As the post-Covid 'return to normality' gets underway, we're excited to announce that Lockton is once again sponsoring the UK's best concours event.
Salon Privé ranks alongside Pebble Beach and Villa D'Este when it comes to celebrating the very best – from the world's best cars, to luxury goods and fashion.
Concours D'Elegance is translated to 'competition of elegance', and until the mid-noughties, such events were uncommon in the UK. Brothers Andrew and David Bagley decided to create a UK-based concours event to rival its European competitors, and in 2006 launched Salon Privé at The Hurlingham Club in southwest London.
One of the country's best known private member's clubs, the Fulham site was the perfect place to launch, and the event was an immediate success within the collectors' car world. Lockton, as a longstanding supporter of this sector, first attended the event in 2007 as guests and has been involved ever since.
In 2010, Salon Privé moved to Syon Park, as its growth and popularity demanded a larger venue. With this change of location came additional sponsors; luxury brands were keen to align themselves with what had rapidly become the UK's premier luxury event, showcasing the best motor cars, passion assets, fine food and wine. Ladies' day also proved popular – a tradition which has continued to the present day.
Lockton became a proud sponsor for the event in 2018, and we haven't looked back since. Not only is Salon Privé a great opportunity to join together with new and existing clients, it also appeals to our biggest passion – vintage and performance cars.
2014 saw Salon Privé move to its current home. Set in over 12,000 acres, Blenheim Palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest stately homes in the country and provides a stunning backdrop to Salon Privé week.
Event organisers faced their first major obstacle in 2020 as, like the rest of the world, they faced lockdown conditions. Despite this, the Bagleys were able to create an astonishing event. Lockton co-sponsored the 'Evolution of the Supercar' class, where Lockton partner and head of Private Clients Rachel Gilliam awarded the 'Sensational Seventies' award to an amazing BMW M1.
The event saw over 1,000 cars arrive for the Saturday club day, where the lawns filled with a sea of almost every classic, sports and supercar one could dream of.
This year, Lockton are Gold sponsors of the event. As such, we will be welcoming guests and strategic partners across the five days between 1 and 5 September, and we will be the proud presenters of the Salon Club Trophy on the Saturday. We hope to be joined on the day by thousands of car enthusiasts, and we look forward to seeing you among them.
There really is no other event like Salon Privé. It combines the most incredible motor cars, the finest in luxury goods and passion assets and brings together car clubs, owners and enthusiasts alike in one place. For more details, take a look at the Salon Privé website.