First owned by Argentinian President Juan Peron is first concours entry unveiled for Salon Privé 2026. This year’s line-up for leading European Concours also includes a 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype and other rare and historied classics from around the globe
Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, has announced a taster of some of the eagerly anticipated entries for its 2026 Concours.
Returning to the grounds of Blenheim Palace on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September, with a team of international judges, the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients will once again welcome a host of exquisite and extremely rare privately-owned classics.
A completely unique, 1952 Ferrari Speciale by Ghia is the first car announced to be vying for Best of Show in the event’s Passione Ferrari Class. The one and only Ferrari ever bodied in this elegant style, the vehicle is a striking, rolling work-of-art. From stem to stern, the panache of the car is palpable, and one would expect nothing less given that the car’s first owner was President Juan Peron of Argentina, husband of the famed Eva “Evita” Peron.
Peron spotted the flagship car proudly displayed on the Ferrari stand at the Paris Auto Salon in 1952 and he was immediately smitten with the design and craftsmanship. Acquired by Peron just months after the tragic death of his wife, some say he purchased the car in part to satiate his loss of Evita.
The car’s colourful history saw it bouncing between owners around the world, before being purchased by its current owners in 2019. Upon completion of its restoration in 2024 it was presented 2024 at Cavallino Classic Palm Beach, where it won the Best of Show and went on to a podium, with a 100-point score, at Pebble Beach in August 2024. It has also won class and major awards at The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Moda Miami and the Anantara Concorso Roma.
Also joining the Salon Privé 2026 Concours competition is this 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype.
One of only 52 examples produced, this was the first definitive Bristol 404, which was developed in tandem with the highly successful 450 Le Mans car. The first car to carry Bristol’s new grill design, the front end of the vehicle is believed to have been inspired by the Brabazon Airliner – the largest airplane model that Bristol was developing at the time. This model was retained by Bristol and used as a development car and test for three prototype engines. It was later owned by Sir George Stanley Midelton White, the then Managing Director at Bristol.
This 404 underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1965 where the car was disassembled, stripped and painted with an incredible 16 coats of black cellulose paint. Then in 2021 it was reconditioned once again, with a new rear fin fabricated and installed to restore its original, iconic look. The car received accolades and attention galore at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The current owner is known for his appreciation of historically significant automobiles and his dedication to maintaining originality. He entrusted the car to the workshop of Bechtel Classic Motors in Germany, where it underwent a careful process of mechanical preservation. Every mechanical system was examined in detail, ensuring that the vehicle could operate safely and reliably without compromising its authenticity.
The Roadster’s public debut took place in August 2025 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where its untouched character and remarkable provenance stood out among competitors. The car was awarded a Class Trophy, marking a triumphant debut on the world stage.
Salon Privé organisers have also revealed a stunning 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S, complete with V12 engine and 370bhp as another early Concours entry for 2026.
The second of only 33 right hand drive versions, the supercar was featured on the cover of a 1998 book called ‘The Spirit Of The Bull’ by Paul Cockerham, and later appeared in a 2000 episode of Top Gear being driven by Vicky Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell.
Put up at auction in 2021, the Countach’s paintwork had been stripped, and the vehicle largely dismantled, with the doors, bonnet cover, windscreen and windows removed from the body, and most of the parts stored in more than 50 cardboard boxes. Ferocious bidding saw it sold to the current owner for almost twice the guide price. Under the supervision of renowned Lamborghini expert Valentino Balboni, it has since undergone complete bare metal restoration in Modena, Italy and is joining Salon Privé 2026’s Supercar Icons (1970 – 1995) Class.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of the Salon Privé Concours, said: “These four incredible and very different world-class entries give you a tantalising early taste of the astonishing field of cars that is being drawn together from across the world for Salon Privé 2026. To say that guests are going to experience automotive excellence this year at Blenheim would be an understatement!”
Last year’s Best of Show at the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients was scooped by The Auriga Collection’s 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen. Fending off competition from 60 cars, from 13 countries, the car is one of only 12 examples ever built and remains one of the most desirable and valuable classic cars, embodying Mercedes-Benz’s legacy of innovation, craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
The five-day event, which also featured Salon Privé’s unique Concours de Vente, was attended by over 28,000 guests.
For details on how to enter your car into the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients and to book tickets to attend, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ or to enter a car into the 2026 event, see https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter
About Salon Privé
Salon Privé is the UK’s most prestigious automotive event held annually at Blenheim Palace. Blending world-class motoring with the elegance of a classic English garden party, Salon Privé spans five days, commencing with the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, followed by Ladies’ Day by Boodles. Salon Privé Supercar Saturday and Club Trophy Day presented by Lockton and Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Club Day complete the week-long event. The event, 2 – 6 September 2026 celebrates automotive excellence, style, and heritage – an unmissable social occasion for collectors, enthusiasts, and lovers of automotive and luxury.
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