4 days ago
Classic Bentleys among cars at Blenheim Palace's Salon Privé this month
Several Bentleys will be among the classic cars on show at Blenheim Palace this month for Salon Privé.
The Oxfordshire royal residence will play host to the event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, for the first time.
Taking place from Wednesday, August 27, to Sunday, August 31, the event will even see a celebrity guest appearance from Top Gear star Richard Hammond.
Salon Privé has now confirmed that Bentley is entering a dynamic duo of Mulliner coach-built classics from its Heritage Collection into the highly anticipated 2025 Concours.
READ MORE: Richard Hammond to meet public at Blenheim Palace five-day event
The 1953 R Type Continental – JAS 949. (Image: Bentley / Salon Privé)
Taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace on the Wednesday and Thursday, with a team of international professional judges, the Salon Privé Concours welcomes a host of spectacular and super rare privately-owned classics from around the world.
Bentley Motors is entering two of its rarest motors from its Heritage Collection, the 1953 R Type Continental – JAS 949 and the 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe - UFF 366.
Only 208 examples were built, but the R Type Continental had an impact beyond its limited numbers.
The brainchild of Bentley's Chief Projects Engineer, Ivan Evernden, and Chief Stylist, John Blatchley, it set a template that continues to inspire Bentley designers.
READ MORE: Richard Hammond to launch new gin 'better than Clarkson's' in Oxfordshire
The Continental GTC. (Image: Bentley / Salon Privé)
Described in period by Autocar magazine as 'a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances', the R Type Continental was the fastest four-seat luxury saloon in the world.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman of the Salon Privé Concours, said: 'It will be an honour to welcome and judge these two stunning entries from Bentley for the first time at our 20th Anniversary Concours next month.
"Opening up entries directly to manufacturers has diversified the collection of cars that guests can expect to see on the lawns this year, and the range of entries is shaping up to be truly spectacular.
"We really believe that these rare and beautiful classics are an ideal fit for our 20th anniversary event.'
READ MORE: Richard Hammond reveals idea for new TV show with Clarkson and May
The Batur Convertible. (Image: Bentley / Salon Privé) Alongside the Heritage Collection Concours entries, Bentley is planning to showcase three of its new cars within Salon Privé's new Automotive Gallery across all five days of the event. The 650 PS Bentayga Speed, known for being the most powerful and dynamic Bentayga to date, will be on show, as will the Continental GTC Azure.
With a new chrome vertical-vaned grille and harmony headlights, the Continental GTC features the new high-powered hybrid powertrain.
Bentley enthusiasts will also be able to get up close to the Bentley Batur Convertible, which is the latest coach-built creation to emerge from the studios of Bentley's personal commissioning division and one of just 16 produced.
Exhilarating W12 power comes together with open-top glamour, and it will lead Salon Privé's Daily Supercar Parade.
