FIRST CONCOURS ENTRIES REVEALED FOR SALON PRIVÉ 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Line-up includes a 1933 Duesenberg SJ and 1964 Alpine M64

Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, has announced the first of its highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Concours entries. Taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August, with a team of international judges, the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients will welcome a host of spectacular and super rare privately-owned classics.

First in line is a legendary Duesenberg Model SJ – a luxury automobile that was made by one of the foremost luxury car manufacturers in the United States. Unveiled in 1932, the Model SJ features a supercharged engine that produces a staggering 320 horsepower, making it one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its time. With an elegant design and a top price tag of today’s equivalent of approximately $600,000, it fast became a favourite among celebrities and wealthy industrialists. 

Produced in extremely limited numbers, Salon Privé will welcome one of just 36 Model SJ units ever made, which will be travelling all the way from the US!  Prior to its outing at Pebble Beach in August 2024, this Duesenberg hadn’t been seen in almost 50 years.  Now it attracts the attention of everyone who gazes upon it, wanting to not only admire its sheer beauty, but to learn of its history which is full of colourful owners and interesting stories.

Joining the Duesenberg will be a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, which was first registered to the German actress Romy Schneider.  With its original red interior, this special Mercedes-Benz, on its way to Salon Privé from Germany, had a recent Class win at Lugano Elegance in 2024.

Salon Privé also announced this 1964 Alpine M64 – one of just three prototypes built for the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans – as an entry for its 20th Anniversary edition Concours. The most successful of the three prototypes, this M64 scored class victories at Le Mans and Reims in 1964. It raced successfully the following season and was then put away, hidden for nearly 50 years.

A mid-engine spaceframe design similar to that of the Lotus 23, the M64 was powered by a 1049cc Renault Gordini four-cylinder engine. This 1964 Alpine M64 finished 17th overall at Le Mans in June 1964, winning both the 1300cc Prototype/GT class and the Index of Thermal Efficiency. In 24 hours, drivers Roger de Lageneste and Henry Morrogh raced 2436 miles (292 laps) at an average speed of 101 miles per hour (while achieving 21 miles per gallon).  It returned to Le Mans after a 57-year absence in July 2022 and finished successfully. Next month sees it racing in the Le Mans Classic once again, before travelling to Salon Privé, the first time this car has been shown at a UK event. The car remains incredibly original, with only the bodywork having been repainted and the driver’s seat cover replaced.

Andrew Bagley, Chairman of the Salon Privé Concours, said: “The calibre of the Concours entries is higher than ever, giving this year’s guests a glimpse of what’s to come. Our 20th Anniversary Concours will rightly contain some of the finest and rarest motor cars from around the world!” 

For details on how to enter your car into the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients and to book tickets to attend, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/