Salon Privé concluded its 21st edition at Blenheim Palace with more than 30,000 visitors, a new two-tier Best of Show format and confirmation that the concours will return September 1–5, 2027.
The most significant change for 2026 came on the concours lawn, where Salon Privé expanded its traditional competition to formally recognize modern collector cars alongside established classics. For the first time, two separate Best of Show awards were presented, with a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S taking the Concours d’Elégance honor and a 1995 McLaren F1 becoming the inaugural winner of the new Concours d’Excellence.
The Miura, owned by Amir Ravan and the RLC Collection, competed in The Italian Job – 60 Years of the Lamborghini Miura, a class marking six decades since Lamborghini introduced its landmark mid-engine road car. Terry Bramall’s McLaren F1 came from Poster Cars – Icons from Our Youth, one of the concours classes created to recognize limited-production supercars and hypercars that have become increasingly important within the collector market.
The addition of the Concours d’Excellence effectively gives Salon Privé two top-level competitions: the established Concours d’Elégance for traditional collector cars and a parallel award for significant modern machinery. The McLaren F1 therefore becomes the first car to hold the latter title.
FIVE DAYS AT BLENHEIM PALACE
Salon Privé 2026 drew more than 30,000 visitors across its five-day run, including a sold-out Saturday. Alongside the concours, the event incorporated its Automotive Manufacturer’s Gallery, Ladies’ Day and weekend club and supercar gatherings.
Manufacturers and specialists also used the event for UK debuts and new-car presentations. Lamborghini, BRABUS, Polestar, Electrogenic, Koenigsegg and Giamaro Automobili were among the companies represented as the show continued to mix its traditional concours element with contemporary supercars, coachbuilt projects, restorations and EVs.
The separate Concours de Vente again featured collector cars offered for sale by specialist dealers and restorers. A judging panel that included Richard Hammond awarded the Prix d’Honneur to a 1994 Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype presented by Furlonger Specialist Cars. A 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL from Bruce Greatham Classic Benz finished runner-up.
Weekend awards extended beyond the main concours field. A 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster owned by Dr. Kotecha and presented by Porsche Club Great Britain received Saturday’s Salon Privé Club Trophy. The car is one of 19 right-hand-drive Speedsters produced.
Sunday’s Lifestyle Club Trophy went to Mitchell Orchant for a 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante displayed as part of the Drivers Union gathering.
SALON PRIVÉ RETURNS IN 2027
With the 2026 event concluded, organizers have confirmed dates for all three of Salon Privé’s principal UK events in 2027.
The Sloane Street Concours will return to London on Saturday, April 10, followed five days later by Salon Privé London at the Royal Hospital Chelsea from April 15–17.
The main Salon Privé concours then returns to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from Wednesday, September 1 through Sunday, September 5, 2027. It will be the 22nd edition of an event that has evolved from a traditional concours into a broader five-day program encompassing historic cars, modern collector machinery, manufacturer displays and owners’ clubs.
The introduction of the Concours d’Excellence may prove the more consequential change from this year’s event. Rather than incorporating newer supercars into the established concours hierarchy, Salon Privé has created a separate top honor for them, acknowledging the increasingly blurred line between traditional classics and the limited-production performance cars now commanding significant attention from collectors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Event: Salon Privé Blenheim
Location: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, England
2027 Dates: September 1–5, 2027
Salon Privé London: April 15–17, 2027
Sloane Street Concours: April 10, 2027
2026 Attendance: More than 30,000
Concours d’Elégance Best of Show: 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S
Concours d’Excellence Best of Show: 1995 McLaren F1
Concours de Vente Prix d’Honneur: 1994 Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype
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