Thursday 31 August 2023.

Wednesday 30 August 2023...11.30am to 5.30pm...opening day... Wed 30 Aug to Sat 02 Sept - SALON PRIVE presents Concours d’Elégance at Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is in the glorious countryside location of Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Celebrating 18 consecutive years of the Concours d’Elégance in 2023, Salon Privé offers an experience for entrants that is truly second-to-none. Gathered on the South Lawn will be the finest collection of classic automobiles available in the UK. Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future. Welcoming more than 100 stunning cars across carefully curated classes, the Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva has something for all. Treasured relics from the Edwardian era will return to Britain’s Greatest Palace, joined by some of the rarest and most valuable grand tourers, classic sports racers, era-defining icons and racing legends, alongside the world’s most jaw-dropping supercars and concepts from the present and future. An opportunity to witness manufacturers World, European and UK debuts. As a Concours, the reputation of Salon Privé precedes it, with no other event in the UK rivalling the sensational venue, hospitality, brands on display and show-stopping array of classic cars. It’s also a day of spectacular debuts with the manufacturers unveiling their latest models to the media early in the morning before they too are paraded across the stage for the official opening parade. Here are some quick highlights of what to expect.... Automotive Brands: Alpine A110 San Remo, Aston Martin DB12 Volante, Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure, Clive Sutton Shelby Cobra, Electrogenic 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, Ferrari Purosangue & Roma Spider, Lamborghini Revuelto & Sterrato, Lotus Eletre & i4 Emira, MST Cars 6R4, Theon 911, Totem GT-Electric and more…………….. Luxury Brands: 30 plus brands with boats, helicopters, motorbikes, fashion, accessories, sunglasses, jewellery, antiques, art, sculpture and much more – definitely something for everyone! Morning and afternoon parades Concours Class Winners announcement in the afternoon Wednesday to Friday are tickets with hospitality only days which includes lunch, afternoon tea and all day Pommery champagne......Saturday is general admission to the public. This stunning venue is on the outskirts of Oxford...Lots of car parking space. Trains to Oxford then a 30 mins bus ride or taxi. www.salonpriveconcours.com - Buy tickets here. ----------- The splendour of Blenheim Place was basking in sunshine for the 18th edition of Salon Privé Week. Even before we get into the stunning venue, well over a hundred incredible cars lined up the driveway leading up to the Duke of Marlborough stately home. Salon Privé sure know how to do it is style. The four-day automotive and lifestyle garden party is like no other, and this year was no exception. They had rolled out the red carpet for historic cars, classic cars and supercars - many manufacturers and brands had chosen to use the event as a platform for making World and UK debuts. One of the special feature displays 'The Yellow Collection' included 16 automotive icons led by a stunning 1965 Ferrari 250 LM that famously led the Le Mans 24 Hours for 23 hours - before suffering a puncture, leaving its sister car to take the win (fortunately, it still finished second) Like all other cars in the line-up, it is resplendent in bright yellow - with the total collection valued at an incredible £30 million. With a range of manufacturers to choose from including Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alpine, Rolls Royce, Lotus, McLaren, Audi (to name but a few), on display, there was plenty to marvel at. Whilst we were there, judging was under way for the world-class Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva, one of the judges being Jamie Blandford, the Current Duke of Marlborough who resides at Blenheim Palace. 50 of the World's most desirable classic cars were all vying for the 'Best in Show' award, with categories including Pioneering Motor Cars, Pre-War Sports, Sports Racers and Supercar Icons. Several landmark anniversaries were also being celebrated, too. The Porsche 356 - Where it all Began celebrates 75 years of Porsche, and special anniversary classes for both Lamborghini and McLaren. As judges went over vehicles with fine toothcombs, many owners were proudly on hand to talk about their beloved vehicles and history. I subsequently found out that the 'Best in Show' was awarded the following day to a stunning 1937 Bugatti Type 57S owned by JCB's Lord Bamford! As you would come to expect from Salon Privé, there was a luxury retail village displaying the latest boats, helicopters, motorbikes, jewellery, art, sculptures and much more. Naturally, all was complemented by the world-famous Salon Privé hospitality, including fabulous cuisine and free-flowing Pommery Champagne. A personal highlight was seeing and hearing all the cars start up their engines for the daily parade which featured live commentary by aficionado's. Our schedule included witnessing 6 new automotive launches, 7 brand presentations, a fabulous Supercars Manufacturers Parade the Concours Parade, plus full hospitality, Pommery champagne throughout the day. It was an excellent day out, oozing class and style. Now I just need to get the right six numbers on my lottery ticket so I can get my cheque book out. --------- Their sister event in London at The Royal Hospital , Chelsea returns 18-20 April 2024.

Posted 30th August 2023