The manicured lawns of Blenheim Palace provided the perfect stage for what can only be described as motoring’s most sophisticated gathering. This year marked the 20th anniversary of Salon Privé, and the organisers delivered an event that combined the grandeur of Winston Churchill’s birthplace with an assembly of the world’s most coveted automobiles.

We found ourselves immersed in an experience that transcends the typical motor show format. From the moment we approached the palace gates, it became clear this was something altogether different – a carefully curated celebration where automotive artistry meets aristocratic setting. The event stretched across four days, each offering distinct pleasures for the dedicated enthusiast.

The Crown Jewel Collection

The centrepiece of any Concours d’Elegance lies in its judging, and this year’s victors proved worthy of their prestigious setting. The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen claimed the coveted Best in Show award, selected from a field of 60 exceptional entries across 12 distinct classes.

This particular example, part of the German-based Auriga Collection, demonstrated why only 12 such vehicles were ever constructed. The sweeping coachwork and elongated proportions create a visual drama that remains unmatched even by contemporary standards. Having remained hidden from public view since its Pebble Beach victory in 1997, its reappearance at Blenheim felt genuinely momentous.

The runner-up position went to Anne Brockington Lee’s 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé ‘Super Fast’ prototype, which also secured the People’s Choice award. The two-tone paintwork and distinctive fins created an aesthetic that felt both period-correct and surprisingly modern. We spent considerable time examining the Pinin Farina coachwork, noting how the subtle details elevated the entire composition.

Contemporary Automotive Innovation

The McLaren W1 commanded attention throughout the weekend, representing Britain’s latest contribution to the hypercar hierarchy. Following the lineage of the F1, P1, and Senna, this latest creation from Woking delivers 1,258bhp through its hybrid V8 powertrain. The estimated 220mph top speed and 5.8-second sprint to 124mph place it firmly among the world’s most capable machines.

We appreciated how McLaren’s designers opted for sharper, more aggressive lines compared to their previous Ultimate Series models. The papaya and black livery created visual drama without overwhelming the underlying form. This marked only the second public appearance for the W1, lending an air of exclusivity to proceedings.

The AC Cobra GT Roadster provided a masterclass in automotive revival. Rather than creating a pastiche of the original Shelby Cobra, the designers achieved something far more sophisticated – a modern interpretation that honours the iconic silhouette while incorporating contemporary engineering solutions. The result feels both familiar and fresh, suggesting this approach could serve as a template for other heritage resurrections.

Electric Evolution and Heritage Preservation

Steve Drummond’s team at Electrogenic showcased their remarkable ‘drop-in’ electric conversion systems, with Jimmy Carr’s 1967 Aston Martin DB6 serving as the star demonstration. The conversion process requires no permanent modifications to the original bodywork, allowing owners to embrace modern propulsion while maintaining their vehicle’s authentic character.

We examined the installation closely and found the engineering impressively discrete. The electric motor integrates seamlessly within the existing engine bay, while the battery placement maintains the car’s original weight distribution. This represents a thoughtful solution for owners who appreciate classic aesthetics but require modern reliability.

The Restomod Renaissance

Thornley Kelham’s Jaguar XK European GT Roadster exemplified how skilled craftsmen can enhance automotive icons without compromising their essential character. Based on the XK120 platform, each vehicle requires over 6,000 hours of construction time and emerges 15% lighter than the original while producing 360hp compared to the standard 160hp.

Paul Howse’s design philosophy proved particularly compelling during our discussion with the team. The muscular proportions and assertive stance suggest what might have emerged from Jaguar’s Browns Lane facility as a special project during the late 1950s. Only 25 examples will be constructed, ensuring exclusivity matches the exceptional execution.

Apollo Capital’s Premium Partnership

As official finance partner for the 20th anniversary celebrations, Apollo Capital elevated the entire event through their spectacular hypercar display on the South Lawn. The Harrogate-based organisation, recognised as the UK’s leading name in luxury and supercar finance, created what many considered the highlight of the five-day festival.

Their Apollo Hypercar Display drew crowds of thousands to witness an extraordinary assembly of automotive excellence. Leading the exhibition were a Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko, and the exceptionally rare Ferrari SP3 Daytona – vehicles that collectively represented the pinnacle of contemporary hypercar engineering. The display perfectly showcased the calibre of clientele that Apollo Capital serves, operating within the high net-worth market of successful entrepreneurs and serious collectors.

Andy King, CEO of Apollo Capital Group, expressed his delight at the partnership, noting how the show served as the grand finale to the summer’s automotive event season. The company’s expertise in providing tailored finance solutions from £50,000 to £15 million was evident in the quality of machinery on display, reflecting their deep understanding of this exclusive market.

The presence of Nick Mason’s legendary Ferrari 250 GTO added particular distinction to proceedings. The Pink Floyd drummer’s 1977 acquisition, now valued in excess of £50 million, represented one of only 39 examples constructed between 1962 and 1964. Such rarities perfectly illustrated the level of automotive artistry that Apollo Capital facilitates for their discerning clients.

David Moss, Managing Director of Apollo Capital Group, emphasised the honour of being responsible for the hypercar display, which provided an excellent platform for their clients to showcase their remarkable collections. The partnership created opportunities for serious collectors to engage with both heritage classics and cutting-edge hypercars in an appropriately prestigious setting.

Celebrity Encounters and Expert Insights

Our weekend was enhanced by an unexpected encounter with automotive legend Richard Hammond, whose passion for the assembled machinery proved as infectious in person as it appears on screen. His insights into the engineering developments represented at the show added valuable context to many of the more technical displays.

The judging panel, led by Ian and Ben Barkaway alongside Tania Russell and Fang Barrow, brought considerable expertise to their evaluations. We observed their methodical approach to assessment, noting how they balanced historical significance, restoration quality, and presentation standards in their deliberations.

The Lasting Impression

Salon Privé 2025 delivered an experience that justified its reputation as one of the global Concours calendar’s premier events. The combination of Blenheim Palace’s magnificent setting, the exceptional quality of entries, and the sophisticated organisation created something genuinely special.

We departed with a renewed appreciation for both automotive heritage and contemporary innovation. The weekend demonstrated how the finest examples of motoring artistry continue to inspire and delight, whether they emerged from pre-war coachbuilding shops or cutting-edge design studios. This 20th anniversary celebration established a remarkable standard for future events.