I remember a trip I once took to South Beach, Miami. Clipped palms lined a manicured beach of purest white, lapped by azure waters with a perfect sun overhead. The hotel was equally immaculate and hosting a supermodel event, alongside a showcase of roadsters and supercars. The sweeping courtyard of this high-rise masterpiece, along with its impressive port cochère, were lined with a dazzling array of automotive magnificence. Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Aston Martin. Pretty, pretty cars. I like pretty cars and I wanted to touch each and every one. I wanted to drive them, and drive them hard.
Less interesting to me were the supermodels gliding around like elegant cranes with flowing garments and tall hair but they were of course equally eye-catching. There was a lot of tripping over and walking into glass doors by punters and onlookers of cars and models alike. A lot of grazed knees and bruised egos. Normal cars and normal people looked very mundane in comparison, that was for sure, but it was gamechanger. Everybody seemed to up the ante: people were suddenly dressing better; staff were more courteous; the food was tastier – oh and the champagne so much sweeter. It was perfection. Hard to improve on, I would have thought.
However, Salon Privé, billed as the UK’s most prestigious automotive event held annually at Blenheim Palace, promises to do just that.
A mere glance through the five-day programme will get you salivating petrol. Every luxury brand of every luxury good wants to get in on the game. With oodles of tip-top hospitality on tap, the list of cars to be showcased is as dazzling as the grounds of Oxfordshire’s grandest home. Spanning five days (2-6 September) the event at Blenheim really will be the proverbial box of chocolates, and you won’t believe what you are going to get…
I don’t know about you, but the first thing I ask about a car – after the make and model of course – is ‘what’s the colour?’, because colour is important and the Italians know that better than anyone. Most would agree that getting a Ferrari in anything but Rosso Corsa, their famous racing red, would be sacrilege.
Or would it? And before anyone shouts Giallo Modena, and I have to scream no. No grown up should have a yellow car, never ever. [Editor disagrees here…] So, I’m going to suggest a colour that whispers instead of shouts. Did you know that Ferrari created their own version of British Racing Green and named it none other than Verde Blenheim? A sophisticated, dark metallic green that evokes a sense of aristocratic style and classic British understatement – especially when famously paired with a tan leather interior on vintage models such as the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 which will be on display. First owned by Baron Gianni Silvestri, it remained in Italy for over four decades before moving to reside in Germany with its current custodian back in 2013. And it is this beauty which is making a trip to Blighty to be displayed in all its glory.
Now if green is not quite to your palette, what about white? Ever the colour of minimalism and technical innovation, shades of white will be positively worshipped this year alongside Verde Blenheim.
From pearl white to eggshell, and countless shades in between, the White Collection is a meticulously curated line-up celebrating one of motoring's timeless colours. Each car represents a pinnacle of design, engineering and collector rarity, offering visitors a chance to admire a highly original set of ten gorgeous vehicles.
I’m going to list my top three in ascending order:
Coming in with bronze is the 2011 Lexus LFA, arguably the greatest Japanese supercar ever built. With a naturally aspirated V10 engine and finished in pearl white, it brims with ultra-modern performance and precision.
Taking second is the sublime 1968 Lamborghini Miura. Often credited as the world's first supercar, the Lamborghini Miura changed automotive history with its revolutionary mid-engine layout. Finished in Bianco, this beautifully restored example is a fitting claimant of the silver prize.
Gold has to go to the 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS. It’s widely regarded as one of Ferrari's most beautiful designs, and I have to agree. Finished in Bianco Polo Park, this car combines timeless Italian styling with the thrill of open-top driving.
I know you are going to say I favour Italian cars, Ferrari the most, and maybe that’s true, so as consolation I’m going to throw in a runner-up – the gorgeous 1963 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster. Nicknamed the Baby Thunderbird, this superb offering from the direct predecessor of Audi finished in Egg Shell White, offers a charming challenge to any claim of Italian superiority.
David Bagley, Salon Privé’s co-founder, says that The White Collection is something they’re really proud of, bringing together cars you’d rarely see side by side. Whether visitors are seeing these cars for the first time, or have admired them for years, it’s a display that will stop people in their tracks.
This is only part of a dizzying itinerary which includes Ladies’ Day (although all of the days suit this lady very well); Supercar Saturday featuring Richard Hammond; and then there’s the Lifestyle Club Day – it’s all too much to list here, so check out the website, book yourself a ticket, and start creating a wish list should you win the lotto this month.
