Salon Privé 2026 has offered an early glimpse of what promises to be one of its most compelling concours line-ups to date, unveiling a trio of extraordinary classic and performance cars set to compete at the prestigious event held at Salon Privé, hosted at the historic grounds of Blenheim Palace this September.
Leading the initial announcements is a truly one-of-a-kind 1952 Ferrari Speciale by Ghia, a car that blends automotive artistry with political and cultural history. Originally unveiled at the Paris Auto Salon in 1952, the Ferrari was so striking it immediately captured the attention of Argentine president Juan Perón, who acquired it shortly after the death of his wife Eva “Evita” Perón. The car remains the only Ferrari ever bodied in this distinctive Ghia design, making it a singular example of mid-century Italian craftsmanship.
Following a complex international history and several ownership changes, the Ferrari underwent a meticulous restoration completed in 2024. Since then, it has returned to the global concours stage in spectacular form, earning top honours including Best of Show at Cavallino Classic Palm Beach and a near-perfect score at Pebble Beach. Its appearance at Salon Privé 2026 places it firmly in contention for another major accolade in the Passione Ferrari class, where it will be judged among the world’s most significant Prancing Horse creations.
Joining it is a highly significant 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype, one of just 52 examples produced and the first definitive iteration of the model. Developed alongside the Bristol 450 Le Mans racing programme, the car also introduced the marque’s new grille design, said to be inspired by the Bristol Brabazon airliner project. Originally retained by the factory as a development vehicle, it was used to test multiple prototype engines before entering private ownership.
The Bristol’s life has been defined by careful stewardship and restoration. A significant overhaul in the 1960s saw it refinished in multiple coats of black cellulose paint, while a more recent restoration in 2021 reinstated key design features, including a rear fin. Its preservation-focused maintenance continued under specialist care in Germany, ensuring mechanical integrity without compromising originality. Its appearance at Pebble Beach in 2025 confirmed its standing as a historically important British engineering landmark.
Completing the initial trio is a 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S, one of only 33 right-hand drive examples ever produced. A poster car for an entire generation, this particular Countach has its own media pedigree, having appeared on the cover of The Spirit of the Bull and featured on Top Gear in the early 2000s. After being discovered in a dismantled state and sold at auction in 2021, it underwent a full bare-metal restoration in Modena under the supervision of Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni.
Now restored to its full V12 glory, the Countach joins the Supercar Icons class (1970–1995), representing the bold wedge-shaped design language that defined an era of performance motoring.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of the Salon Privé Concours, described the early reveal as “a tantalising taste of the astonishing field of cars” being assembled for 2026, promising visitors an exceptional showcase of automotive excellence.
Last year’s event saw a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster take Best of Show, highlighting the calibre of machinery that continues to define Salon Privé as one of Europe’s most prestigious concours gatherings. With more entries still to be announced, anticipation is already building for what 2026 will deliver.
Read more: Salon Privé 2025 Highlights
