Over five memorable days at Blenheim Palace, this year's Salon Privé Week mixed established favorites such as the Concours d'Elegance presented by Aviva with exciting new elements such as Salon Privé TIME featuring the finest watchmakers world, the breathtaking Red Collection and the return of live action to Blenheim Palace on the 'Hill Sprint'.
The Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance presented by Aviva opened its doors this Wednesday.As one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world, it is a partner competition of the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best and includes a panel of ICJAG judges, all renowned experts in their respective brands.
The coveted Best of Show award was announced on Ladies Day presented by Boodles on Friday, September 3, and was given to a unique 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A. The majestic 1930s titan was part of hotly contested pre-war Tourers class. which lined up directly in front of Blenheim Palace. The category winners included the very first Triumph motorcycle ever made, the famous lightweight, low-drag Jaguar E-Type which was raced at the time by Peter Lindner and Peter Nöcker, a very original ex-Ford France GT40 and a beautifully restored SS 100 3½. Liter.
An esteemed panel of automotive design chief judges have awarded the Churchill Cup for most outstanding design to a 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta. celebrated design and elegance, with a jury comprising automotive designers Ian Callum and Fabrizio Giugiaro, led by chief judge and five-time Le Mans winning legend Derek Bell.
An Aston Martin DB2 which took part in the 1956 Monte Carlo Rally won two awards - the Preservation Award and the People's Choice - while the event's host, the Duke of Marlborough, picked his favorites on two and four wheels.He presented the car prize to a 1949 Hooper & Co Bentley Mk VI Light Touring Saloon, owned by Mr Yohan Poonawalla, while the motorcycle prize went to the 1901 Triumph Minerva motorcycle .
Wednesday also saw the grand unveiling of an all-new feature for 2021, "The Red Collection". Shown on the historic cricket ground of Blenheim Palace and featuring a Ferrari 250 GTO centrepiece, the 4399 GT chassis was redesigned by the factory before the 1964 season, using the updated "Series 2" body style. It was surrounded by a carefully curated selection of exceptional cars, including a 1927 Amilcar C6, the Best of Show of last year, the 1931 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider, the world's only original red McLaren F1, and a 2009 Pagani Zonda F Clubsport.
Saturday was exclusively for premium brand car clubs, with the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton. A number of significant anniversaries were celebrated, including half centuries for the spectacular Italian Lamborghini Countach trio , Ferrari 365 GT/4 BB and Maserati Bora. A Manufacturer's Award and a Secretary's Award went to one car from each of the Owners Clubs, but the top prize, the Lockton Club Trophy, went to a fabulous Rolls -Royce Silver Wraith from 1953.
Sunday proved to be a spectacular conclusion to Salon Privé Week thanks to the addition of yet another new addition. Classic & Supercar Day was open to the public, and enthusiasts flocked to Blenheim Palace to rejoice in the return rally cars on site for the first time since the heyday of RAC Rally. Group B, Group A and WRC machines were showcased on a course from North Gates to the Vanbrugh Grand Bridge, with the commentary by racing driver and host Tiff Needell, alongside brothers and organizers Andrew and David Bagley.
As well as an exceptional collection of rarely seen cars driven by world champions - such as the ex-Carlos Sainz Ford Focus WRC and Subaru Impreza in which Juha Kankkunen took his final victory at the highest level - there was a tribute to Richard Burns on the 20th anniversary of the late Englishman's title success in 2001. The Subaru Impreza in which Burns won the championship in a final showdown with rival Colin McRae was part of the lineup.
A spectacular selection of supercars and classics, including a number of UK and world firsts, such as the Touring Superleggera Arese RH95, the incredible McLaren Elva rolling down the hill, finishing with a cavalcade of Jaguar E-types to celebrate 60 years of the famous British sports car.
Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: “This was our most ambitious event yet, with a number of exciting new features over the week and it was a spectacular success. demonstration at The Red Collection, it was a reflection of our passion to continue to innovate and look to the future, and we are delighted that it has been so well received. The week began with some of the biggest global brands showcasing new debuts, a world-class Concours d'Elegance and culminating in the first Salon Privé Hill Sprint – we couldn't have asked for better.'
And enthusiasts won't have to wait until next September for the next installment, thanks to the announcement of a brand new Salon Privé event 'The Chelsea Edition', coming to London in April 2022.
