This arguably, best DS in the world is coming up for sale at the Silverstone Auction Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace.

• The multi-award winning car and unrivalled European show winner is regarded as the finest Citroen DS in existence
• One owner from new and treated to an exceptionally high quality restoration
• It will be auctioned on 3^rd September at Salon Privé with a sale estimate of £75,000 to £90,000

A 1973 Citroen DS Super 5, believed to be the finest Citroen DS in the world, is set to be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale on Saturday 3^rd September at Blenheim Palace.

With its aerodynamic, futuristic shape and innovative technology, this Citroen DS didn’t even have to leave the dealership showroom to find its first owner. The CEO of the supplying dealership is the first and only registered owner of the car, which is now one of the most decorated examples on the classic Citroen circuit anywhere in the world.

This truly stunning, right-hand drive DS is presented in period white (Blanc Meije) bodywork with original Red Targa upholstery. Having been restored to an exceptionally high quality standard, the dedicated owner entered this exemplary classic Citroen into the most prestigious of concours level shows and competitions.

Such is the car’s success, it possesses its own display cabinets that bulge with in excess of 200 awards. As the unrivalled European show winner, the car has collected multiple concours trophies including National Champion at both the Welsh Benson & Hedges Concours and Popular Classics Roadshow. The Citroen has also achieved victories at the Scottish Benson & Hedges Concours, was an NEC show winner, and a national Meguiars Concours display car. It also featured prominently at the Paris Concours and Citroen World Championship.

This star car even boasts a television career, with appearances on both Top Gear and Fifth Gear. It has even been offered a permanent place at the national Citroen Museum in France.

“Words are not adequate to convey the condition of this important piece of motoring history, it simply must be seen to be believed,” explains Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. “This DS is the kind of car that really gets people excited, and we’re delighted to be offering a car of this staggering quality and reputation in our sale. It’s one of the star cars in the Salon Privé Sale and fits in perfectly as part of our most exclusive sale.”

This award winning 1973 Citroen DS Super 5 will be offered for sale with an estimate of between £75,000 and £90,000. Documentation supporting the car's history fills a number of storage boxes, full photographic restoration folders and at least 150 magazine features will accompany the car.

Lamborghini to celebrate the Salon Prive with a whole host of cars from its past, present and future ranges.

• Lamborghini at Salon Privé from 1^st to 3^rd September
• Lamborghini Centenario makes UK public premiere
• Miura 50^th anniversary celebrated in concours class alongside one-off Miura Roadster
• Original Miura SV from 1971 Geneva Motor Show restored by Lamborghini PoloStorico
• Exclusive Diablo class in the Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition
• Lamborghini Huracán models featured in test drive programme

Bringing the splendor of Sant’Agata Bolognese to Oxfordshire, Lamborghini celebrates past and present at this year’s Salon Privé, with activities including concours entries, a debut and supercar test-drives.

With cars to admire, marvel at, and even test drive, there’s something for all Lamborghini fans, and Salon Privé is delighted to announce the full Lamborghini event plan for its amazing event from the 1^st to 3^rd September.

Salon Privé and Lamborghini PoloStorico, the marque’s heritage division, will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura, universally regarded as the first-ever supercar. With its own class in the prestigious Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, 50 Years of the Lamborghini Miura will see over ten of the world’s best examples entered into the Miura-only category, with two examples making their way from the USA in order to compete.

As part of the celebrations, the PoloStorico division will display the iconic one-of-one Lamborghini Miura Roadster, which will take pride of place on the lawns of Blenheim Palace.

Also on display as part of the 50 Years of the Lamborghini Miura class celebrations is the original Miura SV shown at Geneva Motor Show in 1971. It will be showcased at Salon Privé following its recent comprehensive restoration by Lamborghini PoloStorico. The unique pre-production model was originally built with parts of the Miura S, but incorporated pioneering features that would be seen on later SVs.

Not to be outdone, the Pirelli-backed Prestige & Performance Competition on Saturday 3^rd has its own Diablo-only class, The Diablo Tribute, where a 2000 6.0 VT Final Edition will battle it out in the modern-day concours against nine other entrants, including chassis number 001 SVR, the first of just 31 racing versions produced, a limited-edition SE30 30^th anniversary model and also a VT Roadster.

Throughout the event, Lamborghini’s official Birmingham dealership will manage guests’ test drives in the rear-wheel drive Lamborghini Huracán and its four-wheel drive equivalent, as well as the Spyder version. The 15-mile test-drive opportunity is part of Salon Privé’s ‘see it, test it, drive it’ experience. Salon Privé is the only event of its type that allows its guests to drive cars on the public road in the UK.

For media wishing to attend this year’s event, media accreditation is now open and press can apply via theonline booking form by providing their credentials and preferred attendance date. Media invites are limited, so interested parties are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Bristol launches it's new car for the public at this year's Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace.

• Bristol BULLET to make first full public debut at UK’s most exclusive automotive event, Salon Privé
• Launched on the anniversary of the founding of Bristol Cars Limited to celebrate 70 years of sophisticated luxury motoring

Hot on the heels of its public unveiling, is the news that reborn British marque, Bristol, will make its first full public debut with the BULLET at the upcoming Salon Privé event on 1^st to 3^rd September.

As the UK’s most exclusive automotive event, Salon Privé attracts the world’s leading manufacturers, press and collectors. With the event now at the internationally renowned World Heritage site of spectacular Blenheim Palace. 

Its central location and easy access via road, rail and air will ensure visitor numbers continue to increase as guests travel to the event not only from throughout the UK but also overseas.

With a bold and confident design and manufactured from bespoke carbon fibre composites in the UK, the Bristol BULLET is launched on the anniversary of the founding of Bristol Cars Limited, celebrating 70 years of sophisticated motoring. With a top-speed of 155 mph from the 4.8-litre engine, the BULLET has the performance to match its incredible looks.

Julian Ramshaw, General Manager of Bristol Cars Ltd, said: ‘’The BULLET celebrates 70 years of design and innovation at Bristol Cars. This unique speedster sets the tone for the future of Bristol Cars – with a focus on luxury, performance and elegance it really is the ultimate driver’s car.  We are delighted that the first public showing of the Bristol BULLET will be at Salon Privé.’’

Salon Privé - now offering pre-booked as well as ‘on-the-day’ test drives and passenger rides.

• Salon Privé - now offering pre-booked as well as ‘on-the-day’ test drives and passenger rides
• Models available: Lamborghini Huracán, Morgan EV3, Bentley Bentayga and BMW i8 amongst others
• Full list of manufacturers participating in test drive programme to be announced

Salon Privé has become the only event to offer test drives on the public road through its new ‘see it, test it, drive it’ programme. The experience is launched in partnership with hand-picked, luxury automotive manufacturers and is exclusively available to Salon Privé guests from the 1^st to 3^rd September.

The new ‘see it, test it, drive it’ experience allows Salon Privé’s guests to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most luxurious and prestigious cars from world-renowned manufacturers. These include; Abarth, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Lexus, Morgan, Overfinch and Tesla.

Joining the supercar-themed line-up of test drive models is the exotic Lamborghini Huracán, and both the LP 580-2 and drop-top equivalent, the LP610-4 Spyder, will be on hand to offer guests a thrill on the road. Also confirmed from Italy is the brand new Abarth 124 Spider, the compact two-seater roadster that has just hit showrooms. Abarth will also be bringing two of its recently facelifted 595 hatchbacks in 595 C Turismo cabrio and 595 Competizione guise.

Meanwhile, BMWi division’s game-changing plug-in supercar, the BMW i8, will also be on hand and lines up beside Morgan’s all-electric EV3 three-wheeler and the much-discussed luxury Tesla Model S.

Bentley’s all-new Bentayga SUV has also been confirmed to join the programme’s test drive line-up. The Bentayga, which already has a waiting list of over a year, has a starting price of £160,000 and is the luxury British brand’s debut into the SUV market. Described as the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious SUV in the world, Salon Privé’s guests will have the opportunity to experience the vehicle for themselves during the three-day event.

“Putting customers behind the wheel at a prestigious event like Salon Privé is an amazing opportunity for guests to experience a Bentley first hand,” said Head of Business at Bentley Birmingham, Mark Hudson. “The fact that we’ve also been able to include the World’s most luxurious production off-roader, the Bentayga, into the test-drive line-up with other Bentley models means the response, so far, has been incredible.”

Celebrating another luxury SUV marque, Overfinch will also taking part in the ‘see it, test it, drive it’ experience, offering its 5.0-litre Autobiography model for guest test drives. The supercharged V8-powered off-roader has a performance-inspired carbon fibre body styling package and inside houses a luxury leather interior.

For manufacturers and supporting dealerships, the driving experience allows their sales experts to explore the virtues of each car in an informal setting with genuinely interested customers. Pre-qualification is completed through the high ticket price of £295, which includes full hospitality on the day, as well as pre-approved test drive requests. This ensures guests and manufacturer partners are best-suited before the drive.  

Discussing the ‘see it, test it, buy it’ programme, event co-founder David Bagley said: “Salon Privé strives to combine all elements of the lifestyle that owning and buying some of the most important luxury cars offers. It makes sense that we put our guests in the driving seat during the event, especially when you consider the location at Blenheim Palace and the manufacturers’ cars on display."

He continued: “You won’t find this engagement with luxury brands anywhere else. So far the take-up for test drives has been amazing, as a large percentage of guests already confirmed for the event have reserved cars to drive. I am sure that this initiative will deliver sales leads for our manufacturer partners, and our guests will enjoy the experience.”

Media accreditation is now open, and press can apply via the online booking form by providing their credentials and preferred attendance date. Media invites are limited, so interested parties are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Pirelli to sponsor the Salon Prive Prestige and Performance section with a homage to hyper and supercars.

• Modern-day concours for super & hyper cars from 1975 to present day is first of its kind
• Pirelli-sponsored competition gives the chance to mingle with 68 showstoppers in exclusive public day on Saturday 5^th September
• Entrants includes UK’s only Lamborghini Reventon Roadster and Jay Kay’s green LaFerrari

Salon Privé has confirmed its world-leading line-up of cars in the event’s inaugural Pirelli Prestige and Performance, paying homage to super & hyper cars from 1975 to the present.

Presented in The Great Court and paraded through Blenheim Palace’s beautiful grounds, the innovative new competition is the centrepiece of The Salon Privé Supercar Show, the event’s first ever public day, on Saturday 5^th September.

In the Pre-Millennium Supercar category is a Bugatti EB110 SS. A hugely significant car, it was the prototype for the subsequent lightweight Super Sports version. Used extensively for bodywork development, this 1993 model received the experimental interconnected fuel tanks later used in the production of the US Super Sport version. This engine number, ‘026’ was also used for land speed and performance testing.

Also in this class is the Lamborghini Diablo GT. Replacing the legendary Countach, the Diablo was the fastest, most advanced and most expensive Lamborghini ever built. Introduced in 1999, only 80 of the Diablo GTs were made, boasting an enlarged 6.0-litre engine that produced 575bhp.

Car enthusiasts will be able to feast their eyes on a rare Maserati MC12 Stradale which is in the aptly named “Blink and It’s Gone” class. Developed to signal Maserati’s return to racing after 37 years, the road version was produced to homologate the race version. This model is one of only 50 ever produced.

Unsurprisingly in the same category, is the only Lamborghini Reventon Roadster in the UK. This all carbon-fibre Lamborghini was designed based on an F15 fighter jet. Only 15 models were made, however, this particular model is even rarer, as it’s one of only three right-hand-drive examples.

Jay Kay’s infamous green LaFerrari is also in this class. Well-known for his impressive car collection, Jay proudly enters his LaFerrari, one of the marque’s most ambitious projects yet. Pushing the boundaries of technology on a road car, it showcases Ferrari’s technical capabilities in both GT and Formula 1 engineering.

In the sophisticated “Grace and Pace” class, is a 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe. It is number 422 of 500 manufactured worldwide, produced in the unique colour Blu Oltremare as a special factory order. With a carbon-fibre body and a 4.7-litre 450bhp V8 engine, only 40 cars were originally allocated to the UK.

Every car enthusiast will know of the Bugatti Veyron, and the Grand Sport Vitesse is a very special edition. As part of a class celebrating “Ten years of Veyron Production”, this model combines the engine of the Super Sport with the space and comfort of the original Grand Sport. The Grand Sport Vitesse is the fastest production roadster in history.

One of the newest cars in the competition is a 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Tailor-Made. Competing in “Built for Speed”, this model was built to the owner’s specification as part of an exclusive new personalisation programme from Maranello. This 458 Speciale takes its inspiration from Ferrari’s sporting history, offering a brace of racing-derived materials, finishes and liveries.

Entrance tickets into the ‘Pirelli Prestige & Performance’ Competition cost £20 and also include access to the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace. For those wishing to have the full Salon Privé experience, a limited number of VIP Hospitality tickets costing £114 are still available. These tickets includes luncheon and refreshments as well as full access to the fabulous Concours entries, stunning Super, Hyper and Concept cars and an amazing range of high-end luxury brands and products.

The final car list in full:

Class A: 40 Years of the Iconic Ferrari 308 GTB

1976 Ferrari 308 GTB

1977 Ferrari 308 GTB

1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina

1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina

1977 Ferrari 308 GTB

1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina

Class B: Built for Speed

2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

2013 Mercedes SL63 AMG bi-turbo

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

2010 Ferrari 599 GTO

2011 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Tailor-Made

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish

2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo

Class C: Feel the Breeze

2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider 16M

2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster

2006 Ferrari Superamerica

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

2000 BMW Z8

1998 Ferrari 355 GTS

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

2008 Bentley GT Convertible

2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

2001 Ferrari 550M Barchetta

Class D: Pre-millennium Supercars

1989 Ferrari Testarossa

1993 Jaguar XJ220 S

1993 Bugatti EB110SS

1991 Ferrari F40

1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000s

1995 Ferrari 512 TR

1981 BMW M1

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

1999 Lamborghini Diablo GT

Class E: Celebrating 10 Years in Production of the Bugatti Veyron

2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

2014 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Class F: Grace & Pace

2009 Audi R8

2014 Alfa Romeo 4c

2015 Jaguar F-Type

2015 VW XL1

2015 Mercedes AMG GTS

2015 BMW i8

1978 Cadillac Courier

2011 Maserati Granturismo MC Sportline

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

2010 Maserati Turismo MC-Shift

Class G: Road & Race

2015 Radical RXC 500

2015 Mono

2000 Lotus 340R

Class H: Blink and it’s Gone

2004 Pagani Zonda S

2015 Koenigsegg One:1

1995 McLaren F1

2006 Ferrari Enzo FXX

2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

2007 Maserati MC12 Stradale

2014 Ferrari LaFerrari

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

2013 McLaren P1

1993 Jaguar XJ220

Ultra rare Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage comes under the hammer at Blenheim Palace Auction.

• Exceptional right-hand-drive Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage headlines Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale
• Believed to be one of only 50 ever built and one of three originally supplied from the factory with an automatic gearbox
• Recent restoration and upgrades by specialist Aston Martin preparers have maximised and enhanced the driving experience
• Guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 underscores its rarity, provenance and high-quality mechanical restoration
• Held at the majestic location of Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September, the Salon Privé Sale features a host of high-end classic and modern supercars 

The star of the show at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale held at Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September will be an outstanding and very rare Aston Martin.

Presented with superb history and in immaculate condition, the 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage will command a guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 and will be the headline lot in an auction of over 60 exceptional, handpicked modern and classic cars.

Finished in its original Goodwood Green paint and red leather interior, the striking Aston Martin is believed to be one of only 50 cars built in this specification, and one of only three Series V Vantages to be built with an automatic ‘Borg Warner’ gearbox.

Aston Martin produced the DB4 from October 1958 to June 1963 and in that time made five ‘Series’ variants of shape and specification. 

The later Series V models were built between September 1962 and June 1963 and had a longer wheelbase (3.5-feet), creating increased legroom and space for luggage, making them superb grand touring machines.  

Delivered new on 24 August 1963, this particularly model, chassis #1197, is believed to be one of the last to leave the factory - the last being #1215L - before building of the later DB5 model commenced. 

The matching numbers Vantage variant has a unique and fully documented history as well as being recently restored to fast-road specification, by specialist Aston Martin race preparers.

During the restoration a four-speed David Brown manual gearbox with overdrive was fitted along with a full handling kit comprising springs, roll bars and Koni dampers. 

The brakes were also upgraded as well as adjustable power steering to further complement the driving experience. A set of custom-made ‘off-set’ Borrani wheels and restored red leather interior finish off the tasteful modifications.

The car comes with a comprehensive history file, including the factory records on the build sheet from 1963 to 1966 and correspondence from Aston Martin to the first two owners. 

It also comes with the original gearbox, allowing any future owner to return the car to original specification. The history then follows from 1973 to 2015 with vast amounts of invoices, receipts, MoT certificates and the now void tax discs, giving a detailed record of this car’s past.

Operations Manager and Classic Car Consignor, Harry Whale said: “We are very excited to offer this DB4 Series V Vantage, which incorporates an intoxicating blend of extraordinary provenance and history, along with an unrivalled driving experience. 

It’s a stunning example of the DB4 Series V Vantage and a car to cherish for years to come. Next month’s sale epitomises what we can do here at Silverstone Auctions - offering a quality, eclectic mix of exciting cars.”