Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, has opened at Blenheim Palace this morning with a slew of UK debuts and unveils unlike anything seen in its 21-year history.
Set amid the palatial Automotive Gallery, organisers opened the event with debuts and unveils from some the world’s most sought-after coachbuilders, restorers and manufacturers.
Leading the pack was Lamborghini with the UK debut of the Revuelto SV, hot off the heels from its global debut at The Quail earlier this month. Representing the latest evolution of Lamborghini’s legendary V12 super sports car, the Revuelto SV embodies the purest expression of the brand’s performance philosophy.
Based on the Lamborghini Revuelto, the SV variant further optimises every detail, from aerodynamics to power delivery, reaching a maximum output of 1,065 CV (783 Kw) and a class-leading 1,425 Nm of system torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 345 km/h. The Revuelto SV is the most powerful and fastest production Lamborghini ever built in Sant’Agata Bolognese.
“Exclusivity, technical perfection and pure driving pleasure reach their highest expression in this car. It is Lamborghini DNA in its purest form: a super sports car conceived to push beyond the limits and deliver uncompromising emotions,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The BRABUS BODO also made its UK debut at Salon Privé. The coachbuilt carbon fibre supercar is limited to 77 units worldwide (an ode to the year the company was founded) and is a tribute to the founder of BRABUS, Bodo Buschmann. The BODO is a perfect synthesis of striking aesthetics and uncompromising power. The Gran Turismo coupe is equipped with a hand-built 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine, which accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 223 mph.
BRABUS also made a second UK debut at Salon Privé with the 800 CABRIO – MERCEDES-AMG G 63 (W 465). Based on the current W 465 series Mercedes-AMG G 63, this limited-edition masterpiece transforms the iconic off-roader into an exclusive cabriolet featuring a highly complex soft-top system. Powered by an 800bhp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and completed by a bespoke masterpiece leather interior, the BRABUS 800 CABRIO sets a new benchmark, with production limited to 50 units worldwide.
The opening of Salon Privé also included the UK launch of the Polestar 4 SUV, a new variant of its electric performance car with greater versatility and capability.
Positioned in the compact executive SUV segment, Polestar 4 SUV pairs the design and refined performance of the updated Polestar 4 coupé with more cargo capacity, enhanced utility features and greater everyday usability, bringing Polestar’s performance DNA to a whole new customer base.
Michael Lohscheller, Polestar’s CEO, says: “Polestar 4 SUV broadens the appeal of our most successful model and extends our product offering in one of the industry’s most important segments. With more space, more utility and more opportunities for adventure, it stays true to the design, technology and driving experience that define Polestar. Production has started in Busan, South Korea, and the first shipment of cars is on the way to our customers.”
A fourth UK debut came in the form of the Giamaro Krafla, which embodies the Giamaro philosophy: a hypercar that delivers not only extraordinary performance but also restores the driver to the very centre of the driving experience.
In its elegant GC livery and enhanced by exposed carbon-fibre elements, the design highlights the purity of the Krafla’s proportions while emphasizing both its technical sophistication and dramatic presence. Every colour has been carefully selected to enhance the aerodynamic surfaces, achieving a balance between contemporary elegance, technological innovation and uncompromising performance.
Roberta Bicocchi of Giamaro Automobili said: “Salon Privé is the perfect setting to present our vision of the automobile to an international audience of collectors, enthusiasts and discerning clients who appreciate authenticity, exclusivity and innovation. Krafla represents our interpretation of the modern hypercar – designed around the driver and engineered without compromise.”
Another notable reveal came from Electrogenic, which unveiled its latest bespoke project: the electrification of a 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI City of London official limousine. The historic machine has been converted to clean, silent and effortless electric power, enabling it to efficiently carry out its official duties within the city of London and beyond for decades to come.
The project was commissioned by Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE – the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London – and forms part of the City of London Corporation’s wider drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions for its own operations by 2027.
The Oxford based EV powertrain specialist was entrusted with sympathetically electrifying the Rolls-Royce, readying it for a zero-emissions future.
Steve Drummond, CEO, Electrogenic, said: “We were honoured to be asked to electrify this significant motor car, and to play a part in the City of London Corporation’s journey to net zero. Our team has sympathetically preserved everything that made the original car so special, while giving it a clean, modern powertrain perfectly suited to carrying out ceremonial duties in a modern city. The result is the ideal ceremonial limousine, full of character and now future-proofed and preserved so Londoners can continue to enjoy it for decades to come.”
This morning was also an opportunity for leading restomod brands to make a statement with showstopping presentations from Petroyle, Talos and Theon Design.
Speaking at the event, co-founder of Salon Privé, David Bagley said: “There are few greater privileges than welcoming the automotive world back to Blenheim Palace, and this year’s opening has been truly exceptional. The calibre of the cars and marques gathered here, and the significance of the debuts we have been entrusted to present, make this a very special moment. The class of debuts we have illustrates the increasingly important place Salon Privé occupies on the international automotive calendar.
“From important new cars making their UK debut to some of the most significant collector cars of the past century, there is a wonderful dialogue happening here between heritage and innovation. That is what makes Salon Privé distinctive, and it is a great source of pride to once again host a meeting place for collectors, manufacturers, designers and enthusiasts from around the world.
“The atmosphere this morning has been extraordinary and has set the tone for what promises to be a very memorable five days.”
Gates are now open to the public, as 30,000 guests are expected to attend over the next five days, while judging is underway for the world-class Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients. Seventy cars spanning the last 100 years are competing for the coveted Best of Show Award across 12 Classes, including The Golden Age of Motoring, 100 Years of Carrozzeria Touring, Passione Ferrari and Hypercar Heaven.
Salon Privé 2026 runs at Blenheim Palace Wednesday 2nd – Sunday 6th September, with an action-packed events programme and must-see displays, including the Concours de Vente, judged by Richard Hammond, Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Supercar Saturday and Club Trophy Day presented by Lockton and Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Club Day.
Tickets for Salon Privé 2026 are priced from £60.
For more details, visit www.salonpriveconcours.com.
