Spectacular weekend of celebrations planned in partnership with Bentley& Bentley Drivers Club (BDC)
Bentley to feature cars from their own Heritage Collection
A spectacular weekend of activities to celebrate the centenary of Bentley Motors will be a stylish highlight of the 2019 Salon Privé, taking place at ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, from 5-8 September.
Privately-owned Bentleys from around the world will be joined by some of the most historically important models from Bentley’s own Heritage Collection, including:
The second prototype model and oldest surviving Bentley, EXP2 from 1920
The 1929 Team Blower, raced by Bentley Boy, Sir Tim Birkin
A 1930 Bentley 8-Litre
A 1939 Mark V, one of just seven built
The 2003 Le Mans-winning #7 Speed 8
Essentially, there are three events for Bentley enthusiasts and all car lovers to look forward to, commencing with the Salon Privé Bentley Masters on Saturday 7th September and the Bentley Drivers’ Club annual Concours d’Elegance on Sunday 8th September, alongside which will be the largest gathering of Bentleys in history.
Bentley Motors Ltd’s Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Chris Craft, comments: Salon Privé is an important part of an extensive and exciting programme of events to mark our centenary. Our 100th birthday is a time to reflect on the cars, people and spirit that have defined this iconic British brand for the last century as we look forward to define luxury mobility for the next 100 years. Aiming to bring 1000 Bentley’s together, from the oldest surviving car to the very latest, is the perfect way to celebrate our heritage as the world’s most sought after luxury car company.”
The weekend’s itinerary is shown below:
Saturday 7th September: Salon Privé Bentley Masters.
Located on the South Lawn and set against the spectacular backdrop of Blenheim Palace, the Salon Privé Bentley Masters will be a remarkable celebration of the marque with a collection of in excess of 60 of the rarest models spanning every decade of the Bentley marque’s history.
From the earliest to the latest, from racing to grand touring and from all over the world, the cars and their owners will gather in celebration and whilst not a Concours, a panel of judges will select winners across a variety of categories with awards presented at the end of the day by Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark.
“We are truly honoured to be a part of Bentley’s Centenary Celebrations” commented David Bagley, Salon Privé Sales Director and co-founder along with his brother, Andrew. “Bentley is the epitome of British craftmanship and style. From those early years of multiple wins on race tracks around the world to stories of Cote d’Azur-cruising with the roof down, Bentley has led the automotive luxury market for many years with its combination of style, power and performance. With over 1,000 Bentleys participating in the weekend and models of every size, shape, colour and variety on display, it will be a fitting tribute for this iconic marque.”
Sunday 8th September: Salon Privé Classic & Supercar with Bentley Drivers Club Annual Concours d’Elegance and the World’s largest-ever gathering of Bentleys
Located on the North Lawn of Blenheim Palace, the Bentley Drivers Club will host its Annual Concours alongside, which will be in excess of 1,000 Bentleys stretching around the stunning Capability Brown-designed lake – the largest-ever gathering. With Bentley motor cars coming from throughout the UK, Europe and the USA, it will be a truly international celebration.
In addition to the Bentley Heritage models which includes the 1920 EXP2, 1929 4 ½ litre Team Blower and1930 Bentley 8-litre, a fabulous collection of more recent models will be on display, including a Continental GT Zagato, one of only nine built, a Continental GT V8 S ‘art car’, decorated by the creative brush of celebrated artist Sir Peter Blake and, with a nod to Bentley’s famous racing heritage, and an awesome 2019 Continental GT3 race car courtesy of leading motorsports outfit Team Parker Racing.
Bentley Drivers Club Chairman Richard Parkinson said: “Our Concours d’Elegance will be a unique occasion and we would be delighted to mark Bentley Motors’ centenary by setting a new record for the largest ever gathering of Bentleys in one place.”
To enter a Bentley into the Salon Privé Bentley Masters, please call Sian Keen on + 44 (0) 1753 827 633 or email Siank@salonpriveconcours.com, or for more Bentley Drivers Club information, please call Stuart Newman on + 44 (0) 1295 738 886 or email the Club Office at info@bdcl.org
