Past and present Two-wheeled wonders set to roar into Salon Privé
Salon Privé will be welcoming some of the world’s greatest motorcycles to the fabulous surroundings of Blenheim Palace when it returns the first week of September. Whether in the Concours d’Elégance or elsewhere on the South Lawn, it will be a showcase for the finest two-wheeled machinery from past and present.
A new addition for 2021 is the introduction of a motorcycle parade to open the event on the mornings of Wednesday 1 September and Thursday 2 September. Entrants will start outside the show field, then parade through the grounds of Blenheim Palace and into place on the elegant South Lawn.
There will also be the opportunity for Motorcycle entrants to take part in Tour Privé for the first time, on Tuesday 31 August. The 100-mile route will depart the Great Court at Blenheim Palace and travel through the spectacular Cotswold countryside, with a luncheon stop at Grittleton House nestled in the picturesque village of Grittleton, Wiltshire.
The motorcycles in the Concours d’Elégance will be split into three classes. Early entries for the Motorcycle class include a 1968 Triumph TR6C Trophy. An extremely rare example of this iconic West Coast Street Scrambler, it was part of a production run that lasted only from January to July 1968, and which was considered aesthetically superior to the later models. This particular motorcycle has been completely restored to original specification, included twin-leading-shoe front brake and 12-volt electrics.
A fully rebuilt 1973 Yamaha TZ250A – the first of Yamaha’s water-cooled production race bikes – will star in the Exceptional Competition Motorcycles class, while a 1974 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport will do likewise in a class that will be dedicated to the legendary Italian marque, which is celebrating its centenary in 2021.
The judging panel for the Concours d’Elégance includes some of the most respected experts in the motorcycle world. Writer and consultant Somer Hooker will be joined by broadcaster Henry Cole, historian Dennis Frost, and former racer Steve Parrish. The Motorcycle Awards Ceremony will take place at noon on Thursday 2 September with judges, owners and the Duke of Marlborough present.
Manufacturers and specialists enjoyed great success at last year’s event – which hosted the official launch of Langen Motorcycles’ ultra-exclusive Two Stroke – and the 2021 Salon Privé Week will include the debut of Thornton Hundred Motorcycles. The British company specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke motorcycles, and uses the latest technology and engineering expertise in order to provide reliability as well as style.
Thornton Hundred is one of the world’s fastest-growing custom motorcycle brands, and has built bikes for Joe Wicks (his fourth is currently in build), rugby stars Jack Nowell and Josh Navidi, and Gymshark founder Ben Francis.
The bikes that Thornton Hundred will have on display in the grounds of Blenheim Palace will include the ‘World’s Fastest Bobber’ – a supercharged showcase of what the company can do. With 202bhp on tap thanks to the use of nitrous-oxide injection – plus launch control, traction control and quickshifters – this one-off machine has run the quarter-mile in 10.49 seconds at 130mph.
Alongside that will be its striking demo bike – a 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black fitted with everything from the signature Thornton Hundred wide-wheel kit and a bespoke painted tank to a custom handmade twin side exhaust. The company will also be giving the world debut to its soon-to-be announced latest creation.
‘All of our motorcycles exude individuality and exclusivity,’ said Jody Millhouse, the man behind Thornton Hundred and part of a new wave of engineers who are at the cutting edge of the custom scene. ‘We want to give owners a unique modification experience, and those values align perfectly with Salon Privé. We can’t wait to show off our latest designs against the amazing backdrop of Blenheim Palace.’
Motorcycle owners who are interested in entering should visit www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter or email PoppyK@salonpriveconcours.com . The Motorbike Owner’s Package is an all-inclusive experience for entrants to enjoy, with delicious luncheon, Pommery Champagne, fine wines and traditional English afternoon tea.
