More entries have been confirmed for the famous Salon Privé London Concours de Vente collector car spectacle. From 20-22 April, 75 of the world’s most iconic classic cars will be on display in the central area of Royal Hospital Chelsea – and in contrast to other concours events, every one of them will be for sale! With three classes – up to £250,000, between £250,000 and £1 million, and over £1 million – awards include best in class prizes and the ultimate Prix d’Honneur, or best in show.
A 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder is a must-see car from Classic Motor Hub. One of just five right-hand drive cars built, this example has been fastidiously maintained by well-known marque experts, and is a multiple concours winner. Resplendent in its original Acciaio Brunito paint, this was originally sold in Genoa to an Englishman living in Italy – hence the right-hand drive configuration. It came to the UK in 1969 and, having been used sparingly in its later years, was recommissioned in 2004 for use at the Maserati 90th anniversary celebrations in Italy. Expertly restored, it was the overall winner of the 2016 Maserati Club Concours. Salon Privé London show-goers will be able to see for themselves what stunning condition the car is now in.
For outstanding originality, few will match the 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT Howard Wise is to display on the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds. An original one-owner right-hand drive car, it too is in concours condition – and the originality even extends to boasting original and totally untouched components including seats, carpets, ‘mouse hair’ dashboard, headlining, door cards, took kit and Radiomobile 8-track audio. Documentation includes the car’s original bill of sale, and more than 30 MOT certificates help confirm the mileage of just 34,500. The rare Bianco Polo White paintwork is original, and the striking interior of black seats and red carpets ensures it’s one not to miss.
Salon Privé London visitors enthusiastic for original Ferraris will have another model to pour over, courtesy of Car Iconics – a 1977 Ferrari 512 BB. It’s described as one of the finest Ferrari 512 BB’s left in unrestored condition. An original UK-supplied car, it’s had just four fastidious owners, the first one being former Harrods owner Mohammed Al-Fayed. It’s another matching-numbers car, finished in Argento silver over matt black, featuring unrestored magnesium wheels and an unmarked, original interior. Recently befitting from a major service and cambelt change, the car is offered ready to go for any enthusiasts wishing to buy it at the Royal Hospital Chelsea event.
Joe Macari will take visitors back to 1953 with a fantastic and historic rally-ready Alfa Romeo 1900C. The first Alfa Romeo to use unitary construction, just 100 Pininfarina-built 1900C closed coupes were built, on the short chassis (the ‘C’ stands for ‘Corto’, or ‘short’), alongside the official and more commonplace Touring coupe cars. This car is rarer still, being one of just nine factory right-hand drive examples. Originally part of the famous Mario Rishini collection, it was extensively resorted in the early 2010s in preparation for the 2015 Mille Miglia Storico. It is now offered with a current FIVA identity card and would make a very welcome entrant into a wide variety of historic rallies all around the world.
Confirming the unique appeal of Concours de Vente, Salon Privé London is attracting a rich gathering of specialist dealers from throughout the classic car industry. Hendon Way Motors will exhibit a rare AC Cobra Lightweight, one of just 44 ever built. Barkaways will exhibit an immaculate 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB, Classic Motor Hub is also bringing a beautiful 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible and Simon Drabble Cars will show a 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400, the 23rd Miura ever built. Chelmsford’s JD Classics is making its Royal Hospital Chelsea debut, bringing fantastic models for sale to demonstrate on the immaculate lawns on the banks of the River Thames.
Other confirmed dealers for Salon Privé London 2023 include Aston Martin specialist RS Williams, online platform Collecting Cars and Ferrari specialist Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars. And be it historic collector cars from Graeme Hunt or luxury cars from Hilton & Moss, the Salon Privé London Concours de Vente has it all.
Salon Privé London is one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events and the sister event to the globally renowned Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace which is now in its 18th year. Set to be the capital’s most exclusive automotive party, Salon Privé London offers plenty to see and do in addition to the motoring attractions. There will be a luxury shopping village featuring brands such as high-end British Jewellery designer Boodles, and watches from famed luxury brand, Montblanc.
Food and hospitality will also be first class, in the famed Salon Privé tradition, with a three-course luncheon, delicious Pommery Champagne, cocktails from the London Essence Co and fine wines from Chateau La Gordonne.
Further highlights include Friday’s Boodles Ladies’ Day, fun for all the family during Saturday at Salon Privé, plus exclusive VIP hospitality at The Sloane and DJs keeping the party going well into the evening on Thursday and Friday.
Organisers are still welcoming entries for the Concours de Vente, too: the deadline is 31 March and interested dealers are advised to contact Nick Wilkes on nickw@salonpriveconcours.com. He’s on + 44 (0) 7795 213 361.