Two historically significant royal-owned vehicles will be the star attractions at this year’s Salon Privé, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on the lawns of Blenheim Palace 27th–31st August at Blenheim Palace.
In a rare public appearance, King George VI’s 1939 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé and HRH The Princess Royal’s Middlebridge Scimitar No. 5 will go on display, giving visitors the chance to see two remarkable pieces of motoring and royal history up close.
King George VI’s Daimler
Purchased new in 1939 for the personal use of King George VI, the elegant Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé is among the most celebrated royal cars still in existence. Wartime newsreel footage from 1941 famously shows the King himself at the wheel, joined by the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and a young Princess Elizabeth.
One of only a handful of DB18s built before Daimler switched to wartime military production, the King’s car is notable for its originality. It retains its original registration, FGJ 865, and later discreetly received a post-war DB18/2 engine as part of Britain’s austere recovery years. Automotive historians regard it as one of the most authentic surviving royal vehicles.
The Daimler will feature in the Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club Paddock during the show’s Supercar Saturday & Club Trophy Day on 30 August.
Princess Anne’s Long-Serving Scimitar
Equally captivating will be Middlebridge Scimitar No. 5, which belonged to HRH The Princess Royal from new in 1988 until 2023, a remarkable 35 years of single ownership.
Princess Anne’s association with the Scimitar marque began in 1971, when she received her first Reliant SE5 as a 20th birthday and Christmas present from the Royal Family. Her loyalty to the model endured across decades, with Middlebridge No. 5 becoming one of her most recognisable cars.
The vehicle is unique in several ways: it was regularly serviced at the Lilac Grove factory, carries the 1420 H registration in honour of her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the 14th/20th King’s Hussars, and features a distinctive bonnet emblem thought to be a personal gift from Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, the car is preserved by a private collector and is on long-term display at the Great British Car Journey Museum. It will join the Middlebridge Enthusiasts Scimitar Set at Salon Privé on Supercar Sunday & Lifestyle Club Trophy Day, 31 August.
A Royal Celebration for 20 Years of Salon Privé
For co-founder David Bagley, the inclusion of these two royal cars adds a special dimension to this anniversary year.
These cars are far more than historic vehicles; they are living connections to the people who shaped them and cherished them. To present them
on the lawns of Blenheim Palace is an honour we are excited to share with our guests.“King George VI’s Daimler DB18 is a magnificent reminder of a defining chapter in our nation’s history, while HRH The Princess Royal’s Middlebridge Scimitar reflects her genuine love of driving and her remarkable 35-year custodianship.”
Since its launch in 2005, Salon Privé has grown into one of the world’s leading automotive and lifestyle events, combining a prestigious concours d’elegance with modern supercars, luxury brands, fine dining, and entertainment – all against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Oxfordshire’s most iconic landmarks.
The 20th anniversary edition promises to be a highlight of the motoring calendar, with displays from leading manufacturers, exclusive hospitality options, and a strong international line-up of historic and contemporary cars.
When and How to Visit
Salon Privé runs across the final August Bank weekend (27th–31st August), with special themed days:
- Supercar Saturday (30 August) featuring the Club Trophy Day and King George VI’s Daimler.
- Supercar Sunday (31 August) with the Lifestyle Club Trophy Day and Princess Anne’s Scimitar.
Tickets range from £55 for entry only to luxury hospitality packages at £645, offering access to private dining and exclusive displays.
For more details and to book, visit salonpriveconcours.com.
