At this year’s Salon Privé Concours, held at the resplendent Blenheim Palace, the essence of automotive history was on full display as some of the most iconic vehicles spanning nearly 110 years were honored with top awards. Presented by Aviva Private Clients, the event showcased a remarkable array of classic and vintage cars, each telling its own story of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.
The prestigious Duke of Marlborough Award was bestowed upon a 1993 Lamborghini Diablo, a supercar that remains a symbol of 1990s automotive excess and performance. Entered by Lars Nielsen, this particular Diablo, finished in the striking shade of Diablo Rosso, stood out not just for its vibrant hue but for its impeccable restoration to original specification. With matching numbers and its factory color scheme, this Marcello Gandini-designed masterpiece represents one of the finest examples of the V12-engined supercar, a true testament to Lamborghini’s legacy.
Equally captivating was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award, a 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with a storied past that traces back to the early days of American automotive production. Built at Rolls-Royce’s Springfield, Massachusetts factory, this Silver Ghost was originally delivered to Penn Motors in June 1924, adorned with an enclosed Pickwick town-car body. It was later purchased by Robert M Stein of Baltimore, who, in 1926, commissioned a transformation that saw the car return to Springfield for the fitting of Pall Mall tourer coachwork. This rare dual-cowl configuration, restored by LaVine Restorations in 2022-23, earned second place in its class at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and remains one of only two surviving examples of its kind. Entered by Jack Boyd-Smith Jnr, this Silver Ghost epitomizes the elegance and durability for which Rolls-Royce is famed.
Perhaps the most storied vehicle at this year’s Salon Privé was the 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V by Mulliner Park Ward, a car that once belonged to music legend John Lennon. Awarded the George Barry Gregory Trophy for the Most Iconic vehicle, this Phantom V has a history as colorful as its famous owner. Initially delivered to Patrick Barthropp and registered as PPB1, the car was sold to Lennon in 1967, who promptly had it resprayed in white and customized with a Webasto roof, a Philips record player, an 8-track, a telephone, and a television. Inside, the seats were covered in white calico, a testament to Lennon and Yoko Ono’s desire to avoid using animal hides. This car not only ferried one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians but also starred in the Beatles’ film Let It Be and the Mick Jagger-led film Performance. After being sold to Allen Klein, the Beatles’ manager at the time, the Phantom V has remained within the Klein family, with Jody Klein entering it into this year’s Salon Privé.
“The cars that have very deservedly won these three awards highlight the sheer variety of this year’s Concours entry,” said Salon Privé Chairman Andrew Bagley. “The standard was so high that it made choosing a winner in each category particularly difficult, but the Silver Ghost and Diablo are truly special cars – and you don’t get much more iconic than an ex-John Lennon Rolls-Royce.”
The 2024 Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients marked a record-setting year for the event, with 72 cars entered across 14 distinct classes. These categories ranged from popular pre-war selections to celebrations of legendary marques like Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari. Fan favorites included the “Legendary Liveries” class, which featured iconic color schemes such as the Silk Cut Jaguar XJR 8/9, the Alitalia Lancia Stratos HF, and the 555 Subaru Impreza WRC97. Additionally, a special class was introduced to honor the 60th anniversary of the Ferrari 275.
The stunning vehicles were showcased on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace, with entries hailing from as far as the USA, Thailand, and New Zealand. Judged by a panel of international experts, all entries were scrutinized by the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAG). Notably, Salon Privé is one of only four ICJAG Plus-designated events in the world and the only one hosted in the UK.
As the echoes of revving engines and the gleam of polished chrome fade from the South Lawn, this year’s Salon Privé Concours will be remembered as a celebration of automotive artistry, where history, design, and innovation converged to create an unforgettable event.
