Richard Hammond to return as guest of honour at Salon Privé 2026
Former host of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Richard Hammond, will return to Blenheim Palace this summer for the 21st edition of Salon Privé.
Hammond was a guest for the first time at last year’s event, where he judged the inaugural Concours de Vente and Lifestyle Club Trophy, and is now back by popular demand.
This year, Hammond will be present during Supercar Saturday and Supercar Sunday at the event, before returning to Concours de Vente judging duties alongside Top Gear’s long-standing editor-at-large, Jason Barlow, and British racing driver and broadcaster, Amanda Stretton. The trio will be tasked with selecting the standout vehicle from those offered for sale by the UK’s leading dealers, restorers and specialists.
There will be the chance to sample some of Hammond’s spirit range and meet the man himself during bottle signing sessions, while he’ll also take part in an exclusive Q&A in the Boodles Club Lounge, answering questions about his career so far and future ventures.
Other changes at the 2026 Salon Privé event include two new Concours classes celebrating modern supercars and hypercars and a revised Best of Show format which spans three distinct categories of collector cars.
“It’s not just about seeing incredible machinery”
Richard Hammond said: “Salon Privé is one of my favourite events to attend. The cars are extraordinary, the setting at Blenheim Palace is hard to beat and it’s full of people who genuinely love motoring.
“I had a fantastic time last year, so I’m obviously delighted to be coming back for Salon Privé’s 21st year. What makes Salon Privé so special is that it’s not just about seeing incredible machinery; it’s about meeting the people who own and love them too. I’m looking forward to another great weekend, seeing some exceptional clubs and collections, and sending everyone home with a renewed buzz having spent the day among some of the world’s most incredible cars.”
Salon Privé 2026 takes place at Blenheim Palace from 2-6 September.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Salon Privé