How Salon Privé 2026 Is Redefining Collector Cars with Exciting New Supercar Classes

For decades, concours events such as the Salon Privé have celebrated the finest vintage machinery ever built. However, the collector car market has changed dramatically. Today’s enthusiasts increasingly value the iconic supercars and hypercars that shaped the late 1990s and early 21st century. Salon Privé has recognised that shift.

When the prestigious event returns to Blenheim Palace on 2-3 September 2026, two brand-new Concours classes will spotlight some of the most desirable performance cars ever created. The move acknowledges that tomorrow’s classics are already making history today.

Modern Performance Cars Take Centre Stage

The Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients has announced two new categories for 2026:

• Limited Production Supercars (1996-2026)
• Hypercar Heaven (2005-2025)

Both classes celebrate exceptional cars that have influenced automotive design, engineering and collecting over the past three decades.

Traditionally, concours lawns have showcased elegant pre-war grand tourers, post-war masterpieces and famous racing cars. Those vehicles remain an important part of automotive history. Nevertheless, collector interest continues to broaden.

Cars once considered too modern are now commanding serious attention. Thanks to limited production numbers, innovative engineering and striking design, many have since become highly sought-after collector pieces.

A New Era for Automotive Collecting

The collector market continues to evolve as new generations enter the hobby.

Instead of focusing solely on cars from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, many buyers now pursue vehicles that defined their own childhoods and early driving years.

Manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti continue to dominate demand. Meanwhile, specialist marques including Pagani, Rimac, Mosler and Koenigsegg have earned equally impressive reputations among serious collectors.

Many of these cars pushed technology forward while remaining exceptionally rare. As a result, they now represent far more than impressive performance figures.

Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of the Salon Privé Concours, believes the new classes reflect the changing face of collecting.

He explained that many of the cars built around the turn of the millennium have become significant not only because of their speed, but because they reshaped automotive design and engineering. According to Bagley, Salon Privé has always celebrated the finest cars of every era, making the addition of these categories a natural step.

Limited Production Supercars Celebrate Rare Icons

The first new class focuses on limited-run road cars produced between 1996 and 2026.

Visitors can expect everything from analogue driver’s cars to today’s exclusive low-volume machines, many of which were built in tiny numbers.

One confirmed entry already stands out.

Ferrari Challenge driver and collector Paul Hogarth will display his stunning Ferrari Daytona SP3, one of Ferrari’s most celebrated modern creations.

Other cars expected to appear include:

• Ferrari Enzo
• McLaren F1
• Porsche Carrera GT
• Maserati MC20
• Bugatti Veyron
• Koenigsegg One:1

Together, they represent an extraordinary period in automotive development, combining breathtaking design with engineering that still impresses decades later.

Hypercar Heaven Brings Together Automotive Royalty

The second category carries the fitting name Hypercar Heaven.

It celebrates the road cars that redefined performance between 2005 and 2025, many of which became instant collector favourites.

Among the first confirmed entries are:

• Pagani Utopia Roadster
• Lamborghini Sián Prototype

Organisers also expect several legendary hypercars to join the field, including:

• McLaren P1
• Ferrari LaFerrari
• Bugatti Veyron
• Pagani Zonda
• Rimac Nevera
• Koenigsegg Jesko

Each represents a different chapter in the relentless pursuit of speed, innovation and exclusivity.

Collectors Are Redefining What Makes a Classic

Paul Hogarth believes collector tastes have changed significantly.

He points out that cars such as the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and Pagani Utopia have already secured their place in automotive history. Built in extremely limited numbers, they introduced new ideas, influenced future models and captured enthusiasts’ attention worldwide.

Hogarth also welcomed Salon Privé’s decision to broaden the definition of a concours car.

For many collectors, the story of the automobile did not end with the classics of the 1960s and 1970s. Some of the most influential performance cars ever produced have arrived during the past 30 years, making them worthy additions to prestigious concours competitions.

Following a Growing International Trend

Salon Privé is not alone in recognising this shift.

The organisers follow a growing international movement that celebrates modern collector cars alongside historic models.

One notable example came from Marbella’s Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol, which introduced a dedicated hypercar class in 2025.

Founder Gregor Piëch believes concours events are naturally evolving as younger collectors enter the market. As a result, their interests often include the cars they admired growing up, thereby expanding the definition of what deserves a place on the concours lawn.

Salon Privé Continues to Raise the Standard

Although modern performance cars take greater prominence in 2026, Salon Privé remains committed to celebrating automotive excellence across every generation.

Last year’s coveted Best of Show award went to The Auriga Collection’s 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen.

One of only twelve examples ever produced, the elegant Mercedes-Benz defeated a field of 60 exceptional cars representing 13 countries.

Its victory demonstrated that timeless craftsmanship continues to captivate judges and visitors alike.

Now, those historic masterpieces will share the spotlight with modern automotive icons that are rapidly achieving similar status among collectors.

Bigger Crowds Expected in 2026

Salon Privé continues to grow every year.

More than 28,000 visitors attended the five-day event in 2025, enjoying the Concours competition, the popular Concours de Vente and a spectacular display of luxury automobiles.

Organisers expect attendance to exceed 30,000 visitors in 2026, reflecting the event’s increasing international appeal.

With new concours categories, exceptional entries and one of Britain’s most spectacular settings, therefore this year’s event promises to attract collectors, enthusiasts and manufacturers from around the world alike.

Why These New Classes Matter

The introduction of these categories highlights several important trends:

• Modern supercars have become serious collector cars.
• Hypercars now sit comfortably beside historic classics.
• Younger collectors are influencing the market.
• Limited-production vehicles continue to rise in desirability.
• Concours events are adapting to reflect today’s collector landscape.

The result is a richer and more diverse celebration of automotive excellence.

Final Thoughts

Salon Privé has always showcased the very best cars of every era. For 2026, it takes another important step by recognising that automotive history continues to evolve.

Many of the world’s most celebrated supercars and hypercars have already secured legendary status. Giving them dedicated concours classes feels like a logical progression rather than a bold experiment.

Visitors will still enjoy magnificent pre-war classics and elegant grand tourers. However, they will also witness a remarkable collection of modern icons that have inspired an entirely new generation of collectors.

The lawns of Blenheim Palace have never looked more diverse.

Do you agree that modern supercars deserve a place at prestigious concours events? If so, which hypercar would you most like to see on display? Furthermore, should today’s limited-production performance cars already be considered future classics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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