Salon Privé returns to Chelsea with three days of rare cars, new debuts and a polished garden-party atmosphere
From hypercars and collector classics to Ladies’ Day and concours judging, Salon Privé London runs at the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 16–18 April
Last weekend’s concours on Sloane Street drew more than 20,000 visitors and confirmed the appetite for seeing exceptional cars in central London, whether you follow the market closely or simply recognise good design when it is in front of you.
From 16 to 18 April, Salon Privé London moves that energy into the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where the format is more expansive. Over three days, the event brings together new model debuts, hypercars, collector pieces and a sales concours, set within a setting that is as much part of the appeal as the cars themselves.
The line-up spans both current engineering and established icons. Displays from Koenigsegg, Aston Martin and Maserati sit alongside smaller, specialist makers. Encor Design presents its Series 1, a reworked Lotus Esprit with a carbon-fibre body, limited to 50 examples. Analogue Automotive brings the VHPK, a lightweight car built around a central driving position, designed with minimal digital intervention.
Results from the Sloane Street Concours offer a useful indication of what is currently drawing attention. The Aston Martin Valhalla took Best Coachwork, Automotive Artisans’ R33 was awarded Best Overall Design, and the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50S received the public vote. The Koenigsegg Jesko was named Best Hypercar, while a Ferrari 250 California Spyder was recognised as Best Classic.
Alongside the static displays, the Concours de Vente brings together more than 30 dealers, including Furlonger, Fiskens and Joe Macari. Every car in this section is for sale, which gives the event a different tone from a traditional concours. Judging takes place across Thursday and Friday, with awards including the Prix d’Honneur, alongside a People’s Choice and a Pensioners’ Choice.
Thursday centres on unveilings and first presentations, with a number of European and global debuts scheduled across the lawns. Friday introduces Ladies’ Day, which has become a fixture of the event. Held in partnership with Gatineau, it brings a shift in emphasis towards fashion and presentation. The Best Hat Competition remains its focal point, with prizes that include a year’s supply of skincare, champagne from Pommery, and a stay at Homewood Hotel & Spa. The standard is high, and many attendees plan their outfits well in advance.
Saturday closes the programme with a more open, less formal atmosphere. A curated supercar display sits alongside a Maserati Club showcase tracing the marque’s history, with additional attractions and retail throughout the site.
The appeal of Salon Privé London lies in how these elements sit together. It is possible to move from a newly unveiled hypercar to a pre-war classic, then on to a glass of champagne without leaving the grounds. For collectors, it offers access and discretion. For others, it remains one of the few opportunities in London to see this range of cars gathered in one place.
Andrew Bagley, chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, describes it as a broader experience: “We bring that same level of craftsmanship, design and performance into the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea… alongside hospitality and a setting that allows people to engage with the cars in a more considered way.”
Salon Privé London runs from 16–18 April at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Tickets start from £55.
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
