Italian classics lead the way at Salon Privé supercar show

Classic car fans were in top gear last week for the 12th annual Salon Privé supercar show, one of the world’s biggest automotive fairs showcasing unique and vintage cars against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace. While a wide array of colourful coupes and sleek supercars were on display for guests enjoying the garden party atmosphere, the star of the show was undoubtedly the one-off 1960 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Pininfarina Superflow IV.

Never before shown in the UK, the perfect condition red coupe took home both the Best of Show Trophy and Best in Class award on Thursday’s Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance competition. An original 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 ‘Daytona’ Spider gave it fierce competition, winning the People’s Choice Award, voted for by a wide selection of the 2,300 VIP guests across the three-day event.

With classes from ‘Graceful Pre-War Motoring’ to ‘Curvaceous Coupes’ and ‘Best of British’ , the show offered something for even the most niche of enthusiasts – including Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay showcase his own car collection, which includes a unique 1960s Ferrari Vignale and an Aston Martin DB6 Volante, for the first time.

“This year’s event has been one of our most successful and pivotal Concours events to-date,” said Salon Privé’s Managing Director & Concours Chairman, Andrew Bagley. “I was delighted to present each car and owner with their award, especially the unparalleled Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Pininfarina Superflow IV.”

Bagley continued that the car has immediately ‘wowed’ the judges. “This historically important Alfa Romeo started off life as a race car, driven by none other than Juan Manuel Fangio, taking 2nd place in the 1953 Mille Miglia. Bodied by Carrozzeria Colli, this ex-factory race car then became a mule for Pininfarina and was modified no less than four times until 1960, when it became the Superflow IV with its Plexi roof.”

Other highlights of the Salon Privé including the global launch of the new supercar Automobili Turismo e Sport GT. With a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and only 12 units planned for production, the new supercar has well earned its price tag of $1,150,000 (£1,059,000). Meanwhile, Boodles Ladies Day on the Friday saw elegantly dressed VIPs compete for a £6,500 diamond ring made by the British jewellers and presented to the best dressed lady.