Salon Privé 2019 to Mark Bentley Centenary in Style

The two-day celebration of 100 years of Bentley will consist of Bentley Masters and Bentley Drivers Club Concours d’Elegance alongside Salon Privé Classic & Supercar on Sunday.

Although there will be a competitive element, the focus will be on a stunning display of 50 Bentleys from the earliest through to the very latest models, dating back to the brand’s creation in 1919. 

Trophies will be awarded, with the Owners’ Choice presented at the Saturday evening Gala Dinner within the sumptuous surroundings of Blenheim Palace.

Salon Privé co-founder David Bagley said, “It’s a real honour for us to have been selected as the host event for Bentley’s Centenary this year and we are planning a spectacular weekend of celebrations at Blenheim Palace.

"On the Saturday on the South Lawn, we present Bentley Masters at Salon Privé with an eye-watering display of 50 of the rarest and most exceptional models from around the world – already, entries have been received from France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa and The Netherlands.

"Then, on the Sunday, Bentley Drivers Club join us for their annual Concours d’Elegance and together, we will attempt to gather a record 1,001 Bentley together at one event. Stretching across the North Lawns, it will be the ultimate tribute for this iconic British marque.”

On the Sunday, the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) Concours d'Elegance will merge with the newly launched Salon Privé Classic & Supercar and with an expected record gathering of over 1,000 Bentleys from across the globe taking centre stage.

Noteworthy models already submitted for entry include a 1929 Speed Six Gurney Nutting Weymann Saloon, one of just 182 Speed Six models built, a 1938 Sports Saloon by Park Ward and a 1950 Mk VI Drophead Foursome Coupeby E.D.Abbott, one of just 16 ever built.

Meanwhile a special exhibition of significant Bentley cars from every decade will showcase 100 years of the marque, including the earliest surviving Bentley, EXP2, and a number of fascinating cars such as a striking-looking Continental GT Zagato, and a unique Continental GT S Convertible ‘art car’ decorated by the creative brush of celebrated artist Sir Peter Blake.

Bentley Drivers Club Chairman Ron Warmington said, “Our Concours d’Elegance will be a unique occasion and we would be delighted to mark Bentley Motors’ centenary by setting a new world record for the largest ever gathering of Bentleys in one place."

Now in its 14thyear, Salon Privé is recognised as one of the top car events in the world alongside Pebble Beach, Villa d’este and Amelia Island.