ENTRIES OPEN FOR SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS 2026, FOLLOWING SHOWSTOPPING ANNIVERSARY EVENT
The 21st edition returns to Blenheim Palace next September, with competitive line‑up that will celebrate Bristol Cars
Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, has opened entries for the 2026 edition of its celebrated Concours by Aviva Private Clients.
The Salon Privé Concours will return to the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September 2026, marking the 21st running of the world‑class celebration. Recognised as the only professionally judged multi-marque Concours in the UK, Salon Privé is hoping to once again attract some of the world’s most exceptional privately-owned cars.
For 2026, the organisers have promised their most spectacular show-field yet, which will welcome exceptional classic and modern supercars from around the world to compete across a variety of classes. Categories will include the traditional Pre‑war and Post‑war Open and Closed, Sports Racers, Ferraris and Evolution of the Supercar.
To coincide with 80 years of Bristol Cars, Salon Privé 2026 will honour the uniquely British marque, with a special anniversary Concours class. As one of the most renowned names in British coachbuilding and automotive engineering, the Bristol Cars class will showcase the diversity of Bristol’s output.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co‑founder of Salon Privé, commented: “We are inviting Concours examples from the Bristol back catalogue stretching all the way to 1946 and are honoured to announce a dedicated class celebrating the 80th anniversary of Bristol Cars. As one of Britain’s most charismatic marques, we look forward to welcoming outstanding examples to Blenheim Palace, and to sharing the celebration with owners and enthusiasts alike.”
Bristol Motors grew out of the Bristol Aeroplane Company after the Second World War and produced its first car, the Bristol 400, in 1946. Bristol created a reputation for producing exquisitely engineered, limited-edition, hand‑built grand tourers, which began popular with celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. From the early 400, 401 and 403 to the later V8‑powered Bristol’s and V10-powered Fighter, each Bristol combined performance with understated British luxury.
In addition to the Concours class that will include impeccable condition cars from private collections and marque specialists, Bristol Cars will be showcasing their new models within the Salon Privé Automotive Gallery.
Jason Wharton, Executive Chairman of Bristol Cars, said: “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. We are excited to celebrate the past and preview the future of Bristol with the discerning audience that Salon Privé attracts.”
The Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients will open the five-day automotive garden party event at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, beginning Wednesday 2nd September.
In August 2025 a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen (image above) drove off with Best of Show at this year’s Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients. Sixty cars, more than half of which were international entries from 13 countries, competed for the envied Best of Show Award, spanned 12 classes including Pre European GTs, Coachbuilding by HJ Mulliner and Supercar Pin-ups of the 80s and 90s. Shown by The Auriga Collection, from Germany, the Mercedes-Benz formed part of the Pre-war Open class and won after judges decided its Long Tail and high door design, with sweeping coachwork was too much to not be awarded the top honour.
Runner Up and The People’s Choice Award for the 2025 Salon Privé Concours went to 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé “Super Fast” Prototype by Pinin Farina, shown by world-renowned collector, Anne Brockinton Lee. The first restoration by Anne since the passing of her husband, Robert M. Lee, the Ferrari is one of four special bodied prototypes for the Superamerica and the only 410 Superamerica Prototype by Pinin Farina.
Andrew added: “After an unforgettable 20th anniversary Concours, it's wonderful to round out the year by opening entries for our 21st edition Salon Privé. We attracted so many exquisite and diverse show cars from across the globe in 2025, and we’re already well on the way to making next year our biggest and most exciting event yet.”
For more information or to enter the Concours Click here
