‘I went to a supercar event for the first time and I won’t forget this 1 thing’

I’ve always loved both classic motors and supercars, the kind that make you stop mid-sentence to appreciate when they pass, and also the kind you don’t just drive but experience. Sleek lines, enthusiastic owners and obsessive craftsmanship, call it superficial, but for me it’s always been pretty cool.

Despite that long-standing fascination, I had never actually been to a proper automotive event. So when I decided to attend Salon Privé in central London, it completely reshaped my expectations. Firstly, the setting alone was magnificent as the event was held on the green Royal Chelsea Hospital grounds.

When I entered the event, the manicured lawns, open space, and an atmosphere felt closer to a Buckingham Palace garden party rather than a trade show. It didn’t feel rushed, with people snapping photos and moving on, the event invited you to slow down, to actually take a look at the cars on display.

What really stood out to me, though, was the mix of cars on display. Not just hypercars trying to outdo each other on spec sheets but heritage cars with history.

Seeing older models alongside modern ones creates this quiet conversation across decades, how design evolves and how technology leaps forward, year upon year.

One of many cars that caught my eye was a green 1928 Bentley 4.5L on sale for £460,000. I learnt that the 1928 4½ Litre is one of the most desirable pre-war vehicles and represents the peak of the ‘Bentley Boys’ era of motor sports. It is celebrated for its durability and speed, often featuring 4-valve per cylinder, single-overhead-camshaft technology.

As I was there on the grand opening day, April 16 also celebrated Porsche Club GB’s 65th anniversary, and there was a colourful lineup of cars from my favourite manufacturer, which I greatly appreciated.

Even Sir Elton John‘s Rolls-Royce Phantom VI was on display at the Salon Privé event but was available to buy with a hefty price tag of £299,950. In terms of history, the car had covered around 50,000 miles and is backed up with a full service history from John Barclay Bentley. The car was registered in 1972 and was sold to the rockstar in 1973 and used to chauffeur the singer around.

Beyond the cars, the Luxury Village at the event brings together niche artisans and world-renowned lifestyle brands, and clothing brand Malman instantly caught my eye for its simple, yet chic designs.

For founder and racing driver Manuel Maldonado, the idea was never to create just another clothing label. He told the Daily Express: “I’m from Venezuela originally and I moved to the UK when I was really young. But for the past three years, I’ve been working on how to incorporate fashion and motorsport together, without making it look like merchandise.”

It was his first physical pop-up, and it’s his intention to have a physical shop one day. Speaking about his cool brand, he added: “If you want to go to a car event or a paddock without sporting a team but embracing the environment, this is for you.”

And he’s succeeded – because I was extremely tempted to walk away with one of the iconic jackets on display! Maldonado added: “Now, there’s merchandise everywhere, especially in motorsport it’s all team logos, driver names, and loud graphics. But I wanted to create something different. Malman exists for those who love the sport itself not just a team or a driver.”

At this event, I expected a certain level of exclusivity, and there was, but in an approachable way. Yes, you’re surrounded by luxury and history, but there’s also genuine enthusiasm for cars.

Those attending are people who just love cars, whether they own them or not. Conversations happen easily, and they’re about sharing that same appreciation.

Walking home, I realised I’d spent years admiring cool cars from a distance, through screens, magazines, adverts, and the occasional glimpse on the road, when there was an entire world built around experiencing them properly.

If you love cars, you owe it to yourself to go to something like this at least once. I’ll definitely be heading to their next event.