Why Salon Privé 2026 Could Be One of the Most Exciting Concours Events Yet
The countdown to Salon Privé 2026 in on, and the first confirmed entries suggest this year’s event could be one of the strongest yet.
Returning to the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace on 2–3 September 2026, the prestigious concours event will once again gather some of the world’s rarest and most significant motor cars. As expected, elegance, history and craftsmanship remain at the centre of the occasion.
Leading the early announcements is a remarkable one-off 1952 Ferrari Speciale by Ghia. However, this is far more than another beautiful classic Ferrari. Its history stretches deep into politics, celebrity and post-war automotive design.
Alongside it, visitors can expect an important Bristol prototype and a beautifully restored Lamborghini Countach. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the calibre of machinery heading to Oxfordshire this year.
The One-Off Ferrari That Captured a President’s Attention
The standout early entry is undoubtedly the unique 1952 Ferrari Speciale by Ghia. It remains the only Ferrari ever built with this elegant coachbuilt body design, making it one of the rarest Prancing Horses in existence.
Originally displayed at the 1952 Paris Auto Salon, the car quickly attracted attention for its flowing lines and refined detailing. Among those captivated was Juan Perón, the Argentinian president and husband of Eva Perón.
Perón reportedly purchased the car shortly after Evita’s death. Consequently, the Ferrari has become closely linked with one of the most famous political couples of the twentieth century.
The styling still feels dramatic today. The sweeping bodywork, delicate chrome details and graceful proportions give the car an almost cinematic presence. Unlike many performance cars of the era, this Ferrari prioritised sophistication as much as speed.
Over the decades, the car travelled between collectors across several continents before finally undergoing a painstaking restoration completed in 2024.
The results have already impressed the concours world.
Major Awards Already Collected
Since returning to concours condition, the Ferrari has achieved an astonishing run of success:
- Best of Show at Cavallino Classic Palm Beach
- 100-point podium finish at Pebble Beach 2024
- Major awards at Moda Miami
- Recognition at The Amelia
- Success at Anantara Concorso Roma
That trophy cabinet alone makes it one of the most anticipated arrivals at Salon Privé this year.
Bristol 404 Prototype Brings British Engineering Charm
British engineering will also be represented by a rare 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype.
Only 52 Bristol 404 models were ever built. Yet this example carries additional significance because it served as the definitive prototype for the production car.
Developed alongside Bristol’s successful 450 Le Mans racer, the 404 combined performance with advanced aerodynamics for its era. Moreover, its distinctive front grille was reportedly inspired by the enormous Bristol Brabazon airliner project.
That aviation influence helped give the car a unique identity. Even today, the shape looks unlike almost anything else from the early 1950s.
Carefully Preserved, Not Over-Restored
What makes this Bristol especially appealing is the approach taken during restoration.
Rather than transforming the car into something overly polished, the current owner focused on preserving authenticity. Specialists at Bechtel Classic Motors in Germany carefully examined and restored the mechanical systems while protecting the car’s original character.
The car previously underwent a detailed restoration in 1965, including an extraordinary 16 coats of black cellulose paint. More recently, another restoration phase in 2021 reinstated its distinctive rear fin design.
The result is a Bristol that feels authentic rather than artificially perfect.
Its public return at Pebble Beach in 2025 proved hugely successful, with the car earning a Class Trophy during its concours debut.
Restored Lamborghini Countach Adds Eighties Drama
For enthusiasts of supercars from the analogue era, the inclusion of a 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S will be equally exciting.
Few cars symbolise excess and ambition quite like the Countach. Its sharp-edged styling, dramatic scissor doors and thunderous V12 helped define the poster-car era of the 1980s.
This particular example carries extra significance because it is the second of only 33 right-hand-drive 5000S models ever produced.
The Countach also enjoyed celebrity status long before joining the concours circuit. It appeared on the cover of Paul Cockerham’s book The Spirit Of The Bull and later featured on Top Gear with Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell behind the wheel.
A Remarkable Restoration Story
Its restoration story is equally dramatic.
When auctioned in 2021, the Lamborghini was largely dismantled. Panels, windows and mechanical parts had been removed and stored across more than 50 cardboard boxes.
Despite that condition, fierce bidding pushed the final sale price to nearly double its estimate.
Since then, the Countach has undergone a complete bare-metal restoration in Modena under the supervision of legendary Lamborghini development driver Valentino Balboni.
The finished car will compete in Salon Privé’s Supercar Icons class, covering models built between 1970 and 1995.
The Mercedes-Benz That Defined Pre-War Luxury
While the newly announced entries are attracting plenty of attention, last year’s Best of Show winner also deserves recognition.
The stunning 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen from The Auriga Collection claimed the top honour at the 2025 Salon Privé Concours after overcoming competition from 60 cars representing 13 countries.
Widely regarded as one of the most desirable pre-war automobiles ever built, the 500 K Spezial Roadster perfectly captures the glamour and engineering ambition of 1930s motoring.
Long sweeping wings, elegant proportions and exquisite detailing helped turn the car into a symbol of automotive sophistication. Meanwhile, its supercharged straight-eight engine delivered performance that was astonishing for its time.
Only 12 examples were ever produced, making surviving cars extraordinarily valuable and highly sought-after among collectors.
Its victory last year also highlighted the extraordinary standards now associated with Salon Privé. Winning Best of Show at Blenheim Palace places a car among the elite of the concours world.
Why Salon Privé Continues to Matter
Concours events have grown rapidly in recent years. Yet Salon Privé continues to occupy a unique place in the British automotive calendar.
Unlike larger motor shows, Salon Privé focuses on exclusivity and presentation. The carefully curated lawns at Blenheim Palace create an atmosphere that feels closer to an art exhibition than a conventional car event.
That balance of luxury, heritage and accessibility continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Last year’s Best of Show award went to a stunning 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen from The Auriga Collection. Competing against 60 cars from 13 countries, it demonstrated the exceptional standards Salon Privé now commands.
More than 28,000 guests attended the five-day event, underlining its growing international appeal.
Early Signs Point Towards an Exceptional 2026 Event + Win Tickets – Competition Coming Soon
According to Salon Privé chairman and co-founder Andrew Bagley, these first announcements represent only a small taste of what is still to come.
If these early entries are anything to judge by, visitors can expect a compelling mix of rare coachbuilt classics, historically significant prototypes and celebrated supercars.
More importantly, each car tells a story beyond performance figures or auction values. From presidential ownership to painstaking restorations, these machines reflect the people, eras and ambitions that shaped automotive history.
That human element is often what separates a memorable concours car from a merely expensive one.
We are about to launch an exclusive ticket competition for our loyal readers and followers. Don’t miss your chance to win a pair of complimentary tickets to Salon Privé 2026.
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Conclusion
Salon Privé has built its reputation on gathering extraordinary cars in an extraordinary setting. However, the first confirmed entries for 2026 suggest the event is raising the bar yet again.
The one-off Ferrari linked to Juan Perón brings glamour and political intrigue. Meanwhile, the Bristol 404 Prototype celebrates British engineering at its most inventive. Then there is the restored Countach, delivering pure 1980s theatre in wedge-shaped form.
Together, they create an irresistible preview of what could become one of the finest Salon Privé concours fields in recent memory.
Which of these early entries would you most like to see in person? Does the elegant Ferrari steal the spotlight, or does the Countach still dominate every lawn it appears on? Let us know in the comments below.
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