Salon Privé is set to redefine the boundaries of Concours competition in 2026 with the introduction of two new classes dedicated to modern performance icons, reflecting a clear shift in global collector car culture.
Returning to the historic grounds of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 02 and Thursday 03 September, the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients will debut the Limited Production Supercars (1996–2026) and Hypercar Heaven (2005–2025) classes.
The move acknowledges what organisers describe as a growing appreciation for modern supercars and hypercars — vehicles that have already begun to earn their place alongside historic coach-built classics and pre-war masterpieces.
Traditionally, Concours lawns have been dominated by heritage automotive icons. However, the rise of limited-production performance cars from the late 1990s onwards has reshaped collector demand, with models from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, McLaren, Pagani and Koenigsegg now widely regarded as future classics.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Concours, said the evolution reflects a generational shift in what collectors value.
He noted that many of the cars defining the turn of the millennium are now recognised not only for performance, but for their impact on automotive design and engineering. According to Bagley, these modern machines are increasingly among the most sought-after vehicles in the collector market.
The Limited Production Supercars Class will showcase rare production models spanning 1996 to 2026, from analogue driver-focused machines to modern, highly bespoke performance cars.
Early confirmed entries include a Ferrari Daytona SP3 owned by collector and Ferrari Challenge driver Paul Hogarth, alongside expected appearances from icons such as the Ferrari Enzo, McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron and Porsche Carrera GT.
The Hypercar Heaven Class will highlight the most extreme road cars produced between 2005 and 2025, celebrating machines that redefined performance benchmarks. Early entrants include the Pagani Utopia Roadster and Lamborghini Sián Prototype, with anticipated appearances from the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Bugatti Veyron, Pagani Zonda, Rimac Nevera and Koenigsegg Jesko.
Paul Hogarth described the inclusion of modern hypercars on Concours lawns as a significant and welcome development, noting that many of these vehicles have already become milestones in automotive history due to their rarity, innovation and cultural impact.
The shift in focus is not isolated. Similar moves are emerging internationally, including at Marbella’s Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol, which recently introduced its own modern hypercar category.
Gregor Piëch, founder of that event, said collector tastes are clearly evolving, with modern performance cars now forming an increasingly important part of Concours culture.
Last year’s Best of Show at Salon Privé was awarded to The Auriga Collection’s 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster, a rare pre-war masterpiece that triumphed over 60 entrants from 13 countries. The 2025 edition attracted over 28,000 visitors, with organisers forecasting attendance to exceed 30,000 for 2026.
As Salon Privé continues to evolve, its latest expansion signals a defining moment: the recognition that the next generation of automotive icons is no longer on the horizon—they are already here.
