Princess Grace Irish Library – Monaco
One of the most special cultural jewels of Monaco, is the beautiful Princess Grace Irish Library (PGIL). A loving tribute...
Salon Privé is without doubt, the most glamorous and exclusive automotive garden party of the season. This year, the 21st edition, we were again treated to an action-packed five days, during which we were able to view an extraordinary collection of special displays, celebrating iconic marques, legendary engineering and some of the rarest cars ever created. All set against the exquisite backdrop of Blenheim Palace.
An event which is attended by approximately 30,000 guests, there is something for all. The world-class Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients with seventy cars spanning the last 100 years competed for the coveted Best of Show Award across 12 Classes, including The Golden Age of Motoring, 100 Years of Carrozzeria Touring, Passione Ferrari and Hypercar Heaven.
The competition continued with Salon Prive’s unique Concours de Vente, which culminated on Supercar Sunday and the Lifestyle Club Day which saw former Top Gear presenter, Richard Hammond, return as a judge.
The Lamborghini Miura P400 S triumphed to take home esteemed Best of Show Concours d’Elégance, whilst the McLaren F1 became first ever winner of Best of Show Concours d’Excellence. The two Best of Show winners made this the first ever double crowning moment in the Concours’ 21-year history. Andrew Bagley, co-founder and Chairman of Salon Privé, said:
“The standard of cars on the competition field this year has been incredible, and I think our two winners demonstrate just how much the collector car world has evolved.
“Introducing the Concours d’Excellence Award was a big step for us this year. The great classics will always be at the heart of the Salon Privé Concours, but there’s no question that modern supercars and hypercars are now hugely important to collectors too, and they deserve to be recognised in their own right.”
Among the 70 exceptional cars that competed for the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients Best of Show was an Armstrong-Siddeley Special Six, Maserati 8C 3000, Alfa Romeo Sprint Berlinetta, a very early Porsche 356 Split Window Coupé, Aston Martin DB3S, Bizzarrini 5300GT, Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet, Bugatti EB110 Prototype, Aston Martin Valiant Prototype and the extraordinary Bugatti Bolide, one of just 40 produced worldwide.
But it’s never just about the cars. Ladies’ Day by Boodles, is arguably the most glamorous day of Salon Privé. The best hat competition, celebrating the best in statement millinery, was judged and presented by Boodles. There was also the best dressed man, recognising sharp tailoring, which was judged and presented by Clements and Church.
Pommery Champagne, alongside the best in fine dining added to the garden party atmosphere, and exclusive boutique shopping, including fine art and jewellery, could be found in the luxury village.
Once again, Salon Privé was a spectacular display of rare hypercars, supercars and classic cars, either in motion or all set across the palace lawns amidst the most majestic setting. There is really no other event quite like it!
The next Salon Privé will run from 1 September – 5 September 2027.
For further information, please visit: www.salonpriveconcours.com
Images: Salon Privé and Chris Cooper, ShotAway.
