Luxury car show, Salon Privé, just successfully wrapped up their third year at Royal Hospital Chelsea. Crowds buzzed, cocktail hats glistened, and motors roared. This event is no-doubt every car enthusiast’s dream, with rows of top-notch vehicles from the world’s most luxurious car brands. From sleek coupes to grand SUVs, guests are amongst the first in the world to lay their eyes upon up-and-coming car releases from all the huge names – both loyal returnees to the function and first-timers.
Salon Privé 2024 at Royal Hospital Chelsea
Words by
Sphere Editors
Photography by
Simon Winson
17th May 2024
Salon Privé 2024 has just finished up at Royal Hospital Chelsea, so now we turn to break down the buzzing details of the luxury car event. From the winners of this year's Concours de Vente to exciting releases from notable motor firms such as Rolls-Royce and Polestar.
Aston Martin returned to the show for their third consecutive year
Aston Martin, back for their third consecutive year, brought one of the most notable spectacles to the occasion. A fierce fleet of 14 Aston Martin Valkyrie. This broke the record for the largest ever gathering of Aston Martin Valkyrie, achieved with assistance from Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The petrol-fuelled parade also featured an Aston Martin Vulcan, V12 Speedster and a pair of One-77s. Making for a visually memorable moment for both minds and cameras. Turning to new additions, the luxury car firm came to flaunt their new Aston Martin Vantage. Boasting new looks, both interior and exterior, and an incredible power increase to 656bhp.
The show-stopping gathering of 14 Aston Martin Valkyrie
As for other new releases from the best of British, Rolls-Royce rocked up with their finest. Including the new Rolls-Royce Spectre, honing the firm’s famed elegance and combining it with an impressively all-electric drivetrain with a range of near to 330 miles.
Other electric debuts included the new Polestar 4 SUV, building up anticipation for the first of the cars to arrive in the UK later this year. The electric SUV combines dynamic sports car performance with range of over 300 miles and the notable practicality of an SUV. Its distinctive design is underlined by the car having no rear window, a certainly unique trait.
Photography by Simon Winson
The new electric SUV, Polestar 4, made a a debut at the show
The new Rolls-Royce Spectre alongside a white Rolls-Royce Ghost
Onto the prizes. We begin with this year’s Concours de Vente. Uniquely the only concours event where every entry is for sale.Taking the Prix d’Honneur was the only surviving 1930 Bentley Speed Six from Vintage Bentley. The Bentley started its journey as a new build with the 10th Duke of Manchester, Viscount Mandeville. Before becoming a prized member of the Medcalf family for over four decades. Whilst the car is magnificent; the restoration job is nothing short of remarkable. Setting a new benchmark for restoration jobs today by achieving the exact same standard of the Bentley factory. A multi-winner, this vintage Bentley managed to additionally go away as Class 3 winner for cars costing over £1 million.
The winner of Class 3 and the Prix d'Honneur, a vintage 1930 Bentley Speed Six
As for the Class 1 winner, for cars up to £250,000, a 1972 BMW E9 3.0 CSL from the Octane collection received the award. The Class 2 winner, for cars between the two above numbers of £250k and £1 Million, was a 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000S from Furlonger Specialist Cars. A sleek black model with only 1,7960 miles on the clock.
The winners of the Concours de Vente, (from the left) a 1972 BMW E9 3.0 CSL, a 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000S and a 1930 Bentley Speed Six
Other significant awards were the People’s Choice winner, won by a 1990 Ferrari 540 GT (always a crowd-pleaser) from Joe Macari. Whilst the Pensioner’s Trophy was secured by P & A Wood’s 1966 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine by James Young. The show didn’t stop at cars. Motorcycle firms also dipped in for the ride, from Thornton Hundred motorcycles to Krazy Horse. Boodles, as a sponsor for the event, also displayed a curated selection of their intricate fine jewellery.
Luxury British jeweller, Boodles, were an event sponsor
Director David Bagley said: “With the spring sun shining and our guests out in force, this year’s Salon Privé London was another incredible success. We had three days packed full of amazing cars, once-in-a-lifetime attractions and even a world record Aston Martin Valkyrie gathering, all of course complemented by the finest in luxury and fine dining. Our season-opening event is one now firmly on the London events calendar, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for our landmark garden party at Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
As we wait in anticipation for Salon Privé London to return to Royal Hospital Chelsea on 10-12th April 2025, we turn to Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace. Taking place from the 18th-31st August 2024 for it’s 19th year.
For those who missed this year’s Salon Privé, watch highlights here and find out more via www.salonprivelondon.com
