Salon Privé will this year dedicate two days to celebrating the centenary of one of Britain’s most revered and prestigious motor car marques; Bentley Motors, founded in 1919 by the gifted engineer W.O. Bentley. The two-day celebration of 100 years of Bentley Motors at Salon Privé will consist of Bentley Masters on Saturday and Bentley Drivers Club Concours d’Elegance alongside Salon Privé Classic & Supercar on Sunday.
On Saturday 7th September, the third running of the Masters Series at Salon Privé will be devoted to Bentley Motors, marking the 100th anniversary of this iconic British automotive marque. Although there will be a competitive element to the day, first and foremost it will be a celebration with an enviable display of 50 Bentleys from the earliest through to the very latest models. Together, they will bring to life the story of how the marque evolved to become one of the most admired luxury vehicle makers in the world today.
These 50 Bentley Masters motor cars will be judged on the Saturday by a panel carefully selected for their knowledge and expertise of the Bentley marque, combined with those who have a passion and life-long interest in these special cars. Salon Privé takes a relaxed and celebratory approach to the judging, rather than the close scrutiny of a traditional Concours event. Trophies will be awarded during the day, with the much-coveted Owners’ Choice presented at the Saturday evening Gala Dinner within the sumptuous surroundings of Blenheim Palace.
Salon Privé’s Co-Founder and Sales Director, David Bagley commented: “It’s a real honor for us to have been selected as the host event for Bentley’s Centenary this year and we are planning a spectacular weekend of celebrations at Blenheim Palace. On Saturday 7th September on the South Lawn, we present Bentley Masters at Salon Privé with an eye-watering display of 50 of the rarest and most exceptional models from around the world - already, entries have been received from France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa and The Netherlands. Then, on Sunday 8thSeptember, Bentley Drivers Club join us for their annual Concours d’Elegance and together, we will attempt to gather a record 1,001 Bentley together at one event. Stretching across the North Lawns, it will be the ultimate tribute for this iconic British marque.”
Lucky owners of exceptional Bentley models are invited and encouraged to consider entering their motor cars for both days of Salon Privé’s Bentley centenary celebration weekend. Models already submitted for entry to the whole weekend include a noteworthy 1929 Speed Six Gurney Nutting Weymann Saloon, one of just 182 Speed Six models built, a 1938 Sports Saloon by Park Ward and a 1950 Mk VI Drophead Foursome Coupe by E.D.Abbott, one of just 16 ever built.
Sunday 8th September will see the largest ever annual Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) Concours d’Elegance taking place as an integral part of the Salon Privé Classic & Supercar event at Blenheim Palace, with 18 prestigious trophies to be awarded, including Concours, Patina and the Inter-Regional Team Challenge awards. A special exhibition of significant Bentley cars from every decade will showcase 100 years of the marque; this will include the earliest surviving Bentley, EXP2, and a number of fascinating cars such as a striking-looking Continental GT Zagato, one of only nine made, and a unique Continental GT S Convertible ‘art car’ boldly decorated by the creative brush of celebrated artist Sir Peter Blake.
Now in its 14th year, Salon Privé is a must-attend event for any car enthusiast or aficionado. Having been invited into the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, the event is now recognized as one of the top 8 events in the world alongside Pebble Beach, Villa d’este and Amelia Island. It is an automotive Garden Party held within the grounds of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’, Blenheim Palace and firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive Garden Party.
Salon Privé showcases a globally-recognized Concours, and a one-marque celebration within the same event; firstly, the ‘Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance’ on Thursday 5th September comprising 50 eclectic historic cars, followed by ‘Bentley Masters by Chubb Insurance, Pirelli & Lockton Private Clients’ celebrating the marque’s 100th Anniversary on Saturday 7th September. Boodles Ladies’ Day, which is a highlight on the social calendar sits between the two on Friday 6th September.
The newly formed Salon Privé Classic & Supercar will now become the final day for the public on Sunday 8th September. Visitors on the Public Day will have the option of purchasing a North Lawn ticket for £21.00, or a combined North & South Lawn Enclosure ticket for $48.00. The upgraded South Lawn Enclosure ticket includes full access to the supercar manufacturers, classic car restorers and luxury brands exhibiting within Salon Privé. On top of this, the North Lawn ticket includes a GT Tour display, the Supercar Club Paddock with 500 supercars, plus access to the Bentley Drivers Club Concours d’Elegance with its judging classes, exhibition cars and stands from a range of invited trades. For more info visit http://www.salonpriveconcours.com/.
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