Blenheim Palace Salon Privé - Ferrari V12s and Miuras star
As Pebble Beach finishes, another prestigious Concours D’elegance is approaching with exotica aplenty
This year's Salon Privé held at Blenheim Palace will home an exceptional lineup of cars, each set to go under the scrupulous microscope of esteemed judges. Opening on the first of next month, the event attracts worldwide attendees wanting to pay compliments to meticulously-maintained classics.
One entry likely to turn plenty of heads is a Pininfarina-designed 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Long Wheel Base Aerodinamico. Built in the same vein as super-rare and special Ferraris of today like the F12 tdf, it was destined for Ferrari's most loyal and handpicked customers.
Fitted with a small capacity V12 typical of the period, the 4.0-litre engine lends the cruiser its “400” name. Developing 335bhp and driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, the car had a factory claimed top speed of 178mph.
This specific car was granted a unique specification in accordance with the customer, Erwin Goldschmidt, one of Enzo Ferrari’s close companions. This included the addition of a grab handle for Mr Goldschmidt’s wife and a Bolster between the front seats.
The 400 is one of several Ferraris taking to the Blenheim palace grounds. Three 250s will be scrutinised by the judges, including a 250 Europa Short Chassis Prototype, and coupe and cabriolet versions of the 250 GT Pininfarina Series II. Other V12s from Modena include a 275 GTB/4, a beautiful 330 GTC and a 1971 Daytona.
Other Ferraris worth a special mention include a 512 BBi, best known for its 180 degree V12 - not strictly a boxer, as the name might suggest. More conventional but equally revered prancing-horse-badged models include a 288 GTO and that other turbocharged legend, the F40.
It would be remiss of us not to mention other highlights of the Salon Privé concours too, from a 1968 Ford GT40 Mk3, through a 1973 Porsche 911 2.7RS Touring, to the eight different Lamborghini Miuras lining up to celebrate 50 years of the model.
The Salon Privé gates open on September 1st carrying on into the weekend.
