SALON PRIVE 2025
Salon Privé 2025 officially opens…
THE OPENING OF SALON PRIVE 2025
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
Ferrari GTO
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.
Richard Hammond
Izzy Hammond
images above are of my new friend Joel. Find him on instagram here: @officialjoelmutton
Day 4 at Salon Privé 2025
Porsche 911 Turbo
Mercedes‑Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster
Ferrari GTO’s
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
Goodwood FOS 2024
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, a staple in the automotive calendar, returned in 2024 with a bang, showcasing a blend of heritage and cutting-edge innovation in the automotive world. This year’s event, held from July 11 to July 14, featured an array of car brands, each bringing something unique to the table. Another early start to get to the event, even at 06:45hrs in the morning the roads were packed with enthusiasts.
Once the car was parked and a ///what3words location keyed into my phone for the location of the car, it was time to join the mass of people all walking towards the far entrance.
Just for clarity, I was not there as press, although my camera was with me and the images below are just what I took as a spectator rather than as press. All images were taken with my Leica Q3.
Here are the highlights from this year's festival:
Iconic Brands and Stunning Displays
1. Ferrari: Ferrari stole the show with the debut of its latest hypercar, the SF90 Stradale XX. The car, an evolution of the SF90 Stradale, boasts enhanced aerodynamics, a more powerful engine, and advanced hybrid technology. Ferrari also showcased classic models, including the Ferrari F40 and the 250 GTO, celebrating its rich racing heritage.
2. Porsche: Porsche marked the 75th anniversary of the brand with a special display of its most iconic cars. The centrepiece was the new 911 GT3 RS, alongside historic models like the 356 and the legendary 917 race car. Porsche also thrilled spectators with live demonstrations of its Formula E car.
3. Aston Martin: Aston Martin highlighted its future direction with the unveiling of the Valhalla, a high-performance hybrid supercar. The brand also celebrated its 110th anniversary, displaying classic models like the DB5 and the new V12 Vantage Roadster. Aston Martin’s stand was a blend of tradition and innovation, drawing massive crowds.
4. Lamborghini: Lamborghini showcased its first-ever electric concept car, the Lanzador, signalling a bold step into the future of electric mobility. Alongside this futuristic model were the roaring Huracán Tecnica and the Aventador Ultimae, embodying the brand’s commitment to performance and design.
5. Bugatti: Bugatti brought the Chiron Super Sport to Goodwood, showcasing its breathtaking speed and luxury. The brand also displayed the unique Centodieci, a homage to the Bugatti EB110, highlighting its limited-edition models that blend history and modern engineering prowess.
6. McLaren: McLaren unveiled the Solus GT, a track-only hypercar designed to push the boundaries of performance. The brand also highlighted its Artura, a high-performance hybrid supercar, demonstrating McLaren's focus on sustainable yet thrilling driving experiences.
7. Ford: Ford introduced the new Mustang Dark Horse, a high-performance variant of the iconic muscle car, alongside the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Ford’s presence at the festival emphasized the brand’s commitment to combining tradition with innovation, appealing to both petrolheads and eco-conscious drivers.
Event Highlights
Hill Climb: The centrepiece of the festival, the Hill Climb, saw numerous records being challenged. Notable runs included the Rimac Nevera, which demonstrated the sheer power of electric vehicles by setting an impressive time, and the Toyota GR Yaris H2, showcasing hydrogen fuel technology.
The Hillclimb Shootout showcased an impressive array of vehicles and talented drivers, culminating in some thrilling results. Romain Dumas took the top spot with a blistering time of 45.0 seconds in the Ford Supervan 4.2, demonstrating his exceptional skill and the car's remarkable performance capabilities.
Other notable performances included Michael Lyons, who clocked 47.3 seconds in the Gurney Eagle FA74, and James Wallis, who achieved a time of 48.1 seconds in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup. These runs highlighted the diversity of vehicles and driving prowess on display at the event
In addition to the overall fastest times, the event also featured winners in various classes. Mark Walker won the Pioneers category in a Darracq 200HP with a time of 1:14.0, and Julian Majzub took the Pre-War Racers category in a Bugatti Type 35B with a time of 1:01.8
2024 FESTIVAL OF SPEED TIMED SHOOTOUT RESULTS: HERE
Supercar Paddock: The Supercar Paddock was a feast for the eyes, featuring the latest and greatest from brands like Koenigsegg, Pagani, and Lotus. Attendees had the opportunity to get up close with the vehicles, and many supercars took to the hill for thrilling demonstration runs.
Future Lab: The Future Lab provided a glimpse into the future of mobility with exhibits on autonomous driving, advanced aerodynamics, and sustainable materials. Noteworthy displays included the Hyundai N Vision 74, a hydrogen-powered concept car, and the Airbus eVTOL, representing the future of urban air mobility.
Classic Car Parade: The Classic Car Parade celebrated the history of the automobile with a stunning array of vintage vehicles. Highlights included a 1960s Ferrari 250 LM, a pristine Jaguar E-Type, and the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, all driven up the hill to the delight of spectators.
For all the images and videos of the day including press articles please visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed site: HERE
Salon Privé at the Royal Hospital Chelsea 2023
Salon Privé London gets off to a glittering start with multiple UK debuts and luxury showcases
Salon Privé London opened its doors at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the 2023 season with a dazzling display of new automobiles. The event features multiple UK debuts, over 60 collector's cars, and luxury brands from around the world. Show Director David Bagley welcomed guests and media, expressing excitement about the event's lineup of prestigious cars, top-notch hospitality, and the unique location in the heart of the city.
Highlights of the event included the UK debut of the electric Abarth 500e Scorpionissima, the unveiling of Hennessey's Venom F5 Roadster, and the introduction of Rolls-Royce's Phantom Extended and Maserati's GranTurismo. Wiesmann showcased its electric roadster, Genesis presented the GV60 with face recognition technology, and Polestar exhibited the Polestar 3 electric luxury SUV.
Other attractions included Theon Design's Porsche-based ITA001, Richard Hammond's Chapron-bodied Delahaye, Montblanc's 8000 Capsule collection and 1958 Iced Sea Collection, and Jenson Button's Coachbuilt Whisky. Guests also enjoyed the Salon Privé London Supercar and Manufacturers Parade, the Concours de Vente featuring collector's cars for sale, and a luxury shopping village with brands like Boodles and Montblanc.
Salon Privé London provided top-tier food, hospitality, and entertainment, including a three-course luncheon, Pommery Champagne, cocktails from the London Essence Co, fine wines from Château la Gordonne, family-friendly activities on Saturday, and exclusive VIP hospitality at The Sloane. DJs kept the party going in the evenings on Thursday and Friday. As the sister event to Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé London is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious automotive events.
The full Salon Privé Concours de Vente 2023 winner list:
Class 1 winner: 1966 Maserati Sebring 3700 GTI, from Graeme Hunt
Class 2 winner: 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder, from The Classic Motor Hub
Class 3 winner: 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale, from Aston Workshop
The Pensioners Trophy winner: 1954 Bentley R Type Continental, from Dylan Miles
The People's Choice winner: 2005 Maserati MC12, from Joe Macari
