SALON PRIVÉ
Written by Andre James
Salon Privé reaffirmed its position as Britain’s most exclusive automotive garden party following three-days of events held this past August on the cricket pitch and lawns at Blenheim Palace, the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and the only nonroyal country house in England to hold the title of palace.
First day Salon Privé guests were able to revel in the event’s unique, relaxed atmosphere and stunning Palace backdrop, while admiring many of the finest motorcars and bikes in the world. More than 50 cars, 17 of them international entries, and 20 motorcycles, were graded during the day as part of the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance by an expert panel of 17 judges, chaired by five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. The Best of Show Trophy was awarded to a 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, with a 1937 Delage D8-120 and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura S rounding out the top three.
In addition to the Concours d’Elégance, visitors ogled many of the finest and fastest modern supercars and hypercars, some being seen in public on British shores for the first time. Included on this rarified roster was the new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the highperformance Brabham BT62, the Aston Martins DBS Superleggera, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, a fully exposed black carbon fiber Bugatti Chiron, and the Dendrobium D-1 electric hypercar.
A champagne and lobster luncheon awaited patrons in attendance at the popular Boodles Ladies’ Day. Fourteen of the most fashionable guests were chosen to vie for the Best Hat award, presented by Jane Taylor, Creative Director and Founder of Jane Taylor London. The finalists were given the opportunity to be passengers in Concours’ entrants cars as part of the Final Parade at Salon Privé.
Rounding out the event was the Concours Masters, a more relaxed version of a traditionally-judged Concours. The 2018 rendition paid tribute to Porsche’s 70th anniversary year. The overall Owner’s Choice Award was presented to a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup, just one of just 150 examples built.
The 14th edition of Salon Privé is scheduled for September 5-7, 2019.
For more information:
visit salonpriveconcours.com
