Innovation meets tradition as inaugural Salon Privé London opens the season in style

April 27, 2022 by Salon Privé

• Salon Privé London welcomes 16,000 visitors to Royal Hospital Chelsea

•Global & European automotive debuts from the world's most famous manufacturers

•1954 OSCA MT4 wins Prix d'Honneur in unique Concours de Vente

•£120,000 raised for DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

With its centrepiece Concours de Vente, blue-riband manufacturer displays and luxury retail village, Salon Privé London made a triumphant debut and attracted 16,000 visitors to the picturesque grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea from 21-23 April.

The event opened on a glorious spring morning with no fewer than 12 automotive reveals from some of the world's greatest marques. H.R. Owen Ferrari gave two Italian thoroughbreds their UK static debuts, with the Ferrari 296 GTB – the marque's 819bhp plug-in hybrid supercar – being joined by the Daytona SP3. The third car in the limited-edition Icona series, the Daytona SP3 pays homage to the legendary Ferrari sports-prototypes of the 1960s.

Aston Martin Mayfair gave the DBX707, the world's most powerful luxury SUV, its UK event debut at Salon Privé London – as did Jaguar Land Rover with its flagship Range Rover SV. The V12-engined Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost made its premiere, and Prodrive Chairman David Richards was on hand to unveil the company's spectacular new Hunter. Developed from the Bahrain Raid Xtreme competition car that was driven by rally icon Sébastien Loeb on the Dakar, the four-wheel-drive all-terrain adventure vehicle uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops more than 600bhp.

Caton chose Salon Privé London for the global launch of its first creation: an ultra-exclusive reincarnation of the Austin-Healey 100 that blends traditional craftsmanship with OEM-grade design and engineering. Nearby on the lawns was the hand-built, zero-emissions Electric Mustang by Charge Cars, which uses cutting-edge technology to redefine the revered 1967 Fastback model.

The Tushek TS900 Apex – the lightest hybrid hypercar on the market – was revealed by the company's founder Aljosa Tushek, whilst Morgan Motor Company gave the new Super 3 its UK event debut as part of a display that showcased its entire line-up. Making its UK show debut, Alpine unveiled the new A110S alongside the entire range, which has been updated with three distinct new versions, uprated performance, and more equipment than ever before.

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Genesis took the wraps off the G60 – its first dedicated electric platform-based vehicle – while at the opposite end of the motoring spectrum was the Alfa Romeo 12C Prototipo. This Italian thoroughbred was making its debut more than 80 years after it was first conceived, and was revealed by Progetto 33 alongside a brand-new book that explores its fascinating history.

Automobili Lamborghini was represented at Royal Hospital Chelsea with Lamborghini London presenting the sensational 770bhp Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae, the pinnacle of the model's bloodline, along with new Huracán STO and the Urus Super SUV.

The first-ever Concours de Vente attracted some of the world's leading specialists, and they were united in their support for the innovative format, in which each of the 50 cars entered was also being offered for sale. The winner of the Prix d'Honneur was the Classic Motor Hub's 1954 OSCA MT4, which had competed in period at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia – on which it won its class in 1956 – and the Targa Florio.

Second place went to the famous Barnato Hassan Bentley, which was entered by Vintage Bentley. Developed by renowned engineer Walter Hassan for Woolf Barnato, it broke the Brooklands lap record several times between 1934 and 1938, and holds the Class B record in perpetuity – Oliver Bertram having lapped the banked Surrey circuit at 142.60mph.

DD Classics picked up third place courtesy of its Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', which won the 1956 European Rally Championship in the hands of Walter Schock and Rolf Moll. Beautifully restored by Mercedes Stuttgart, it's believed to be the only matching-numbers factory competition 'Gullwing' in existence.

The Chelsea Pensioners' Choice went to Warren Kennedy's 1954 Austin-Healey 100, while a 2004 Ferrari Enzo entered by Furlonger Specialist Cars was given the People's Choice award. The success of the Concours de Vente was demonstrated by the fact that more than one-third of the cars presented on the lawns were 'under offer' by the time the sun set on Saturday.

Throughout the event, Salon Privé London raised funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Twenty percent of the ticket price was donated to the cause, and there was also an online auction comprising 24 lots, including a 1974 MV Agusta GT that had been generously donated by RM Sotheby's. Supplied new to factory rider Gianfranco Bonera, it was originally built to GT specification but subsequently uprated to Sport specification. The motorcycle raised £48,000, which helped to produce a fundraising total of just over £120,000 from across the weekend. That money will be winging its way to the DEC where it will help families with emergency aid and rapid relief.

As well as its 28 automotive brand partners, Salon Privé London welcomed 18 luxury retail brands to Royal Hospital Chelsea. Roger Dubuis presented its new collection of Excalibur Monobalancier timepieces, Riva showcased its beautiful Aquariva, and at the heart of the shopping village was British jeweller Boodles, plus haute couture designer Isabell Kristensen, Jess Collet Milliner and perfume house Penhaligon's.

Guests enjoyed food from Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Brigadiers, BAO, The George and The Cadogan Arms, while VIP hospitality was on offer at 'The Sloane' – where a sumptuous three-course luncheon and Afternoon Tea was being served. Louis Pommery champagne was complemented by cocktails from The London Essence Co, and DJs kept everyone entertained into the evening.

Event Chairman Andrew Bagley said: 'The atmosphere has been unforgettable throughout the event, and everyone has agreed that it's great to be back in the capital. Salon Privé London has delivered everything that you'd expect – superb cars, first-class hospitality and a prestigious location – but with the added innovation of the Concours de Vente. The fact that more than £120,000 has been raised for the DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal makes it particularly special.'

Salon Privé London will return to Royal Hospital Chelsea from 20-22 April 2023. In the meantime, all eyes now turn to Blenheim Palace, where Salon Privé's traditional late-summer fixture will take place from 31 August to 4 September. The programme will open with the prestigious Concours d'Elégance presented by Aviva, which will be followed by Ladies' Day presented by Boodles, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, and the Classic & Supercar Day.

Please click here to view promotional footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA-iicm4RIU

About Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Royal Hospital Chelsea was established over 300 years ago during the reign of King Charles II, whose vision for a home for veteran soldiers was brought to life by Sir Christopher Wren. King Charles II's understanding that the country owes a debt of gratitude to its old soldiers informs the spirit of the Royal Hospital today.

The residents of the Royal Hospital, known the world over as Chelsea Pensioners, are all retired soldiers of the British Army. To this day, the Royal Hospital provides care and comradeship to veterans in recognition of their loyal service to the nation.

Located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea in the heart of West London, the Hospital is highly accessible by road, rail and tube from throughout the capital and beyond.

Already established as a prestigious city venue through long-term associations with the likes of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Masterpiece Art Fair, the Royal Hospital Chelsea was a natural choice for Salon Privé London and a suitable counterpart to the September venue, Blenheim Palace.