Salon Privé has added yet another accolade to its illustrious reputation, securing the coveted Motoring Spectacle title at the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2025. Announced during a glittering ceremony at the Club’s Pall Mall headquarters and hosted by broadcaster Lee McKenzie, the honour recognises UK events that deliver exemplary presentation with an unmistakable sense of theatre. In a fiercely contested category supported by RM Sotheby’s, Salon Privé emerged as the unanimous choice.
This year marked Salon Privé’s 20th anniversary, and the judging panel commended the event for refusing to rest on its legacy. Instead, it delivered what they described as its most ambitious, visually captivating and internationally resonant edition yet. In its official citation, the Royal Automobile Club praised Salon Privé for “refusing to sit on its laurels” as the 2025 showcase “grew again”, reaffirming its position as the definitive Motoring Spectacle.
A Landmark Year at Blenheim Palace
Held from 27–31 August 2025 at the storied Blenheim Palace, the anniversary edition drew a record-breaking 28,000 guests—representing a remarkable 35% increase from the previous year. The setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided an elegant frame for an event that continued to blend heritage, innovation, lifestyle and world-class automotive artistry.
One of the standout features of the 2025 edition was the debut of the Automotive Gallery, a visually striking glass pavilion constructed from 1,206 panes and spanning 4,460 square metres. Housing 44 exceptional vehicles, the structure set a new benchmark for presentation within the global automotive-event calendar, elevating the Salon Privé experience into immersive architectural theatre.
Across the wider programme, the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients attracted 60 entries from 13 nations, culminating in the Best of Show victory for an exquisite 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster. Complementary highlights included the ever-popular Concours de Vente, the Salon Privé Club Trophy by Lockton, and several eagerly anticipated global debuts—all contributing to the event’s growing international prominence.
Leadership Reflections on a Defining Achievement
For the team behind Salon Privé, the award is both an acknowledgement of two decades of passion and a celebration of the community that has shaped its evolution.
David Bagley, co-founder and Sales Director, reflected on the journey from the inaugural Concours at the Hurlingham Club to the milestone edition at Blenheim:
“Our vision has always been to create something truly special for the historic motoring community. To be recognised by the Royal Automobile Club as the Motoring Spectacle of 2025 is an incredible honour. This award reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team and partners, and we are immensely grateful to the collectors, manufacturers, sponsors and visitors who made Salon Privé 2025 the most memorable event yet.”
Chairman and co-founder Andrew Bagley echoed this sentiment, emphasising the collaborative spirit that defines the event:
“This award is a testament to the passion and expertise of everyone involved, from our judges and entrants to our partners and supporters. Salon Privé continues to grow because of the shared love of motoring that brings thousands of people together each summer. We remain committed to raising the bar and delivering experiences that celebrate the very best of our automotive world.”
Looking Ahead: A Dynamic 2026 Programme
With the 2025 season now concluded, Salon Privé is already preparing for an expansive 2026 calendar that promises new experiences while honouring long-standing traditions.
Salon Privé London will return to the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 16–18 April 2026, bringing its curated blend of supercars, luxury brands and fine dining to the capital. Later in the year, the 21st edition at Blenheim Palace will take place from 2–6 September 2026. The schedule will open with Concours judging on 2–3 September, followed by the elegance and style of Ladies’ Day by Boodles, the energy of Supercar Saturday and the relaxed celebration of Sunday.
Guests can expect new concours classes, special anniversary celebrations and enhanced hospitality as the event continues its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, culture and automotive excellence.
The Royal Automobile Club’s recognition underscores what the global motoring community already knows: Salon Privé is not merely an event—it is a stage upon which history, innovation and passion meet. In its 20th year, it has proven itself the true embodiment of a Motoring Spectacle.
