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29.6.11 Set in the grounds of the 15th century, 200 acre Syon Park, in suburban West London, the 6th Salon Privé took place over 3 days and 3 evenings, of June 22-24th. Combining a supercar motor show, a Concours D’Elegance and an RM Auction devoted to British marques; this well established event had something for everyone, whether your interest was in ordering a soon-to-enter production Bugatti Veyron Supersports WR, viewing a collection of 9 superb 250 series V12 Ferraris or acquiring a much cherished, experimental prototype Phantom 1 Rolls Royce.
Well attended by enthusiasts, London socialites and the collectors car fraternity - to enjoy the “all inclusive” lobster, champagne and afternoon tea, in changeable weather conditions, these were my highlights: The Chubb Insurance sponsored Concours D’Elegance displayed more than 50 cars and 20 motorbikes in 8 classes at the side and rear of the main House. Classes:
Judging the individual class winners and overall for the event, was an eminent team of specialists including multiple Le Mans victor Derek Bell, Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, Rolls Royce and Bentley restorer Paul Wood, former CEO of Bentley and Bugatti, Franz-Josef Paefgen and Maserati family member, Aldofo Orsi. For its inaugural event sale, RM Auctions offered 7 collectors motorcycles and 50 cars of British manufacture, achieving a sales total of £5.1 million and a 77% sale rate. Most expensive lot of the evening was the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans style tourer (£470.4k incl BP), whilst a determined, Continental European customer paid £431.2k for the ex-Sir Peter Ustinov 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Convertible and a very rare,1959 Jaguar XK150S Roadster achieved an outstanding £201.6k. Salon Privé has always given attendees the opportunity to view the latest supercars from global manufacturers – alongside the aforementioned Bugatti, also attracting much attention were the award winning Ferrari 458 Italia, the all new Aston Martin Virage and Cygnet(!), a deep orange-hued Lamborghini LP700, the Silverstone UK built, Hennessey Venom GT, the carbon fibre bodied, 570bhp Noble M600 and the ungainly Lexus LFA…. whilst for those seeking a new 4x4 - Land Rover presented the pre-production 2 and 4 door Evoque, and for the ecologically minded, Tesla displayed its 130mph electric powered Roadster. Bordering the supercar display and concours field, were several car-centric and “lifestyle” vendors, offering watches, diamonds, luggage and perhaps the most practical…. wax polish! More interestingly, several stands displayed Ferraris, including 250 SWB 3909GT (the 68th, steel bodied example built), a giallo F50 and Daytona Competition conversion (both currently for sale) and Carlos Monteverde’s much raced 250TR. In the last six weeks, I’ve visited two of Europe’s most prestigious Concours…and thoroughly enjoyed both, but now it’s time for speed…and a highlight of my calendar…… the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where this year’s theme is “Racing Revolutions – quantum leaps that shaped motor sport” and birthday celebrations include the Centenary of the Indy 500….see you there!!
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