Last week, Jack Barclay invited nearly a dozen customers to Salon Privé, a luxurious motor show unlike any other, held at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, Oxfordshire—a designated World Heritage site.
The two-day event was the pinnacle of panache, combining the latest supercars, the greatest concept cars, and an array of some of the world’s finest classic cars.
For those not interested in automotive spectacles, Salon Privé is both a relaxing and glamorous garden party where cars aren’t the only thing that shine.

Thursday

The event opened on Thursday, when Jack Barclay’s guests were welcomed by staff at the Bentley UK stand amidst a shower of popping champagne corks.
It was Judging Day at the Privé where cars of all shapes, sizes, and ages were evaluated for their various merits.
Of particular interest with those in the crowd was the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elegance, which featured a collection of rare and priceless entries from around the world to be judged by 18 of the world’s foremost automotive professionals, including 5X Le Mans Winner, Derek Bell.

 
Jack Barclay guests were also invited to enjoy the British Supercar Show, EFG Art Fair, Luxury Brands Village, Salon Privé Sale Preview, and the Hypercar and Concept Car Collections.
The exact itinerary for Thursday was as follows:

• 10:00 – Salon Privé Opens & Concours Judging Commences
• 11:45 – Pommery Champagne Reception
• 12:00 – Lobster Luncheon Served
• 14:00 – Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance Parade
• 16:00 – English Afternoon Tea Served
• 17:00 – Chubb Insurance Class Winners (Cars & Motorbikes) Announced
• 18:00 – Chubb Insurance Best of Show Announced
• 19:00 – Salon Privé Closes

Friday

Not to be outdone by its immediate predecessor, Friday was also a spectacular showing.
Once again, Jack Barclay guests were given an exclusive hosting by staff from the Bentley stand.
As Friday was ‘Ladies’ Day’, the highlight of the day was the Boodles Best-Dressed Lady Awards—a stunning competition featuring women gilded in jewellery, posh dresses, and extravagant hats or hair pieces.
All entrants in the Boodles Awards were judged by Anna Bance, Co-Founder of Girl Meets Dress, and Kirsty Heslewood, former Miss United Kingdom. Those most glamorously-dressed were shortlisted by the two expert judges and given an exquisitely manicured rose. The winner was awarded with a highly coveted piece from the Boodles Collection.

But Ladies Day wasn’t all dresses and fancy hats—it also featured the British Supercar Show, the Hypercar Collection, EFG Art Fair & Luxury Brands Village, and an array of concepts and prototypes.
The full itinerary for Ladies day was as follows:

• 11:00 – Salon Privé Opens
• 11:30 – Supercar Parade
• 12:00 – Pommery Champagne Reception
• 12:30 – Lobster Luncheon Served
• 14:00 – Chubb Insurance Concours Car Parade
• 15:45 – English Afternoon Tea Served
• 17:00 – Salon Privé closes/Salon Privé Sale Preview (Auction Marquee)
• 18:00 – Salon Privé Sale Commences (Auction Marquee)
• 21:00 – Salon Privé Sale Closes

The only thing better than the Salon Privé itself was the September weather which was spectacular for both days, allowing guests to fully enjoy and appreciate all the festivities in store.
A special thanks goes out to Bentley UK who generously helped to subsidise the cost of VIP tickets for Jack Barclay guests—normally £275 per day.