a win-win for all.”
New format aside, Salon Privé remains an automotive celebration of everything from rarefied pre-war classics to the latest hypercars. Visitors can also peruse items ranging from helicopters to watches in the Luxury Village, and enjoy gourmet food, cocktails and Champagne courtesy of Louis Pommery.
As before, the event begins with the concours d’elegance, which sees almost 100 classics compete for the coveted Best of Show prize. The concours features eclectic categories including Pioneering Motor Cars, Pre-War Sports, Sports Racers and Supercar Icons.
The organisers have also revealed three one-off concours classes to mark a triptych of important motoring anniversaries. The Porsche 356 – Where It All Began category celebrates the marque’s 75th year, which is complemented by special 60th anniversary classes for both Lamborghini and McLaren.
It has also been revealed that Lamborghini will showcase its Aventador successor, the V12 hybrid-powered Revuelto, as well as current models from the Huracán and Urus ranges at the event. Lamborghini’s 60th celebrations will be capped off by a staggering collection of over 70 classic V12 models on Bleheim Palace’s South Lawn during Supercar Saturday.
Salon Privé will also mark the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours with a display of five legendary cars from Porsche, Jaguar and Ferrari. Headlining the collection are two Porsche 962s that raced at La Sarthe during the 1980s. The first is 962 004 – the very car that won Le Mans in 1983 in the hands of Vern Schuppan, John Watson and Al Holbert. The other 962 is chassis 200, which was driven by Derek Bell in 1988. The two Porsches are followed by the Jaguar XJ220C that won its class in 1993, as well as a 1995 Porsche 993 GT2R and a 2011 Ferrari 458GTE.
Those who prioritise elegance over speed will be delighted by Salon Privé’s Italian Glamour display, which celebrates La Dolce Vita with a trio of rare ‘50s classics. The line-up is comprised of a 1950 Ferrari 195S Inter Coupé, a 1952 Lancia Aurelia 2000 B52 by Vignale and a 1953 Siata Daina Sport by Bertone.
Equally spectacular is Salon Privé’s brace of Gangloff-bodied Bugattis – a 1934 Type 57 and a 1951 101 Cabriolet – which chart the rise and fall of the legendary French marque before it was revived by Romano Artioli in the late ‘80s and then passed on to Volkswagen.
Making its UK debut at Salon Privé is Alfa Romeo restomod company Totem Automobili. The Italian firm will bring along both electric and combustion-powered versions of its Totem GT, which reimagines the classic Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA.
For tickets and more information about Salon Privé, click here.
