In the rarefied world of luxury events, few names carry the same weight as Salon Privé. For two decades, the quintessentially British affair has redefined what it means to celebrate automotive excellence, elegance and exclusivity. Last month marked the 20th anniversary of this car-centric pinnacle of prestige, and it delivered a spectacle more opulent, more curated and more globally coveted than ever before.

Salon Privé, named for the ‘salons’ in Paris where the European aristocracy of old would arrive in their horse-drawn carriages, began its run at London’s Hurlingham Club in 2006 before roaring over to the storied lawns of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, in 2016. Each summer, the grounds of one of England’s largest stately homes are transformed into a living gallery of the world’s most exceptional automobiles, with haute-couture-clad high society assembling to admire them. But Salon Privé is more than a car show; it’s a cultural moment – a place where collectors, connoisseurs and the quietly powerful gather to be seen, to connect and to indulge in the finer things.

Invitation to the Palace

Blenheim is no ordinary backdrop for this display of gleaming metal and fashionable living. Steeped in history, the Unesco World Heritage Site was built in the early 18th century and became the home of the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. Given this family connection, it is celebrated as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Designed by architect and dramatist Sir John Vanbrugh, the house’s Baroque grandeur and manicured gardens set the tone for a week that is as much about atmosphere as it is about automobiles. The South Lawn becomes the epicentre of elegance, where vintage Bentleys and Bugattis sit alongside the latest hypercars from Koenigsegg, Pagani and Aston Martin.

For its 20th year, the event introduced all-weather glass pavilions – called the Galleries – to house the automotive elite, ensuring that even the British skies can’t dim the dazzle. The setting is as curated as the guest list, with every detail – from the Champagne flutes to the floral installations – designed to evoke timeless sophistication.

Car Sharp

At the heart of Salon Privé lies the Concours d’Elégance, which has been sponsored by bespoke insurer Aviva Private Clients since 2021. It is the UK’s only professionally judged parade of classic cars and arguably its most prestigious. Over two days, a handpicked selection of rare and historically significant vehicles is evaluated by an international panel of experts.

Concours entries in August 2025 included a 1932 Duesenberg Model SJ from the famed US marque of that era, hailed for its supercharged engines; a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster blessed with its original red interior; and a 1964 Alpine M64. Each magnificent motor comes with a provenance as rich as its design. The 1958 Mercedes, for instance, was once owned by actress Romy Schneider, while the French-made Alpine is one of only three prototypes built for the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans race. It was then out of public view for almost five decades.

But the Concours d’Elégance isn’t just about nostalgia. The competitive parade also embraces more modern marvels, with categories for post-Second World War sports racers and pre-2000 Ferraris, as well as contemporary supercars. It’s a rare convergence of past and present, where craftsmanship and innovation are heralded in equal measure.

Global Tastemakers

Salon Privé’s allure lies not only in its exhibits but in its attendees. The event draws a discreet yet glittering crowd: high-net-worth individuals, royalty, fashion editors, motorsport legends, and collectors who arrive by helicopter or chauffeured Rolls-Royce. It’s a place where billionaires browse Bugattis, and where a chance conversation over cocktails might lead to the acquisition of a one-off Pagani or a vintage Patek Philippe watch.

This year’s 20th edition was all geared up to welcome more than 25,000 guests across five days, with some 70 percent of concours entries arriving from overseas. The international flavour was unmistakable, with judges and exhibitors hailing from Italy, Germany, the US, India and beyond.

While the automobiles are the stars, Salon Privé is equally a celebration of the luxury lifestyle. The retail village is a curated collection of the world’s finest brands – think bespoke tailoring, rare timepieces and fine art. There are even opportunities for guests to browse for helicopters, private jets and superyachts, thus keeping abreast of the latest trends in airborne and seaborne indulgence.

Dining is an experience in itself, from a gourmet buffet luncheon at the Spencer Pavilion to Michelin-level cuisine served alongside vintage Pommery Champagne at the ultra-exclusive Glass House. Afternoon tea is elevated to an art form, and the rosé flows freely from 11.30 am. VIP hospitality guests are transported back in time as they enjoy exclusive access to the Blenheim Estate via the Duke of Marlborough’s private entrance, crossing the Grand Bridge over the lake.

Daily Elegance

Each day of Salon Privé offers a distinct flavour. Always meticulously choreographed, yet effortlessly relaxed, this car-spotting extravaganza exudes a balance like no other event on the summer calendar. The Concours d’Elégance takes centre stage on Wednesday and Thursday, with daily parades and private unveilings culminating in the judging of the classic automotive talent on view. Ladies’ Day by Boodles follows on Friday, a gala of fashion and femininity where hats meet horsepower. Anticipate statement fascinators and designer heels and a chance to win a piece of Boodles jewellery.

On Supercar Saturday, the North and South Lawns become playgrounds for the UK’s top car clubs, with the Salon Privé Club Trophy awarded to the most exceptional motor present. Sunday is Supercar & Lifestyle Club Day featuring vibrant displays and live parades. This new addition for 2025 celebrates all the rich trappings of life that go hand-in-hand with owning a classic car.

Debuts & Deals

For the luxury names in motoring, Salon Privé is not just a showcase but a launchpad. The event has become a favoured venue for global debuts, with the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren choosing to present new models on the palace lawn rather than a traditional auto show. This year, unveilings from Aston Martin and Rimac were scheduled, plus a surprise debut from a new electric hypercar marque.

But what happens behind the velvet ropes is just as important. Private sales, off-market deals and insider introductions are part of the Salon Privé DNA. It’s where collectors find their next acquisition, and where brands court their most discerning clientele.

Sustainability with Style

In a nod to the future, Salon Privé 2025 was also the first automotive event globally to achieve B Corp Certification – a testament to its commitment to sustainability and ethical luxury. From carbon offsetting to locally sourced menus and eco-conscious exhibitors, the event proved that opulence and responsibility can coexist.

But Salon Privé isn’t just an event, it’s an experience. A place where time slows, where beauty is revered, and where the world’s most exquisite machines meet their match in the people who admire them. Whether you’re a collector, a curator, or simply a connoisseur of the finer things, mingling amid the metal and glass of Salon Privé is a must. Just don’t forget your sunglasses.