Scott Morgan 31/08/2025 Scott Morgan 31/08/2025

SALON PRIVE 2025

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

Scott Morgan 06/09/2024 Scott Morgan 06/09/2024

SALON PRIVE 2024

Salon Privé 2024 was a special one for me. I was in partnership with Lockton Insurance to cover the event for them.

Held at Blenheim Palace, this established event, brings together automotive passion and luxury, offering an exquisite blend of high-end cars, stunning architecture, and a world-class atmosphere. For a photographer, it’s a paradise: a meticulously curated setting where history, craftsmanship, and design collide in a stunning visual feast. The challenge lies in capturing the essence of the event, balancing the elegance of the venue with the dynamic spirit of the automobiles on display.

One of the first things that strikes a photographer at Salon Privé is the sheer scale and variety of vehicles. From rare pre-war classics to the latest hypercars, the event brings together some of the world’s most coveted machines. The natural light of Blenheim Palace grounds, complemented by the soft English skies, provides a unique opportunity to experiment with various lighting conditions throughout the day. Early morning or late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows and soft highlights that make each car's curves and lines come alive.

The cars themselves are a study in design, and I have to demonstrate my ability to translate their intricate details through the lens of my cameras. Whether it’s the gleam of a chrome bumper or the finely sculpted bodywork of a Ferrari, every element offers an opportunity to tell a story. detail shots of engine bays, reflections in the polished bodywork, and the interplay of shadows on a hood are often as captivating as the wide-angle shots of cars in motion.

But capturing the essence of Salon Privé is not just about the cars. The atmosphere of the event—the elegantly dressed guests, the timeless architecture, and the polished lawns—forms a backdrop that elevates the cars into the realm of art. As a photographer, you have to have your wits about you to capture fleeting moments that blend the human experience with the machines. A wide shot of a Rolls-Royce parked against the grand columns of Blenheim Palace, or an attendee admiring a rare Aston Martin, is as important to the story as a shot of the cars themselves.

What sets Salon Privé apart from other automotive events is its exclusivity and intimacy. Unlike larger car shows where the cars are often displayed behind ropes or in vast exhibition halls, Salon Privé offers an environment where visitors can interact with the vehicles up close. This accessibility allows for more dynamic and personal photographs, often featuring owners and enthusiasts in candid moments. The challenge, however, is capturing these interactions in a way that feels authentic, without disrupting the serene luxury of the event. Being the enthusiast I am as well as a photographer I know how precious I am about the safety of my own cars, having a 3 million pound car on display with those in attendance to paw at it would certainly make me just a tad nervous.

The lush greenery of Blenheim Palace’s grounds offers excellent natural framing, but it also requires constant attention to composition. Managing reflections from the surrounding environment can be tricky when photographing shiny surfaces, especially under direct sunlight.

Salon Privé is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to tell a visual story that celebrates the intersection of automotive engineering and art. Each frame is a moment to reflect the elegance, precision, and passion that define this prestigious gathering, making it a photographer’s dream assignment. Whether you’re shooting from a distance or getting up close to the details, Salon Privé is a spectacular canvas for any lens to capture.