Entries Now Open for SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026 as Iconic 21st Edition Returns to Blenheim Palace
The SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026 is officially open for entries, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the most anticipated editions in the event’s storied history. Following a spectacular anniversary celebration in 2025, Salon Privé is preparing to return to Blenheim Palace next September with a competitive field that will pay special tribute to the legendary Bristol Cars brand.
Salon Privé: A British Motoring Tradition
Founded more than two decades ago, Salon Privé has evolved into the UK’s most prestigious automotive event, renowned for blending world-class motoring culture with the refinement of an English garden party. Held annually at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, the event attracts collectors, enthusiasts, historians, and the world’s most exclusive automotive marques.
The 2026 edition marks the 21st anniversary of Salon Privé, taking place from Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th September 2026. Over five days, guests can enjoy hallmark experiences including:
- Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients
- Ladies’ Day by Boodles
- Supercar Saturday
- Supercar Sunday
- Exclusive driving tours
Across its history, Salon Privé has celebrated craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage, cementing its reputation as an unmissable event for connoisseurs of luxury and automotive excellence.
A Competitive Line-Up for 2026
The SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026 will take centre stage on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September 2026. As the UK’s only professionally judged multi-marque Concours, the event continues to attract some of the world’s most exceptional privately-owned cars.
Organisers have revealed plans for the most spectacular show field to date, gathering rare classic icons and contemporary supercars from across the globe. Competition classes will include:
- Pre-war Open and Closed
- Post-war Open and Closed
- Sports Racers
- Ferraris
- Evolution of the Supercar
Each category showcases automotive excellence, engineering mastery, and design evolution—elements that define Salon Privé’s enduring appeal.
Celebrating 80 Years of Bristol Cars
One of the standout features of the SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026 will be a dedicated class honouring the 80th anniversary of Bristol Cars, one of Britain’s most distinctive and storied marques.
“We are inviting Concours examples from the Bristol back catalogue stretching all the way to 1946,” said Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé. “It is an honour to celebrate Bristol’s 80th anniversary with a dedicated class, and we look forward to welcoming extraordinary examples to Blenheim Palace.”
Emerging from the Bristol Aeroplane Company following WWII, Bristol Cars introduced its first model—the Bristol 400—in 1946, setting a precedent for hand-built, exquisitely engineered grand tourers. Bristol vehicles became synonymous with understated luxury and technical precision, attracting notable owners, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. From early models such as the 401 and 403 to later V8 machines and the striking V10-powered Fighter, each Bristol embodied a unique fusion of aeronautical engineering and British refinement.
Alongside the Concours competitors, Bristol Cars will showcase new models within the Salon Privé Automotive Gallery.
Jason Wharton, Executive Chairman of Bristol Cars, added:
“As we prepare for Bristol’s 80th anniversary, it’s a privilege to see our marque recognised by Salon Privé. Our Vision 8.0 roadmap is all about reimagining Bristol for a new generation while honouring its hand-built, aeronautical heritage.”
Highlights from the 2025 Concours
The 2025 Salon Privé Concours set an exceptionally high bar for SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026. A 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen claimed Best of Show, emerging from a pool of 60 remarkable vehicles—more than half of which were international entries from 13 countries.
The striking long-tail, high-door design, presented by The Auriga Collection of Germany, captivated judges in the Pre-war Open class and secured its place as the standout winner of the year.
The Runner-Up, and also the winner of The People’s Choice Award, was the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé “Super Fast” Prototype by Pinin Farina, shown by renowned collector Anne Brockinton Lee. The car is notable as one of only four prototype bodies created for the Superamerica, and the only example bodied by Pinin Farina. It also marked Anne’s first restoration project following the passing of her husband, Robert M. Lee.
Reflecting on the milestone event, Andrew Bagley noted:
“After an unforgettable 20th anniversary Concours, we are delighted to open entries for our 21st edition. With extraordinary cars already lining up for 2026, we expect our most exciting event yet.”
Looking Ahead to SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026
The Concours by Aviva Private Clients will officially open the five-day garden party next September, once again transforming Blenheim Palace into a celebration of motoring excellence, heritage, and innovation.
Collectors and enthusiasts interested in entering their vehicles into the SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026 can find full details at:
www.salonpriveconcours.com
