Bugatti roadster is Bleheim’s best
A 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster scooped the top gong at the 13th Salon Privé Concours d’elegance, which took place in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace on 6 September.
The highly original and unrestored Type 55 took class honours in the Pre-war Bugatti category on its way to being crowned Best of Show, edging ahead of the runner-up 1937 Delage D8-120 – which was victorious in the Pre-war Luxury Tourers group – and the third-placed Lamborghini Miura S, which came top in the Supercars of the ’70s class.
A crop of Ferraris also did well, with a 1964 250LM taking the People’s Choice award. No fewer than five class winners came from the Prancing Horse, including a 1973 Dino 246GTS (Preservation at its Best), a 1964 250GT Lusso (Grand Tourers of the 1950s and ’60s) and a 1965 275GTB (Streamlined Closed Sports Cars).
Greater variety marked the special prizes, with a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Lightweight taking the Endeavour Award, a 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 Tipo Le Mans getting the Spirit Award, and a 1994 Jaguar XJ220 winning the Most Original Post-war accolade.
This year’s event included a second concours dedicated to Porsche, the Owner’s Choice going to a 1988 944 turbo Cup, the Chairman’s Award to a 1968 912, and the Duke of Marlborough Award, as chosen by the event host, to a 1957 356A Carrera Speedster.
Brabham Automotive was also on hand to show off its new BT62.