TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
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Wed 28 August to Sat 31 August 2024.
SALON PRIVE returns to Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
Set in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is back for 2024, in its 19th year. And with gorgeous classics, luxury brands and fine dining, be sure to dress for the occasion.
Classic Cars and Supercars will be on display.
The Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is arguably the UK's most exclusive Concours and the only one to be adjudicated by the globally renowned ICJAG judging body. 50% larger, this year's collection of 75 cars, from 21 different countries, brings cars unseen for 40 years and rare exotics from 1908 to the land speed record breaking 2005 Bugatti Veyron experimental prototype 5.5, making this year an absolute MUST-ATTEND for any classic car enthusiast.
This year's line-up of priceless machinery will include the wonderful 1953 Siata208 CS Balbo – the car which Steve McQueen referred to as his 'little Ferrari'. Powered by a 2.0-litre V8 Fiat motor, it is one of just 9 Carrozzeria Balbo-bodied aluminium 208CS coupes produced by Italian marque. This diminutive sporting machine was raced across the USA from 1953 to 1959 and has remained in single family ownership from then on.
Zenvo Automotive is to star at Salon Privé later this month with the exclusive Danish hypercar brand confirming the Blenheim Palace debut of its radical 'new era' Aurora models. The Aurora Agil and Tur editions will be shown in public for only the second time globally, following their European show debut just a few weeks ago.
From a jaw-dropping 120th anniversary line-up of Rolls-Royces to Pebble Beach-winning Bugattis, exotic classic Ferraris and legendary Group C racing cars, this year's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is a MUST-SEE for all classic aficionados.
A unique 1950 Ferrari 166MM / 212 Export 'Uovo' is to be a headline attraction at this summer's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients at Blenheim Palace.. 'Uovo' is Italian for 'egg', which perfectly describes this futuristic car's attention-grabbing design, and its presence at the UK's most exclusive automotive garden party is certain to cause a stir.
Both general admission tickets (£75) and tickets will full hospitality(£295) are available.
www.salonpriveconcours.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
Salon Privé London announces thrilling Porsche and McLaren celebrations Will be held from 18 to 20 April at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea
Supercars are set to dominate the scene at Salon Privé London with three exhilarating themed celebrations lined up for each day of the event, returning from the 18 to 20 April at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea. The event promises an exclusive experience, featuring Porsche Day, McLaren Masters, and Supercar Saturday, each boasting a lineup of blockbuster entries.
Kicking off the trio of themed days is Porsche Day next Thursday, dedicated to commemorating 50 years of the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo. In what is expected to be a spectacular showcase unprecedented in the UK, the event will feature a dazzling array of 50 911 Turbos from different eras, including several rare and limited-edition variants.
Moving onto Friday, 19 April, the spotlight will shift to McLaren Masters, where the renowned British marque will showcase an array of iconic models from its illustrious history. From the 675LT to the latest hybrid marvel, the Artura, the Salon Privé London collection promises to offer a captivating journey through McLaren's evolution in recent years. Notable among the lineup is the McLaren Elva, hailed as the lightest road car ever produced by the esteemed brand.
As the weekend approaches, anticipation builds for Supercar Saturday on Saturday, promising excitement for the whole family. Salon Privé London will play host to the exclusive SCC private members supercar club, treating attendees to a parade of 50 remarkable SCC supercars on the lawns of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Already confirmed for Supercar Saturday are an impressive roster of elite supercars, including the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren Artura, Ferrari F12 tdf, Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and Koenigsegg CCR.
“This year, we have an unbelievable trio of special themed days to really bring Salon Privé London alive. We will be the first event in the world to celebrate 50 years of the famous Porsche 911 Turbo, and I’m delighted that an ultra-rare right-hand drive Lightweight will be one of the stars of the show. On Friday, it will be all things McLaren, including the fantastic Elva, while Saturday will see SCC members deliver our family-focused day a sensational supercar spectacle. Every one of our themed days for 2024 is certain to be special,” David Bagley, the event’s director, said.
Salon Prive 30 Aug - 03 Sep 2023 BLENHEIM PALACE Woodstock, UK.....(scroll to bottom for updated of press day 1)
Timings 09:00 AM-06:00 PM (expected)
Official WebsiteEstimated Turnout1000 - 5000 Visitors
100 - 500 Exhibitors Based on previous editions
Category & Type Trade Show
Auto & Automotive
Frequency Annual
This event showcases products like it is a motor show unlike any other. Firstly, it is held at the World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace in charming Woodstock. Moreover, it successfully combines the latest supercars, hypercars and concept cars with the most beautiful classic cars ever assembled. It is a relaxing, glamorous boutique full-hospitality Garden Party where spectacular cars shine, the diamonds sparkle and the champagne corks pop away.
Salon Prive is the UKs premier boutique motoring event comprising of the Salon Prive Supercar Show, Chubb Insurance Concours Elegance,
Chubb Insurance Tour delegance, The Concepts & Prototypes Display,
Boodles Ladies Day,
The Hyper Car Collection EFG Art & Memorabilia Fair and a Luxury Brands Village. It is a luxurious hospitality-only event appealing to discerning guests, collectors, buyers, owners and enthusiasts who prefer a more intimate and engaging experience rather than the crowds and queues normally associated with motoring events. It is a presentation of the very finest automotive and luxury brands as well as the rarest and most valuable of classic cars and motorcycles, all of which will be beautifully displayed for the first time on the South Lawn of spectacular Blenheim Palace etc. in the Auto, Automotive industries.
SALON PRIVE -Royal Chelsea Hospital APR2022
Salon Privé London got off to a spectacular start this week, with record breaking ticket sales and a host of new car launches, previews and unveils. The three day event parked up at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the first time, and made itself right at home.
EF went along on the opening day, and rated it a welcome new companion to Salon Privé’s annual automotive and luxury lifestyle showcase at Blenheim Palace, held in September. The stunning location is the perfect fit for this automotive beauty pageant, and London seemed keen to welcome the upmarket upstart.
The event saw the global debut of the Healey by British specialist Canton, the European debut of the fully electric GV60 from Korean automotive brand Genesis, and the UK debut of the Ferrari Daytona SP3. Here are some of our show highlights…
The three day event parked up at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the first time, and made itself right at home…
Looking to make a statement? The Canton Healey is a re-engineered iteration of the sporty Austin-Healey 100. The silhouette may be familiar but the upgrade on this Fifties icon is dramatic, with all new windshield, handleless doors and subtle chassis plumping.
Launched under the banner of world’s most powerful luxury SUV, the Aston Martin DBX707 was a similar attention grabber. Quite something, as it shared stand space with an AstonMartin DBS GT Zagatos, and the Valkyrie hypercar!
In a display of star power, H.R. Owen Ferrari treated visitors to two UK debuts, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 (no, you can’t buy one) and the Ferrari 296 GTB. The Daytona SP3 is the third in the limited edition Icona series, and was last seen at the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali.
Rather different but equally charismatic, the Morgan Motor Company went back to the future with its new three-wheeler, the Super 3. The vehicle has a design that apes the Jet Age, albeit with plenty of modern considerations, including optional panniers for those that want to go touring in one.
Range Rover’s new luxury flagship, the Range Rover SV, made its UK event debut. The first vehicle to wear the distinctive ceramic SV roundel, it’s heralded as the pinnacle of design from Land Rover’s in-house Special Vehicle Operations team. Craftsmanship looks to be impeccable.
Also making a UK bow, Alpine unveiled its new A110 range, with uprated performance and more equipment, but still characteristically compact and agile.
Rise of the luxury EV
EV was a big theme of the show, and the hand built Electric Mustang by Charge Cars was all attitude. Based on the 1967 Fastback model, it uses a new steel bodyshell and composite body panels to minimise weight, boasting 536bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds.
If the Mustang was all muscle, the Tushek TS900 Apex hybrid hypercar looked every inch the thoroughbred racer. With an all-new patented electric drive system, the manufacturer says it possesses a power-to-weight ratio of one metric horsepower to one kilogram of mass, quite a feat of engineering.
The racy looking Tushek hybrid hypercar
Meanwhile, Genesis unveiled its first dedicated electric platform-based vehicle, the GV60. This thoroughly modern coupé utility crossover arrives with the promise of best-in-class customer service support for owners. We certainly like the cut of its jib.
Genesis GV60 takes a fresh look at electric utility vehicles
Also making its UK debut at Salon Privé London was the Prodrive Hunter, the world’s first all-terrain hypercar. Developed from the Bahrain Raid Xtreme competition car, driven by nine-times World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb on the world’s toughest motorsport event, the Dakar, this four-wheel drive beast uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops more than 600bhp. Exquisitely terrifying might be the best description…
The fearsome looking Prodrive Hunter
Overtly more classy, and designed, we were told, to attract a younger crowd to the marque, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost was unveiled in high style. With a drivetrain and chassis re-engineered for performance, the 6.75-litre V12 engine now promises increased power (600PS) and torque (900NM). Fine details include Turchese Leather and Technical Carbon veneer, a bespoke alloy wheel introduced in Black Badge house style with carbon fibre barrel, and an LED backlit grille. It’s not subtle, but it is sensational.
Aimed at a younger (!) clientele, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge GhostIntroducing Concours de Vente
In what looks to have been a highly popular event addition, Salon Privé London also introduced a Concours de Vente, featuring a plethora of classic cars all available for purchase straight off the lawn.
Buyers had the choice of 50 outstanding automobiles, from over 20 leading specialists. There was so much to choose from!
Vintage Bentley presented the famed Barnato-Hassan Bentley racer, one of the fastest cars to lap the Brooklands’ Outer Circuit, while Joe Macari countered with a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder.
Fiskens brought a highly-original 1936 Delahaye 135 CS, said to be the only example still with its original Electron gearbox, while Tom Hartley presented a rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet – one of only 200 Series II examples to leave the Maranello factory – which has been awarded Ferrari Classiche Certification.
Pick up a classic car at the Concours de Vente
The other specialists attending the Concours de Vente included Barkaways, Classic Motor Hub, DD Classics, DT Vintage, Dylan Miles, Girardo & Co, Graeme Hunt, Hendon Way Motors, Hofmann’s Henley, Howard Wise, Jeremy Cottingham, Richards of England, RM Sotheby’s, RS Williams, Simon Drabble, Simon Furlonger Specialist Cars, The Octane Collection and Will Stone Historic Cars.
Thankfully, Motorcycle fans were not forgotten. Warr’s Harley-Davidson offered us a close look at the Harley Davidson LiveWire electric bike, which can accelerate from 0-60mph in three seconds, and has a range of 146 miles. For traditionalists there was the latest Fat Bob cruiser and (perhaps surprisingly) a couple of Harley Davidson pedal bikes too.
Harley Davidson Livewire (background) meets Fat Bob
MV Agusta London brought two models from its London showroom, both hand-built in its factory on the shores of Lake Varese in northern Italy. The Superveloce S is an uncompromising street racer, while the AMO is its first entry into the world of electric bicycles.
Also revving up were show regulars Thornton, maker of bespoke motorcycles for celebrities, with its Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, and Indian motorcycle specialist Krazy Horse.
The flying car becomes a reality
If there’s one thing you can count on from Salon Privé, it’s the chance to see something extraordinary.
PAL-V Liberty offered a chance to get close to what may well be the world’s first commercial flying car, although it’s still awaiting regulatory approval. Bell helicopters watch out!
Also exhibiting were Roger Dubuis, British jeweller Boodles, haute couture label Isabell Kristensen, Jess Collet Milliner, and British perfume house Penhaligon’s.
Adding appropriate colour throughout the day were the Chelsea Pensioners, who clearly appreciated all the hardware on show.
Chelsea Pensioners were enjoying the show on their home turf
Salon Privé is also the place to treat yourself to fine food and bubbles. Louis Pommery and London Essence kept the bonhomie flowing, while a three-course seated luncheon was served in The Sloane Hospitality Pavilion.
Elsewhere JKS Restaurants offered dishes from Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Indian BBQ classics by Brigadiers, and Taiwanese specialists BAO. Reflecting its London local, there were also plates from Fitzrovia’s The George and Chelsea’s The Cadogan Arms.
Tickets for the final day of the show, Saturday 23 April, are available online, including family tickets. Salon Privé London is donating 20 per cent of all entry ticket revenue to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) via Work for Good, as part of its Stand With Ukraine initiative.
PRODRIVE HUNTER
TUSHEK TS900 APEX HYBRID HYPERCAR
ROLLS ROYCE BLACK BADGE GHOST
PAL-V LIBERTY FLYING CAR
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SALON PRIVE- LONDON 2023
FROM 20-23APRIL2023
Royal Hospital Chelsea 20th April 2023
Thursday Entry
£75.00 Inc. VAT
The opening day of Salon Privé London seesexciting new supercar launches, the world’sbest classic cars, luxury brands and more…
Royal Hospital Chelsea 21st April 2023
Friday Entry
£75.00 Inc. VAT
Join Salon Privé Ladies’ Day by Boodles where beautiful hats mingle with sensational supercars,classic cars, boats, helicopters and more…
Royal Hospital Chelsea 22nd April 2023
Saturday Entry:
Adults from £50.00 Inc. VAT
Saturday goes into overdrive with fun for allthe family. See the latest supercars, hypercars and EVs up close(half-price tickets for under 16s / under 4s free).
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LATEST TRAVEL NEWS
Air passengers across Europe faced delays on Monday on one of the summer’s busiest travel days after the UK’s air traffic control system suffered a “technical issue” resulting in restrictions on flights.
Many travelers were left stuck on the ground desperately seeking updates on their flights, even after the fault was resolved following a morning of disruption.
Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) issued a statement on its website on Monday afternoon saying it had “identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning.”
It added: “We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible.
“Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system’s performance as we return to normal operations.”
The fault came on the last day of a summer public holiday weekend in the UK, meaning many vacationers would be affected.
NATS said it was working with airlines and airports to “manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible.”
“Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system’s performance as we return to normal operations.”
Earlier,NATS had urged passengers to check with airlines on the status of flights and said its engineers were “working hard to find and fix the fault.”
“The flight planning issue affected the system’s ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions,” the statement continued.
“Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight.”
Traveler Lee Vanstone, who is based in the UK, tweeted a photo of fellow passengers waiting at Pisa Airport on Monday after his flight was delayed.
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Spotlight on… Dubai
Dubai in the Arabian Peninsula is one of the largest developing cities in the world. The city has become a byword for luxury living, a base for international businesses, and a hide-away for celebrities, rock stars and millionaires, who come for the amazing lifestyle.
It offers a wonderful blend of sandy beaches, desert landscapes and fantastic architecture. Dubai has a rich cultural history and has changed radically since the discovery of oil around 50 years ago.
Spectacular skylines and souk shopping
The world’s tallest. The world’s first, deepest, and most expensive… you will find it all in Dubai. After all, where else could you find a 7-star hotel? Or climb one of the world’s tallest buildings? Bringing together ancient traditions and contemporary culture, this is a city of contrasts, where East meets West. Head for a swim in the sea before shopping in the many malls and high-end boutiques. Or enjoy a round of golf before a visit to a souk, a traditional Arabic open-air market.
My must-see places
Depending on who you’re travelling with or what you’re looking to get from your holiday there is something for everyone here. So if you’re holidaying with family or friends or taking a break as a couple, there’s plenty to see and do.
Dinner in the Dunes is not to be missed! There are loads of tours that can be pre booked before you travel or booked when you arrive. You’ll be picked up in a four-wheel drive and taken across to the dunes to the East of the city. You can ride camels and experience an amazing barbecue dinner sitting in an Arabian tent under the stars. Traditional belly dancing forms your entertainment for the evening, making this a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and provides a very interesting contrast to the traditional surrounding Dubai architecture.
It’s best viewed as the sun rises and strikes the reflective surface.
Dubai Marina is especially beautiful at night, or if you visit on a Friday afternoon you’ll experience the amazing Marina Market. Plus there is an impressive choice of restaurants on the waterfront which make a great stop for lunch after shopping.
The Mall of the Emirates is one for shopping lovers. Here you’ll find an enormous variety of high street and designer shops, as well as the amazing Ski Dubai (the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East). You can go skiing and snowboarding before you head to the beach (only in Dubai!)
The Burj Al Arab is certainly worth a visit, if only for a coffee or drink. The world’s only 7-star hotel, it stands at 320 metres tall on its very own island just off Dubai’s coastline. The extraordinary sail-shaped building is truly iconic, and inside you’ll find dancing fountains and an Atrium. It really is amazing.
When to go:
Getting there:
There are excellent connections from the UK and you can usually fly direct.
The main airport is Dubai (famous for its duty-free shopping) although you can also fly into Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.
Getting around:
Most people opt for a taxi from the airport but if you’re feeling adventurous you could also to hop on the Metro or a bus. The Metro is super easy to use, although it’s a very car-orientated city and most people end up taking taxis to get around. You can hire cars very easily and you can get a boat to cross Dubai Creek, a very cost-effective way of getting a view of the city.
Eating and drinking:
Shawarma is very popular and a cheap street food available everywhere. Essentially, it’s Dubai’s equivalent of a burger or kebab, and is cooked on a skewer and then put into a Kuhbus (pitta) with vegetables and dressing. Another popular local snack is Falafel.
On the other end of the scale, you’ll find many upmarket and high-end restaurants and bars. You really can eat to your budget. Most of the usual names have chains in Dubai, such as Starbucks, KFC and TGI Fridays, so if you want to keep to your home comforts that’s fine too.
Dubai has several laws in regards to drinking so you must be careful to stick to them. The nightlife and bar scene has really grown and many DJs are now adding tour dates in Dubai. Alcohol is only available in licensed premises, which are usually attached to hotels (as are most nightclubs). It can only be bought at certain outlets and supermarkets only stock non-alcoholic beers and drinks. It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places and there’s a zero tolerance on drink driving. You also can’t enter a bar if you’re under 21.
Things to think about:
Dubai strictly follows Islamic laws which must be respected by all travellers. Islam is the official religion, so don’t publicly criticize or distribute material against it.
Eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan is prohibited from sunrise until sunset so you’ll need to eat your meals in your hotel.
Women should dress sensibly and avoid wearing revealing outfits in busy areas. This is especially true in districts like Karama, Deira and Bur-Dubai, where the streets are packed with men, particularly on evenings and weekends.
While swimsuits and bikinis are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless or wearing micro bikinis, even in the private beach of a hotel.
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FOCUS ON.........KUALA LUMPUR
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur
Which are best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur on a 2 day trip?
Some of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur on a 2 day trip include:
1. Petronas Towers
2. KL Tower
3. Batu Caves
4. Masjid Negara
5. Petaling Street
Which are places to visit in Kuala Lumpur with family?
Some of the places to visit in Kuala Lumpur with family include:
1. Petronas Towers
2. KL Tower
3. Selangor River – Firefly Boat Tour
4. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
5. Petaling Street
What can you do in Kuala Lumpur for free?
Here are some of the top free things to do in Kuala Lumpur:
1. Explore Kuala Lumpur Cultural Craft Complex
2. Relax at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park
3. Visit Masjid Negara
4. Window shop at Petaling Street Market
How many days do you need in Kuala Lumpur?
A 3-day trip to Kuala Lumpur is enough for exploring its popular tourist sights. These places are located close to each other. It will also allow you to cover Batu Caves or Putrajaya city.
Where can I watch the sunset in Kuala Lumpur?
Some of the best places to witness a sunset in Kuala Lumpur include:
1. KL Tower
2. Petronis Twin Towers
3. SkyBar Kuala Lumpur
4. Marini’s On 57
5. Atmosphere 360
What is the best month to visit Kuala Lumpur?
May to July and December to February are the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur. These months have suitable weather for visiting.
How safe is Kuala Lumpur?
Yes, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is a safe city to visit. All you need to do is observe some common safety measures that you would do in any other city.
Where can I spend a day in Kuala Lumpur?
If you are only in Kuala Lumpur for a day or are planning a 24-hour itinerary for this destination, we would recommend a visit to:
1. The Petronas Towers, Aquaria KLCC
2. Batu Caves
3. Sultan Abdul Building and then shopping in the evening.
How can I spend 3 days in Kuala Lumpur?
If you are only in Kuala Lumpur for three days or are planning a 72-hour itinerary for this destination, we would recommend a visit to:
1. Thean Hou Temple
2. Little India
3. National Mosque
4. Central Market
5. Chinatown, Petaling Street
6. Petronas Towers
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30 AUG-2 SEP 2023 - SALON PRIVE presents Concours d’Elégance at Blenheim Palace. WOODSTOCK, OXFORD
Wednesday 30 August 2023...9:00am to 5.30pm...PRESS/opening day...
Blenheim Palace is in the glorious countryside location of Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Celebrating 18 consecutive years of the Concours d’Elégance in 2023, Salon Privé offers an experience for entrants that is truly second-to-none. Gathered on the South Lawn will be the finest collection of classic automobiles available in the UK. Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future. Welcoming more than 100 stunning cars across carefully curated classes, the Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva has something for all. Treasured relics from the Edwardian era will return to Britain’s Greatest Palace, joined by some of the rarest and most valuable grand tourers, classic sports racers, era-defining icons and racing legends, alongside the world’s most jaw-dropping supercars and concepts from the present and future. An opportunity to witness manufacturers World, European and UK debuts. As a Concours, the reputation of Salon Privé precedes it, with no other event in the UK rivalling the sensational venue, hospitality, brands on display and show-stopping array of classic cars.
It’s also a day of spectacular debuts with the manufacturers unveiling their latest models to the media early in the morning before they too are paraded across the stage for the official opening parade.
Here are some quick highlights of what to expect....
Automotive Brands: Alpine A110 San Remo, Aston Martin DB12 Volante, Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure, Clive Sutton Shelby Cobra, Electrogenic 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, Ferrari Purosangue & Roma Spider, Lamborghini Revuelto & Sterrato, Lotus Eletre & i4 Emira, MST Cars 6R4, Theon 911, Totem GT-Electric and more……………..
Luxury Brands: 30 plus brands with boats, helicopters, motorbikes, fashion, accessories, sunglasses, jewellery, antiques, art, sculpture and much more – definitely something for everyone!
Morning and afternoon parades
Concours Class Winners announcement in the afternoon
Wednesday to Friday are tickets with hospitality only days which includes lunch, afternoon tea and all day Pommery champagne......Saturday is general admission to the public. This stunning venue is on the outskirts of Oxford...Lots of car parking space.
Trains to Oxford then a 30 mins bus ride or taxi.
www.salonpriveconcours.com - Buy tickets here.
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Plenty of sunshine today for the press visit.
Even before I get into the stunning venue, there are over a hundred incredible looking
owners cars parked up outside the venue to look at.
Inside the venue the historic cars, classic cars and supercars all are gleaming.
16 incredible yellow automobiles, from all eras, grace the central cricket square.
With a range of manufacturers to choose from including Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche (to name but a few), on display.
Many of the owners were are by their cars, and willing to talk about the history of the car.
It was great to see and hear all the cars start up their engines for the parades.
My schedule for the day was the full Press walkabout & manufacturers reveals..
Supercars Manufacturers Parade., The chief designer of Totem , kindly allowed me as his passenger for this parade, with gasps of wonder from the appreciative audience.
(see below for co-organiser David Bagley's report )
Complimentary Pommery champagne all day.
Complimentary meat & fish with sides lunch was served, which was followed by desserts.
Salon Prive Concours Awards Parade , where one of the judges was JAMIE BLANDFORD,
who is the current Duke of Marborough , and lives at Blenheim Palce.
At 4pm a complimentary afternoon tea was served.
Bell displayed two of their fabulous Helicopters , and several guests arrived to the stunning grounds by helicopters too.
It was an excellent day out.
Author: David Bagley - Posted 03.08.2023 at 12:02 pm
Totem Automobili in exclusive UK debut at Salon Privé held at Blenheim Palace
Totem Automobili will be making its UK debut at this month’s Salon Privé to showcase its extraordinary creations to an exclusive audience.
Inspired by the classic Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, the new Totem GT presents “a new aesthetic and technological concept of Gran Turismo” at the Blenheim event, which opens on August 30.
Beautifully finished in carbon fibre, the Totem GT is an evocative, modern interpretation of the original car. It is larger and more muscular, with smooth, precise lines and a powerful stance. Totem Automobili spent several years crafting and perfecting the design.
Visitors to Salon Privé will also be able to inspect the hand-built interior of the Totem GT, which expertly blends classic design with contemporary digital displays and details. Custom features include seats based on original 1750 Giulia GT buckets, which are individually moulded to each customer, and pedals that are custom-built and aligned to the customer’s shoe size.
An innovative new specialist Italian company, Totem Automobili was founded by trained automotive designer Riccardo Quaggio. Following a professional career at Honda and Alfa Romeo, Riccardo established Totem Automobili in 2018 with the aim of creating the car he dreamt of as a child.
The company has established a high-end manufacturing strategy, working with expert specialists and professionals – mainly Italians – and using state-of-the-art engineering and techniques to transform classic Italian vehicles into innovative, evocative and thoroughly desirable reimagined ones.
Totem Automobili’s Gran Turismo creations are borne from an original Alfa Giulia GT Junior 1300/1600, built between 1970 and 1975. Each original car is fully disassembled and stripped, with only the bulkhead remaining. The Totem carbon fibre monocoque is married to it, blending originality with modernity.
The super-stiff shell complies with latest EU and US safety standards and regulations and is paired with front and rear double wishbone suspension made from billet aluminium. Both axles are then topped with high-resistance frames welded with CNC machined steel blocks.
There are two versions. The Totem GT Super has an all-new 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine – the most compact and lightweight such powerplant ever. A dry-sump design with a unique two-stage supercharger, it offers 600hp in Stage 1 guise, or a thrilling 750hp in Stage 2 form.
The Totem GT Electric is the zero-emissions alternative, producing more than 500hp for 0-62mph acceleration in just 2.9 seconds. It has an 81kWh battery, allowing a range of at least 295 miles, and offers the excitement of launch control and exciting ‘drift engine braking’ that uses the regenerative braking to initiate a drift.
The Totem GT Electric also feels and sounds authentic. This is aided by a comprehensive external sound system comprising 13 handmade speakers, capable of delivering up to 125db. Using techniques normally seen in gaming, everything is customisable – type of engine, sound, torque delivery, power band, number of gears, gear ratios, even the rev limiter. Totem Automobili promises “the same mechanical bond of a conventional sports car”.
“With the Totem GT, we keep the design, we keep the aesthetic of the original, but in the end, it’s a new car,” said Riccardo Quaggio. “The whole project is built around relentless research processes of engineering solutions, that made it possible to overcome the mechanics and structures of the original GT, establishing new standards never achieved before.”
“I am delighted to present Totem Automobili in the UK for the first time at Salon Privé,” said show co-founder and director David Bagley. “We have a long history of presenting specialist and bespoke brands such as Totem, many of which have gone on to enjoy great success in the specialist car sector. I have no doubt the UK launch of Totem Automobili at Salon Privé is the start of many great things for this exciting new Italian brand.”
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AVIATION NEWS
JULY 2024
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta keeps its title as world’s busiest airport...
In what is probably not a surprise, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was named the world’s busiest airport again.
Officials said it was proof the Atlanta airport was still a “key hub for connecting travelers worldwide.”
According to airport officials, the Airports Council International World said once again, the Atlanta airport had the most travelers pass through its gates in 2023.
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“As the world’s busiest airport, we are proud to uphold our reputation as a global hub of connectivity and excellence,” Jan Lennon, the interim General Manager of ATL said in a statement. “This remarkable feat underscores the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of our team, airline partners, and the City of Atlanta. We constantly endeavor to provide exceptional service and a seamless travel experience for all of our passengers.”
The airport said they had 104.7 million passengers in 2023, topping ACI’s list globally.
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COMMERCIAL A/C ORDERS
Boeing…
Starting with Boeing, the American planemaker, the orders and deliveries is as follows:
Highlights in terms of orders for Boeing was the order from Ethiopian Airlines for eight 777-9Xs.
Another highlight is an unidentified customer for 20 777-9Xs, which is believed to be Turkish Airlines, as per @rschuur_aero on X!
On top of this, 85 737 MAX aircraft were ordered by American Airlines, which placed a good boost to the program.
Airbus…
As for Airbus, the numbers are as follows for orders and deliveries:
Like with Boeing, Airbus also benefitted from an American Airlines order, with 85 A321neo aircraft ordered.
Other highlights from last month featured 20 A350-1000s ordered from Delta, 27 A350s from Korean Air, 11 A350s from Ethiopian Airlines & five A350 Freighters & three A330neos from STARLUX.
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AVIATION NEWS cont.......
New routes and airline news at Manchester Airport
easyJet launches twice-weekly flights to Lapland for the Christmas season
For families looking for extra Christmas magic, easyJet has launched flights from Manchester to Kittila in Finnish Lapland. Flights will operate twice a week from 16 November 2023 throughout the winter season. Kittila is also a dream destination for winter sports lovers and stargazers, who want to ski in snowy alpine forests and catch a glimpse of the dazzling northern lights.
TUI announces UK’s only direct flight to the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor
With its winter 2024 holidays now on sale, TUI has announced a new Egyptian destination, and customers can now fly directly to Luxor from Manchester Airport – the only direct flight to Luxor from the UK. Set sail on TUI’s brand-new River Nile cruise and take in some of Egypt’s most famous ancient sights. Low deposits and direct debits can help you spread the cost.
EGYPTAIR announces return of direct flights to Cairo from Manchester
We’re pleased to announce the return of direct flights from Manchester to Cairo from July 15th. With five flights departing each week, Manchester will become the only city outside of London offering a direct link to the Egyptian capital.
Virgin Atlantic announces return of direct Las Vegas flights
Take the stress out of transatlantic travel with the return of direct flights to Las Vegas from Manchester Airport. On sale from July 2023, Virgin Atlantic will offer three direct flights each week, making Manchester the only UK airport outside of London to offer direct flights to America’s West Coast.
North of England boosted by four flights a week from Manchester to Mainland China
In great news for the North West’s Chinese community and travel aficionado, Hainan Airlines have announced the launch of four flights a week from Manchester to Mainland China starting from April 2023.
SUN-AIR resumes British Airways’ flights between Manchester and Billund
Attention LEGO lovers! Following a two-year break, we’re pleased to announce the return of five direct flights a week between Manchester and Billund, Denmark, home of LEGO and the original LEGOLAND.
Loganair increases number of flights between Manchester and Aberdeen
In response to increased demand, Scottish carrier Loganair has announced the launch of an additional daily flight between Manchester and Aberdeen, increasing this popular service to four flights a day.
Gulf Air launches direct route between Manchester and Bahrain
Starting from June 2022, you’ll be able to enjoy two direct flights a week between Manchester and Bahrain as Gulf Air launches the first direct route between the north of England.
The North East’s Middle East connections strengthened by direct route to Kuwait from Manchester
Travellers to Kuwait from the North of England are in for a treat as Kuwait Airways has announced the launch of direct flights from Manchester from May 2022. With three flights a week, getting to Kuwait from the north has never been easier.
Air Canada resumes non-stop services between Manchester and Toronto
You can once again enjoy direct flights between Manchester and Toronto as Air Canada announce the return of its popular non-stop seasonal service. Flying five times a week between June and September, we’re sure the return of this popular route will be warmly welcomed.
Blue Islands resumes regional service between Manchester Airport and Exeter
Blue Islands is restarting services between Manchester and Exeter from Tuesday 8 June, restoring this popular regional service connecting the North West and the South West.
Aer Lingus launches three new non-stop routes from Manchester Airport
Aer Lingus has announced three new non-stop routes from Manchester Airport, flying to New York, Orlando and Barbados. Flights from Manchester to New York, JFK will depart daily, while flights from Manchester to Orlando will depart five times a week. The service from Manchester to Barbados Grantley Adams International will commence in October, just in time for a winter sun getaway, and will depart three times weekl
ATLANTA EMERATES A380
NORWEGIAN B737-800
ROBINSON R66
