October 6
Spotlight On…Salon Privé
[mashshare]A 30-minute drive from Barton House, Blenheim Palace (the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill) is today home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. Boasting a long and diverse history, this masterpiece of Baroque architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.
Blenheim Palace also plays host to a wealth of events throughout the year, including one of the highlights of the summer social season; Salon Privé.
Now in its 12th year, Salon Privé is one of the longest-running and most established automotive events in the UK, and remains the only event to focus solely on the prestige sector. It is part of a global ‘Concours d’Elégance’ celebration, in which various countries across the world host exclusive classic car events.
A Concours d’Elégance (from French meaning a ‘competition of elegance’, referring to the gathering of prestigious cars) dates back to 17th-century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays. Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles.
Alongside a rich and eclectic show of classic cars, many of which are flown in by the industry’s most prolific overseas collectors for others to admire, there is also the opportunity to test-drive cars from the world’s most elite super and hyper car brands.
The idea for Salon Privé was conceived by brothers, Andrew & David Bagley, who were initially inspired by the exclusivity, elegance and ambience of early Concours. Their research took them to the US to see the wonders of Amelia Island and then to California for Monterey Week. Next stop was to the shores of Lake Como for the world-renowned Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza where they experienced a very different style to that of the existing UK & European events.
They first launched Salon Privé in 2006 at the Hurlingham Club in London. It was an immediate success and ongoing success and expansion led to a relocation 5 years later, to Syon Park. Four years later, growing demand for space meant another relocation, this time to Blenheim Palace where the event continues to attract international visitors and collectors.
Beyond the automotive wonders of Salon Privé, lies an extravagant and quintessentially English social day out for all to enjoy, with a Luxury Retail Village to explore, as well as Champagne, Lobster Luncheon and Afternoon Tea.
Salon Privé takes place from 31st August to 2nd September 2017
For more information and tickets, please see https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/