Salon Privé Wins Motoring Spectacle Award at the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2025
Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, has been named Motoring Spectacle at the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2025. The winners were revealed last night at the Club’s Pall Mall clubhouse during a glittering ceremony hosted by broadcaster Lee McKenzie. The Motoring Spectacle category, supported by RM Sotheby’s, recognises UK classic and historic‑car events that combine outstanding presentation with a sense of theatre.
The judging panel described this year’s competition as the most competitive yet, but they were unanimous in choosing Salon Privé. In its citation, the Club noted that the event “refuses to sit on its laurels” and that the 20th anniversary edition “grew again”, bringing together collectors, restorers, manufacturers and enthusiasts from around the globe. The introduction of the Automotive Gallery, a spectacular glass structure constructed from 1,206 panes and covering 4,460 square metres, set a new benchmark for presentation in the automotive event world. The judges concluded that Salon Privé has “evolved into the very definition of a Motoring Spectacle’’.
Held at Blenheim Palace from 27th – 31st August 2025, the landmark edition welcomed a record‑breaking 28,000 guests, a 35 per cent increase on the previous year. Blenheim’s UNESCO World Heritage setting provided an elegant backdrop for world‑class concours entries and lifestyle experiences. The event’s Automotive Gallery showcased 44 outstanding cars, while the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients saw a 1936 Mercedes‑Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster take Best of Show from a field of 60 entries representing 13 countries. The Concours de Vente, Salon Privé Club Trophy by Lockton and several global debuts reinforced the event’s growing international prominence.
David Bagley, co‑founder and Sales Director of Salon Privé, said:
‘From our earliest Concours at Hurlingham Club to this year’s landmark twentieth edition, our vision has always been to create something truly special for the historic motoring community. To be recognised by the Royal Automobile Club as the Motoring Spectacle of 2025 is an incredible honour. This award reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team and partners, and we are immensely grateful to the collectors, manufacturers, sponsors and visitors who made Salon Privé 2025 the most memorable event yet.’
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co‑founder of Salon Privé, added:
‘This award is a testament to the passion and expertise of everyone involved, from our judges and entrants to our partners and supporters. Salon Privé continues to grow because of the shared love of motoring that brings thousands of people together each summer. We remain committed to raising the bar and delivering experiences that celebrate the very best of our automotive world.’
As the 2025 season draws to a close, Salon Privé is already planning an exciting 2026 calendar. Salon Privé London will return to the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 16th -18th April 2026, offering an urban showcase of supercars, luxury brands and fine cuisine. Later in the year, the 21st edition at Blenheim Palace will run from 2nd -6th September 2026, with Salon Privé Concours judging on 2nd – 3rd September followed by Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Supercar Saturday and Sunday. New concours classes, special celebrations and enhanced hospitality are promised as the event continues to evolve while honouring tradition.
Relive the 20th anniversary event highlights:
Notes to editors
About Salon Privé
Founded in 2006, Salon Privé is the UK’s most prestigious automotive event, blending world‑class motoring with the elegance of an English garden party. The event takes place annually at Blenheim Palace and encompasses the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Supercar Saturday and the Club Trophy by Lockton and Supercar Sunday. It attracts collectors, enthusiasts and leading automotive brands from around the world, offering an unmissable social occasion for lovers of luxury and motoring heritage. More information at www.salonpriveconcours.com.
About the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards
The Royal Automobile Club started its Historic Awards in 2019, acutely aware that the UK’s historic motoring clubs, events, associations, companies and special individuals deserved recognition for their unsung achievements. Since then, more than 170 contenders have been accorded merit as finalists, chosen by judges invited solely for their expertise and independence of outlook. The Awards extend the Club’s 128-year pedigree in recognising motoring accomplishments and celebrating success through its trophies and medals. For further information, please visit royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk.
