For car enthusiasts, it’s been a fallow year so far. We’ve been starved of shows, denied our drives, and refused at the races.
But fortunately the world is slowly returning to normal – and there are headlights at the end of the tunnel.
Salon Privé is a celebration of the very best that the motoring world has to offer – and is running from 23-26 September at Blenheim Palace.
Now in its 15th year, the series of events is a must-attend for any petrol-blooded car aficionado.
The show’s curtain-raiser is the Wednesday’s Concours d’Elégance by AXA. A partner concours of The Peninsula Classic Best of the Best Award, this has become the most prestigious Concours in the UK.
The jury is led by Ed Gilbertson – Chief Judge Emeritus for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance – and is made up of some of the world’s most experienced ICJAG judges.
The world is returning to normal – and there are headlights at the end of the tunnel
Enthusiasts and collectors will be waiting to see which car is considered special enough to follow last year’s Best of Show – the beautiful 1948 Figoni et Falaschi Talbot Lago T26 GS Fastback Coupé.
That announcement will come on Thursday – which is also Ladies’ Day by Boodles, when the elegance of the cars is matched by the stylish outfits on display.
Friday is all about the Salon Privé Masters by Pirelli and Lockton. This year, the South Lawn at Blenheim Palace will host a celebration of the supercar, charting its evolution from the Lamborghini Miura of the 1960s to the engineering masterpieces of the 21st century.
Some of the most desirable cars ever made from the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini will be centre stage.
Closing the event on Saturday is the popular Classic & Supercar day featuring the Salon Privé Club Trophy.
More than 1,000 cars from some of the finest manufacturers in automotive history will take part in this relaxed and enjoyable day, which begins with Club Secretaries and brand representatives creating a shortlist of their favourite cars.
Once these have assembled in front of the Blenheim Palace steps, guests will choose their winner, which will be awarded the Salon Privé Club Trophy.
Director David Bagley said: “With so many key automotive events around the world cancelled, more brands than ever have turned to Salon Privé as a launch platform for new models. The event will play a pivotal role in providing premium automotive brands and their customers with an opportunity to come together finally and safely.”
Guests will be able to explore and admire vehicles from some of the leading brands in luxury and performance motoring, from Alpine to Zenvo. Manufacturers from around the world will be represented, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, McLaren and more.
Salon Privé is renowned for providing something to entertain even the most discerning of guests, and this year, Michelin-star chef Phil Howard will be hosting a fine-dining experience in the Glass House.
You can book your tickets to Salon Privé with total confidence with the guarantee of a full refund should the event be cancelled. And should the Government impose maximum event guest numbers which sit above its bookings, the organisers reserve the right to return monies on a last-in, first-out basis.
For tickets: 0808 100 2205; salonpriveconcours.com
