A range of top-flight classics graced the lawns at Blenheim Palace last month, each vying for prizes in the Salon Privé Concours
The Salon Privé Concours is one of the most prestigious events of its type anywhere in the world, so it follows that the cars it attracts are some of best-surviving examples of the most exclusive classics around. Judges have the unenviable task of picking out winners from a sea of immaculately presented classics – and this year’s selection is typically impressive.
The overall Best in Show prize was awarded to an ex-works 1957 Ferrari 355 S, chassis number 0674, entered by Brian Ross. Campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari, the car finished sixth at the Sebring 12 Hours in March 1957 and second in the Mille Miglia two months later.
The Ferrari was then upgraded to 4.1-litre specification before taking on Le Mans in June 1957, where it claimed the fastest lap but ultimately failed to finish. The 1957 Caracas 1000km was the car’s final works race; North American Racing founder Luigi Chinetti took delivery of the car thereafter, entering it in the Cuban Grand Prix in 1958 with Stirling Moss at the wheel.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom II by Freestone & Webb owned by Lord Bamford was awarded second place. The car was ordered new by cotton magnate Sir John Leigh in 1933 with a bespoke specification intended for continental touring. The car remained in the UK until the 1950s and then spent 35 years in the US; the current owner bought the Phantom II in 2013 and returned it to its original two-tone paint scheme.
(Left to right) 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II by Freestone & Webb, 1957 Ferrari 355 S, 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster
Third place went to Nic and Shelley Schorsch’s 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster, originally ordered new by actor Rudolph Valentino (who sadly passed before he could take delivery) with bespoke coachwork by LeBaron of New York.
With 72 cars entered across 14 classes – plus a number of honorary awards – the list of other winners is extensive and varied. Highlights included Shane Houlihan’s 1932 Bugatti Type 55 (Most Elegant), Lars Nielsen’s 1993 Lamborghini Diablo (Duke of Marlborough Award), Edward Iliffe’s 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith by Mann Egerton (Best Interior) and Paul Hogarth’s 1996 Ferrari F50, winner of the People’s Choice award.
Salon Privé is set to return to Blenheim Palace on August 26–30, 2025. For more information, visit salonpriveconcours.com
