Entries are now open for the Salon Privé Concours 2026. Returning to the grand South Lawn of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September 2026, the UK’s most refined automotive garden party marks its 21st year in style.
Better still, the 2026 Concours will celebrate a true British original: 80 years of Bristol Cars. It promises a line-up filled with heritage, craftsmanship and rare machinery from across the globe.
If you own something exceptional, this is your invitation.
The UK’s Premier Concours Returns to Blenheim Palace
Salon Privé is no ordinary car show. It stands alone as the UK’s only professionally judged, multi-marque Concours. Each entry is assessed by respected industry experts, placing genuine value on condition, originality and history.
For 2026, organisers have confirmed their most ambitious show field yet. Owners from around the world are expected to compete across a broad mix of categories, covering everything from pre-war classics to cutting-edge hypercars.
Confirmed Class Categories for 2026 Include:
- Pre-War Open
- Pre-War Closed
- Post-War Open
- Post-War Closed
- Sports Racers
- Ferrari Icons
- Evolution of the Supercar
- Special 80th Anniversary Bristol Cars Class
As always, every class is carefully curated. Quality comes before volume. That is why Salon Privé continues to attract some of the finest privately owned cars on the planet.
Bristol Cars at 80: A British Anniversary Worth Celebrating
The headline act for 2026 is a dedicated anniversary class marking 80 years of Bristol Cars. It is a rare chance to see the brand’s remarkable story brought together on one lawn.
Bristol’s roots trace back to the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which turned its hand from aircraft to cars after the Second World War. The first result, the Bristol 400 of 1946, set the tone for decades of limited-build, hand-finished grand tourers.
A Legacy Built on Craft and Subtle Performance
Across eight decades, Bristol created machines that favoured restraint over flash. Early models such as the 400, 401 and 403 built the brand’s reputation for quiet excellence. Later came powerful V8 models and, eventually, the striking Bristol Fighter with V10 power.
Owners have included actors, royalty and long-time collectors. Even today, the name carries a rare sense of British character.
A Celebration of Past and Future
Alongside the special Concours class, Bristol Cars will also display new models inside the Salon Privé Automotive Gallery, offering a glimpse of where the brand is heading next.
Jason Wharton, Executive Chairman of Bristol Cars, explains the moment: “As we prepare for Bristol’s 80th anniversary, it’s a privilege to see our marque recognised by Salon Privé. Our Vision 8.0 roadmap is about renewing Bristol for a new generation while honouring its hand-built, aeronautical roots. We look forward to showcasing both our past and our future at Blenheim.”
Concours by Day, Garden Party by Night
The Concours by Aviva Private Clients opens the five-day Salon Privé festival in Oxfordshire. While the judging draws serious attention, the wider event blends:
- Luxury brands
- Fine dining
- Private shopping
- Champagne terraces
- Live demonstrations
In short, it feels more like an elegant summer gathering than a traditional motor show. That balance is exactly what keeps collectors, designers and enthusiasts coming back.
A Look Back: What Won Best of Show in 2025?
The 2025 Concours delivered one of the strongest fields to date. Sixty cars from 13 countries competed across 12 classes. The overall prize went to a true pre-war masterpiece.
Best of Show 2025
1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen (above), shown by The Auriga Collection (Germany), entered in the Pre-War Open class.
Judges were won over by its dramatic long-tail shape, high doors and flowing coachwork. It was a rare example where design and condition aligned perfectly.
Runner-Up and People’s Choice
1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé “Super Fast” Prototype (above), by Pininfarina, shown by collector Anne Brockinton Lee
This unique Ferrari is one of just four special prototype Superamericas and the only 410 bodied by Pinin Farina. It also marked Anne’s first full restoration since the passing of her husband, Robert M. Lee.
Why 2026 Could Be the Strongest Concours Yet
Following the success of its 20th anniversary edition, Salon Privé has momentum firmly on its side. International interest continues to grow. The addition of a focused Bristol anniversary class also brings added depth and British relevance.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, is clear about the ambition: “We are inviting Bristol Concours entries dating back to 1946 and are proud to host a dedicated 80th anniversary class. Bristol is one of Britain’s most characterful marques, and we are excited to celebrate it with owners and guests alike.”
How to Enter the Salon Privé Concours 2026
Entries are now being accepted across all classes. Owners of rare, important and beautifully kept cars are encouraged to apply early.
Early application improves your chance of securing a preferred class and display position.
Final Thoughts: Could Your Car Belong on That Lawn?
Few UK events offer the same mix of heritage, luxury and competition as Salon Privé. With Bristol Cars celebrating 80 years and global entries already building, the 2026 Concours is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet.
Would you enter your own car for judgement?
Which Bristol model would you most like to see on the lawn?
And which era of performance still excites you most?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
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