The Salon Privé Concours is a firm fixture in our events calendar and one that we look forward to each year. Over the course of two days, the Concours brings together some of the finest classic and modern cars in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace. This year, the team supported five owners with cars that we have sold them, preparing all of the Concours entries and presenting the cars to the judges. These were as follows:

• 1995 McLaren F1 #040 – Class J: Poster Cars – Icons from our Youth

• 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S #4039 – Class G: The Italian Job – 60 Years of the Lamborghini Miura

• 1953 Aston Martin DB3S #DB3S/2 – Class F: Time to go Racing

• 1997 Ferrari F50 #107575 – Class J: Poster Cars – Icons from our Youth

• 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 #11019 – Class I: Passione Ferrari – Masterpieces of Maranello

The judging got underway on Wednesday in rather inclement weather but the rain didn’t dampen spirits and it was a pleasure to showcase our former cars, which were all very well received. Once the judging was completed, the rest of the day allowed time to catch up with clients and friends alike and check up on the competition. The awards ceremony did not take place until the Thursday and so we were left eagerly awaiting the results.

Thursday brought with it much better weather and the fabulous sight of four out of five of our cars with awards ribbons on them. The McLaren F1, Lamborghini Miura and Aston Martin DB3S all achieved Best in Class, with the F50 receiving an Honourable Mention as runner up to the F1. Sadly, the 275 missed out on an award by just half a point in an incredibly competitive class with the first place being taken by the unique Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe by Ghia that was delivered new to Juan Perón, President of Argentina and second being taken by a 250 GT SWB California Spyder, of which only 56 were ever produced.

Following the presentation of the class awards, we were informed that both the Miura and the F1 had been shortlisted for the Best in Show awards, with the Miura being in the running for the Concours d’Élégance overall winner and the F1 for the newly introduced Concours d’Excellence. The Concours d’Excellence was brought in by Andrew and David Bagley to recognise the ever-evolving collector car world and to honour modern masterpieces, which would otherwise be overlooked in a traditional concours event.

The Best in Show ceremony took place during the celebration dinner on Thursday evening, held in the great hall of Blenheim Palace. We are delighted to say that both the Miura and the F1 received the respective Best in Show awards, which was the perfect end to a fantastic couple of days. We would like to thank Andrew and David for their hospitality and congratulate them on a great event.

For five Tom Hartley Jnr supplied cars to be recognised at one of the UK’s most prestigious concours events is something we are incredibly proud of. For two of those cars to take Best in Show, alongside a Best in Class, a runner up and a further car coming within half a point of an award, speaks volumes about the calibre and quality of the cars we are privileged enough to source and supply. Most importantly, we are delighted for the custodians to see their cars receiving the recognition they deserve.