Pukka PR returned to the Salon Privé London car show held this year at Syon Park on 4 September 2013, an ideal way to round off the British summer events season. The weather was marvellous for the 3-day luxury vintage & supercars cars event now in its 8th year. My mother Amita and I covered Salon Privé at the Hurlingham Club in 2010 so we were glad to have been invited to cover the event again.
Attractive automobiles gleamed in the grounds of the historic Syon House owned by the Duke of Northumberland and his family. We proceeded to take photos of cars while exhibitors gave their cars a final buff. A new feature this year was the introduction of the hyper cars collection - economy fuel aerodynamic high-performance cars with cutting-edge designs.
After 11am visitors were invited to take their place at the Concours lawn beside the Judges Marquee for the Chubb Insurance Concours D'Elegance classic cars parade - highlight of the day. Managing Director of Salon Privé Andrew Bagley introduced the panel of guest judges from the automotive industry including former rally/racing drivers, experts, designers, collectors and media. The Concours D'elegance parade was presented by former motor racing champion Derek Bell MBE and Philip Kantor Head of Europeon Motorcars at Bonhams. Each car driven by their owners made a grand entrance at the red-carpet event accompanied by models walking on either side dressed in vintage style outfits to fit the theme. Classic motor cycles were also featured in the Concours D'Elegance parade. The 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Tourer and the 1936 Mercedez-Benz 540K Sport Cabriolet were two of the most eye-catching pre-war cars. The 1970 Aston Martin Lagonda DBS was featured in the TV series ‘The Persuaders' and, several other classic cars participating in the Concours D'elegance parade had interesting owner histories.
In between viewing and admiring exquisite automobiles guests enjoyed an al fresco lobster lunch with Pommery champagne and Pimms followed by traditional afternoon tea on the lawns listening to live jazz. In the meantime members of the judging panel inspected classic cars and awarded the best cars rosettes for specific categories. Visitors were also given the chance to vote for their favourite classic car and most stylish Class L concept car in the ‘People's Choice Award.'
At 5pm we returned to the Concours lawn to watch the awards presentation. The black 1933 Jaguar SS1 was voted winner of the People's Choice Award and the maroon 1959 Ferrari 250 California Spyder LWB owned by Sarah Allen won the Best of Show award.
As ever, Salon Privé was very well organised and presented and it's always a pleasure viewing the impressive range of cars from all over the world, many of which were like works of art on wheels.
Thanks to David Bagley & Andrew Bagley of Salon Privé and James Andrew of Influence Associates
©Article by Gina Chrysanthou Photos by Amita Chatterji & Gina Chrysanthou
Above: Andrew Bagley Managing Director of Salon Privé
Above: Sarah Allen Concours D'Elegance Best of Show award winner
Above: Vicki Butler-Henderson Fifth Gear Presenter & TV Personality
Above: Derek Bell MBE (left) and Philip Kantor
Above: Roger Willbanks owner of 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Tourer - winner of Graceful Pre-War Motoring award
Delwyn Mallet owner of 1946 Tatra T87 - winner of Most Creative Design award
Above: Concours D'Elegance Best of Show award winner 1959 Ferrari 250 California Spyder LWB - owner Sarah Allen with judges
Above: 1933 Jaguar SS1, winner of People's Choice Award
Please click link below to view Pukka PR's full photo collection in the Gallery: Salon Privé London Luxury Car Show at Syon Park