A beautiful event in a beautiful setting with fine-dining, champagne, spectacular cars and likeminded people, Salon Privé offers an unforgettable experience with a unique and timeless approach – Salon Privé
Salon Privé set in the beautiful Oxfordshire Countryside celebrated the events 15th year at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill now home to His Grace, The Duke of Malborough. A prestigious event which impresses each year.
This VIP event displays the finest of classic and modern supercars and is spread across five days.
Salon Privé Week 2020
22nd September – Closed Media VIP Day
23rd September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance by AXA
24th September – Salon Privé Ladies’ Day by Boodles
25th September – Salon Privé Masters by Pirelli and Lockton
26th September – Salon Privé Classic & Supercar featuring The Salon Privé Club Trophy
This luxurious automotive garden party is organised by brothers Andrew & David Bagley set across 2,000 acres of British Countryside. A luxurious elite event with with a Royal backdrop set in the glorious Blenheim Palace. An honour to be invited, and a vocal point on SheHearts that is for sure!
Manufacturers from around the world will be in attendance, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren and Rolls-Royce, with displays showcasing everything from reborn rally legends to next generation hypercars. The result of this unique cocktail of displays, luxury brands and exquisite hospitality is the UK’s most exclusive motor show. -Salon Privé
Salon Privé is quite possibly one of the most exclusive events to attend if you’re a fan of Classic & Modern Cars, Fine Dining, Fashion and Luxury Lifestyle. There truly is something for everyone.
“We’re honoured to be hosting so many world and European debuts, many of which are yet to be announced! So many brands have turned to Salon Privé to launch their new models, and the dedicated Media VIP Day will provide an intimate and exclusive opportunity for manufacturers and coach-builders to unveil their latest models.” David Bagley
Imagine an elite crowd with Michelin starred food prepared by chef Phil Howard, free flowing Pommery Champagne with Blenheim Palace as the backdrop whilst admiring beautiful automobiles.
Quintessentially English and set against the backdrop of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ with Lobster and Pommery Champagne, it is a very special blend of Concours competition entwined with entertainment -Andrew Bagley, Concours Chairman
This year’s Salon Privé Week attracted some of the world’s greatest cars to the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace from 22-26 September, including a record number of entries for the prestigious Concours d’Elégance presented by AXA – Salon Privé
If you can dream it, you can do it Enzo Ferrari
Everyone dreams of driving a Ferrari, it was my intent from the start -Enzo Ferrari
SALON PRIVÉ Concours d’Elégance by AXA
A rainy day doesn’t keep the triumphant cars at bay, a showcase of beautiful classic and modern cars lined up outside of the Champagne Pommery tent was quite literally a feast for the eyes.
This year’s Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by AXA will include some of the most revered cars from across motoring history. From revolutionary veterans and stylish post-vintage thoroughbreds to famous post-war competition cars, the line-up is set to provide a welcome challenge to the concours judges – led by ICJAG President of the Jury Ed Gilbertson – on the finely manicured lawns of Blenheim Palace. -Andrew Bagley
Gazing at luxurious automobiles whilst sipping on stunning velvety champagne in front of Blenheim Palace is always a true luxury, not to mention the kind hospitality from staff.
Every year, we welcome the world’s greatest cars to Blenheim Palace, and 2020 is going to be no different. Not only will the finest marques in automotive history be represented in the Concours d’Elégance, we will be showcasing rare – and in some cases unique – cars that have never been seen before on these shores. Our chosen specialists and marque experts will really have their work cut out with the judging process.” -Andrew Bagley
This VIP event it not one to be missed. To see such stunning cars showcased whilst you dine on five star cuisine whilst drinking vintage champagne is a true pleasure.
The Concours d’Elégance presented by AXA dominated proceedings on Wednesday and attracted a record number of entries. An ex-Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider by Zagato that was raced in period by Tazio Nuvolari claimed the coveted Best of Show Award, while Class Winners included a 1988 Porsche 962 and a 1974 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 TT12 in the new Milestones of Endurance Racing Classes. -Salon Privé
Boodles Ladies Day
Hats of all shapes and sizes are matched with stunning summer outfits as the ladies take centre stage for the last party of the Summer. As always, it’s a fun, intimate and relaxing dining experience with Luncheon, Pommery Champagne and Afternoon Tea later in the day, as well as a beautiful selection of Boodles jewellery, to try on and luxury brands to browse and purchase.
Boodles Ladies Day is one of a kind, showcasing the finest of jewellery set amongst a Royal Automotive Event. A particular favourite was the new ‘The Secret Garden’ collection from Boodles Jewellery. Delicate and Refined with unique sparkle. The showcase on display was eye-catching and a favourite for ones who opt for dainty and refined jewellery such as myself.
‘Just like sunshine’ – Rebecca Hawkins, Boodles Head of Design
Via Boodles.com
The true essence of Boodles has always been true elegance, and the mesh of luxurious texture and definition transported you to a place which you can only dream about. Luxury with a fairytale twist.
Trying on fine jewellery in a setting of stunning cars, enjoying a moorish lunch and afternoon tea is certainly memorable come rain or shine! ‘Hats off’ to all involved, they have performed a spectacular job. Magnificent in all its glory. It was wonderful to meet with fellow members of the press to enjoy a delicious lunch together also in the Champagne Pommery Tent.
Fine Dining & Pommery Champagne
Fine dining, exquisite cars and a beautiful Palace go hand in hand when aspiring to create the ultimate experience and it doesn’t get much better than this – Andrew and David Bagley.
The food at Salon Privé was superb and to a Michelin standard provided by Michelin starred chef Phil Howard. There were hampers to choose from, From the Sea, From the Farm, From the Land, From the Garden.
The food was superb and enjoyed dining with friends enjoying fresh Lobster, Prawns, moorish salads, vegan delights, truly something for everyone.
Favourites were the From the Sea option Butter Poached Lobster and Prawn Salad with Rocket, along with Fresh crab, Confit Lemon and Brown Shrimp with brandy and crème fraiche. Another highlight had to be the Dukkha Spiced Butternut, Tenderstem, Beetroot salsa and Spinach from the garden selection.
The afternoon tea as always was spectacular especially the Smoked salmon, cream cheese and watercress tart, Scones with clotted cream and Strawberry Jam and a Selection of Brownies.
You also had the opportunity to dine in The Glass House also photographed above.
SALON PRIVÉ Masters by Pirelli & Lockdown
The UK public debut of the new Ghost will headline the Rolls-Royce presence at this year’s Salon Privé. The most technologically advanced model ever designed by the iconic marque is set to be unveiled in the suitably luxurious surroundings of Blenheim Palace -David Bagley
It was an honour to meet the Rolls-Royce team who gave me a private tour of one of their new exclusive models the Ghost .
The UK public debut of the new Ghost will headline the Rolls-Royce presence at this year’s Salon Privé. The most technologically advanced model ever designed by the iconic marque is set to be unveiled in the suitably luxurious surroundings of Blenheim Palace, while two of the most coveted cars from its long and illustrious history will star in the Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by AXA.
This year’s event was a celebration of the supercar and its evolution from the Lamborghini Miura of the 1960s to the engineering masterpieces of the 21st century; class winners included a 1995 McLaren F1 and a 2009 Bugatti Veyron. -Salon Privé
After a triumphant time in Woodstock the curtain closed on Salon Privé 2020.
The Duke of Marlborough Award went to a 1987 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC, and the Owners’ Choice was selected not by a panel of judges, but by the entrants themselves with the honours going to a spectacular 1979 BMW M1, one of the rarest BMW production cars ever built fitted with Procar-style bodywork. This particular example was owned new by Franz Farian founding member and the voice behind the 1970s pop group and disco sensation ‘Boney M’. Salon Privé
My brother David and I would like to thank our Patron, His Grace The Duke of Marlborough, the Blenheim Palace Operations Team, our incredible sponsors, automotive exhibitors, caterers, suppliers and our superb Salon Privé team for staging a world-class event in the most difficult of times. With an event 45% larger in physical size than last year, and some 93 entries in the Concours d’Elégance by AXA versus 61 last year, Salon Privé was able to raise its game this year beyond our wildest dreams. We’re very much looking forward to returning to the lawns of Blenheim Palace in 2021 on our traditional earlier dates of 1-4 September. -Andrew Bagley
What do you think of Salon Privé 2020 judging from the photographs above?
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks so much for reading
Laura xo
