Salon Privé 2025 officially opens…

Salon Privé 2025 has officially opened its doors at Blenheim Palace, launching a spectacular five-day celebration in honor of its 20th Anniversary. The event kicked off in grand style, featuring the global premieres of RML’s GT Hypercar, Thornley Kelham’s Jaguar XK European GT Roadster, and Electrogenic’s electrifying Aston Martin DB6, built for comedian Jimmy Carr. McLaren made a rare UK appearance with the W1, shown for only the second time, while Clive Sutton revealed a one-of-a-kind 1967 Mustang. Highlights also include the prestigious Concours, presented by Aviva Private Clients, and the debut of the Emerald Anniversary Green Collection — a stunning tribute to two decades of Salon Privé’s legacy in luxury, performance, and design.

Day 1 at Salon Privé 2025

Lockton Performance welcoming guests as they enter the show ground

Day 2 at Salon Privé 2025

Day 3 at Salon Privé 2025

A Photographer’s Blog: Rain, Rivets, and Ruby Lenses

Ah, Salon Privé 2025—a dream playground for any shutter‑happy petrolhead. Picture me, camera in hand, stalking prime angles around the lush lawns of Blenheim Palace, eyes darting from chrome curves to sartorial elegance. It was the 20th anniversary, so they went all out—with glass palaces, glittering hypercars, and the ladies and gentry from near and far.

Morning Magic (and Perfect Light)

I arrived bright and early, before the masses. Sunlight tip‑toed across hoods and lens glass, creating drama in every reflection. The Mercedes‑Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster—Best of Show, no less—looked sculpted by rays of gold. My fingers twitched with glee. And just across the lawn, the Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Super Fast” Prototype gleamed like Italian promise —no struggle getting that People’s Choice

Then there were the wow‑factor rides: Jimmy Carr’s electric DB6 restomod, glistening like the future, and the fierce McLaren W1, making me reappraise everything I knew about aerodynamic aggression. Not to mention peculiar delights like the Bentley Batur Convertible, looking swashbucklingly mysterious under the palace eaves.

The Wonders of The Galleries—and the Rain

Salon Privé threw a clever curveball with The Galleries, a glass atrium bordering the lawns—think botanical conservatory meets art deco runway, but only for cars and car‑obsessed aristocrats. Heated, air‑conditioned, Wi‑Fi’d, and, crucially, rain‑proof, I sheltered inside, framing shoots through steamed‑up glass, capturing glints on glossy Viverrina motors (I mean, Bugatti Veyron, Jaguar C‑X75, Ferrari SP3 Daytona in the Emerald‑green Green Collection—you get the idea).

Afternoon Delays (Weather vs. Photographer)

The British weather, like a reluctant model, decided to turn moody. Rain fell in polite drizzle—then ramped up to melodramatic. I squinted from beneath any cover I could, lens fashioned into a makeshift periscope. I wouldn’t say I was drenching my socks, still dry but my shoes did take a battering. Making sad squelchy footprints on velvet lawns, but still managed to snag narrative‑rich frames: droplets on grilles, rain‑kissed bonnet curves, and soggy straw hats from those that dare be defiant of the “British summer”.

Fond Farewells

As the sky cleared for one last golden flicker, I took my final shots, and between the iconic cars, stunning new builds, bio-fuel-powered generators, and enthusiastic conversations with fellow gearheads, I left feeling like I’d gained more than just great images.

One of the best parts of Salon Privé—aside from the million-pound machinery and free-flowing fizz—is reconnecting with fellow photographers. There's nothing like nodding at someone across the bonnet of a classic Aston Martin, both of you silently battling for the best angle. I caught up with a few familiar faces from past events, swapped stories, and shared a few weather-related groans. Even better, I made some new friends, I’d gathered stories, laughter, and future pub anecdotes. Honestly, it’s the kind of day you’ll tell the grandkids about… assuming they sit still long enough to hear about the spender of the event.

Final Frames

By closing time—I mean, once the sun peeked back, shaking out its jolly cheers —I was tired, a little damp, but deliriously happy. My SD cards groaned with a multitude of images: pre‑war icons, engineering reboots, and modern marvels—each with a drop of drizzle‑tinted charm. The legendary concours winners, electric restomods, glass atrium glamour, VIP arrivals through the palace, and that cheeky emerald evening light—together, they made Salon Privé 2025 not just a show, but a photographer’s playground.

Next year though, I’ll remember to pack some wellies.

Take care all…

Scott.

images above are of my new friend Joel. Find him on instagram here: @officialjoelmutton

Day 4 at Salon Privé 2025

A Finale to Remember

Celebrating the Highlights of Salon Privé Sunday on the North & South Lawns

On Sunday, 31st August, Salon Privé 2025 wrapped up in style with a spectacular Grand Finale that celebrated the best of automotive culture, passion, and performance.

The North Lawns played host to a vibrant takeover by 18 multi-marque supercar lifestyle clubs and 4 single-marque clubs, transforming the space into a jaw-dropping celebration of design and horsepower. The coveted Supercar & Lifestyle Club Trophies were awarded to a head-turning TVR Sagaris from Drivers Union and a beautifully kept Jaguar XJS from the XJS Club—both fan favourites and deserved winners.

Meanwhile, the South Lawn offered a vivid spectacle with an explosion of colour from the SCC supercar parade, featuring 78 stunning supercars, including an unforgettable Volcano Orange Mercedes-McLaren SLR HDK that practically glowed against the palace backdrop.

The day also saw the conclusion of the Concours de Vente, judged by a panel led by none other than Richard Hammond. The prestigious Prix d’Honneur went to Eric Broutin’s De Tomaso Pantera Group 4—a true showstopper with motorsport pedigree.

With nearly 8,000 guests joining us for the final day, it was a celebration of cars, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss the highlights video below!

Day 5 at Salon Privé 2025

Best of show at Salon Privé 2025