How to See Six Legendary 1950s Ferraris At Salon Privé 2025

Salon Privé, one of the UK’s most glamorous celebration of cars, luxury and lifestyle, is marking its 20th anniversary with a show-stopping attraction. For 2025, the Concours d’Elégance at Blenheim Palace will unveil a dedicated class of 1950s Ferrari racing cars – six extraordinary machines that wrote their names into motorsport history.

These are not mere museum pieces. They are living icons of Ferrari’s golden decade, a time when the Prancing Horse dominated endurance racing, conquered the Mille Miglia, and stormed Le Mans for the first time. Each of the six privately owned Ferraris carries a racing pedigree that few cars can match.

On 27th and 28th August, an international panel of judges will assess them with forensic precision. For guests, though, the appeal is far simpler: a rare chance to admire the artistry, engineering, and drama of Maranello’s finest in one breathtaking line-up.

Why the 1950s mattered for Ferrari

To understand why this Concours class matters, you need to know what Ferrari achieved in that decade.

• Mille Miglia dominance – Ferrari won the thousand-mile road race more times than any rival.
• First Le Mans triumph – In 1949, Ferrari took its maiden 24 Hours of Le Mans win, setting the stage for a dynasty.
• Racing icons at the wheel – Drivers such as Alberto Ascari, Eugenio Castellotti, and Piero Taruffi proved that Ferrari cars weren’t only fast but reliable.
• Engineering breakthroughs – V12s designed by Gioacchino Colombo and Aurelio Lampredi brought both performance and endurance.

This was the era when Ferrari transformed from a young racing outfit into the benchmark of motorsport glory.

Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable machines that will steal the spotlight at Salon Privé.

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Berlinetta by Touring

• This is the seventh Ferrari 212 ever built
• Powered by a Colombo-designed 2.6-litre V12 with 175bhp
• Top speed: 136 mph – impressive in 1951

Originally sold to Augusto Caraceni, a racing tailor, this Berlinetta saw action at the Stella Alpina Hillclimb, finishing second in its class. After decades in private collections, it underwent a meticulous restoration in 2008, returning it to period-correct Amaranto red.

Since then, it has been no pampered garage queen. Current owner Martin Halusa has raced it in Goodwood Revival, Tour Auto, and even the Monaco Historic. It embodies what classic Ferraris do best: combining beauty with battle scars.

1952 Ferrari 225 S Vignale Berlinetta

• This Ferrari 225 S Vignale Berlinetta debuted at the Mille Miglia in 1952
• Won the Coppa della Toscana outright that same year
• Styled by Vignale with signature side scallops

This Ferrari’s story is as dramatic as its lines. After early victories, it passed through several prominent racing hands before suffering a fire and decades of neglect. In 2001, Ferrari Classiche in Maranello restored it to its 1952 Monza-winning specification.

Today, it is not only fully operational but carries the coveted Ferrari Classiche “white book” – proof of its authenticity. A machine reborn, and a reminder that racing heritage can survive the toughest setbacks.

1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta by Vignale

• One of just three Ferrari 340 Mexicos ever built
• Driven by double F1 World Champion Alberto Ascari in the Carrera Panamericana
• Later raced by Carroll Shelby in America

Purpose-built for the punishing Carrera Panamericana, this Berlinetta oozes aggression and elegance. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti under Vignale, its muscular bodywork hides a big-capacity V12 built for long, brutal Mexican roads.

Its pedigree – Ascari and Shelby – makes it one of the most historically important Ferraris of the 1950s. Restored with obsessive detail by Motion Products in Wisconsin, it now gleams as brightly as it did on its Pan-American debut.

1954 Ferrari 250 Monza Scaglietti Spyder (Chassis 0442M)

• Hybrid of 750 Monza chassis and 250 MM engine
• Powered by a Colombo-designed 3.0-litre V12
• Finished 3rd at the 1954 Supercortemaggiore GP at Monza

This is the only surviving example of the 250 Monza with its original Scaglietti body. Its combination of rear-mounted gearbox and De Dion rear axle gave it superb handling for the era.

Raced across Europe and South America, it has recently been restored by Ferrari Classiche, returning it to exactly how it left the Maranello gates in 1954. A unique survivor of a fascinating Ferrari experiment.

1954 Ferrari 121 LM by Scaglietti

• Ferrari 121 LM by Scaglietti was built with a 4.4-litre straight-six producing 360 hp
• One of just four examples
• Developed to fight the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR and Jaguar D-Type

This was Ferrari’s bold break from its traditional V12 formula. The 121 LM carried a straight-six designed by Aurelio Lampredi, delivering torque ideal for endurance events.

Its competition record is rich: 1,000 km of Buenos Aires, the Giro di Sicilia (which it won), and the Mille Miglia. Later sold to American collector Tony Parravano, it was raced in the US by names such as Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, and Ken Miles.

Today, it remains one of the most formidable Ferrari sports racers ever built – rare, raw, and revered.

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Spyder

• This Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Spyder has been owned by Lord Bamford since 1971
• Restored in 2001, shown at Pebble Beach and Goodwood
• One of the most desirable Ferraris ever made

With its unmistakable pontoon-fender design, the 250 TR is pure automotive sculpture. Built for endurance, it went on to dominate late-1950s racing, including victories at Le Mans.

Lord Bamford’s example is a veteran of concours lawns and historic grids, keeping the Testa Rossa flame alive. Seeing it alongside its 1950s siblings will be a rare privilege.

The Salon Privé Experience

Held on the stunning lawns of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is more than a car show. It blends rare automobiles with fine dining, luxury lifestyle brands, fashion, and an unmistakably British sense of occasion.

For its 20th anniversary edition, the Concours will feature not only these Ferrari legends but also:

• Modern hypercars making world debuts
• Celebrated British classics from Aston Martin, Bentley, and Jaguar
• Rare motorcycles and concept cars
• Exclusive hospitality experiences, from Champagne lawns to fine dining pavilions

This makes Salon Privé 2025 one of the most unmissable dates in the motoring calendar. I cannot wait, I’ll be there on Wednesday and Sunday.

Conclusion: Which Ferrari Wins Your Heart?

The Salon Privé Concours will bring together six extraordinary Ferraris, each representing a different chapter of the 1950s. From the pioneering 212 Export to the iconic 250 Testa Rossa, every car tells a story of bravery, brilliance, and beauty.

But here’s the question: which one would you crown the star of the show? The underdog 225 S, the battle-scarred 212, or the glamorous Testa Rossa?

Tell us in the comments – which of these six Ferrari legends captures your imagination most, and why?

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