Salon Privé Week is famous for hosting the debut appearances of new cars from the world’s leading brands. This year luxury Italian carmaker Automobili Pininfarina’s stunning Battista Anniversario will make its UK premier at the event in the magnificent surroundings of Blenheim Palace (September 1st to 5th).
The all-electric Automobili Pininfarina Battista is the most powerful road-legal car ever to come out of Italy. With four electric motors, one at each wheel, it has a combined output of 1873bhp and can get from standstill to 186mph in only 12 seconds. The striking hyper GT features a carbon fibre monocoque with a carbon fibre and aluminium rear subframe, plus carbon-ceramic brakes.
No more than 150 Battistas will be built, and with a vast range of exterior and interior options, no two will be exactly the same. The most exclusive Battista of all will be the Anniversario, which will receive its UK debut during Salon Privé Week. Worldwide production of the Anniversario will be limited to just five cars, with the ultra-exclusive models – all of which are reserved – delivered to customers next year. They will represent the pinnacle of Automobili Pininfarina’s design philosophy.
The Anniversario’s heritage-inspired theme incorporates three signature colours – Bianco Sestriere, Iconica Blue and Grigio Antonelliano – and the complex paint scheme takes weeks to finish by hand at Pininfarina’s design centre in Cambiano, Italy. The Anniversario also features the Furiosa aerodynamic package, which includes a revised carbon fibre front splitter, side blades and a rear diffuser for extra downforce and improved high-speed stability.
Italian design house Pininfarina, founded by Battista Pinin Farina in 1930, is supporting Automobili Pininfarina in the design and production of the Battista based on their unique 90-year experience of designing and producing many of the world’s most iconic cars. Pininfarina has been responsible for some of the most beautiful cars of all time. Although it penned bodies for the likes of Cisitalia, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia, Pininfarina also built a strong relationship with Ferrari started in the 1950s, which has produced unique masterpieces in the history of the automobile.
“It was always my grandfather’s dream for Pininfarina to produce cars bearing its own name,” said company chairman Paolo Pininfarina. “The Battista is the realisation of that dream and will deliver a unique driving experience that combines fantastic performance with the ultimate in sustainable luxury, and Salon Privé is the perfect venue for the Anniversario’s UK debut.”
Covid restrictions prevented the 90th anniversary of this revered design house being celebrated during last year’s Salon Privé Week, but instead the tribute has been carried over into 2021. A special class dedicated to Pininfarina in the Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva will include the first Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona to be delivered to the UK, a very rare right-hand-drive Ferrari 275 GTS, and a Ferrari 330 GTS that was displayed at the 1967 Turin Motor Show and which has picked up numerous concours awards in recent years.
Set to join them on the lawns of Blenheim Palace is a highly original and Classiche-certified Ferrari 275 GTB/4 that was bought new by Italian footballer Giuseppe Pagni, a 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Spider, and a 1974 Dino 246 GTS. They will form a memorable display in honour of Pininfarina’s long and illustrious history.
Italian marques will also be well represented in the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton, which will take place on Saturday 4th September and feature cherished cars from members of the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, Lamborghini Club UK and Maserati Club UK. They are each set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a significant model – the Ferrari 365 GT/4 BB, the Lamborghini Countach and the Maserati Bora.
There will be more Italian style on display at the brand-new Salon Privé TIME, a showcase of the world’s finest watch-makers that will include the latest designs from Florence-based Panerai, among many others. Another new feature for this year’s Salon Privé Week is The Red Collection – an exclusive curated display of 12 significant cars, including the 1933 Alfa Romeo 2300 Monza Spider that won Best of Show in last year’s Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance.
From Wednesday’s Concours d’Elégance to Sunday’s Classic and Supercar Day – which will see legendary rally cars being demonstrated within the grounds of Blenheim Palace – this year’s Salon Privé boasts a full programme of events. Add fine dining in the Glass House and Churchill Pavilion, plus a luxury retail village offering everything from board games to private jets, and all the ingredients are in place for another magical week.
Now in its 16th year, Salon Privé Week is a must-attend series of events for any car enthusiast or aficionado. A Partner Concours to the Peninsula Classics’ Best of the Best Award, Salon Privé is now recognised as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Held annually within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive event.
Salon Privé Week 2021
1st September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
2nd September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
3rd September – Salon Privé Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles
4th September – Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton
5th September – Salon Privé Classic and Supercar
