A luxury exclusive car club founded by two Welshmen made a “wonderful” debut at this year’s most prestigious event for rare cars and supercars, the Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.
Auto Vivendi, based in London, but with hubs in South and North Wales country houses as well was set up by Maesteg born Richard Thomas and Craig Williams, from Usk.
The UK’s most renowned Concours event features the rarest classics and latest supercars for owners and enthusiasts to see and enjoy at close quarters in exclusive surroundings.
It has been running for two decades and this year attracted 1,500 entrants over four days with the 2023 Best Club Car, the model judged to be the most exceptional automobile on the day, going to a beautiful 1964 Jaguar E-type S1 3.8 OTS, owned by Philip Kenworthy.
Auto Vivendi marketing manager James Allen said, “Having attended Salon Prive as guests over the past 18 years it was wonderful to have a more formal presence at this iconic luxury concours event in such a stunning location on the lawns of Blenheim Palace.
“Our hospitality pavilion made the perfect space to enjoy time with members and our friends from the industry with the only difficult part being which of our car collection to bring! We were very happy with the seven cars we chose and they were very well received by guests at the event.
“Lots of happy memories made and for us, it’s all about the smiles on faces and the photos say it all.”
It was an unforgettable show debut for one other reason, when a positive Covid-test meant they had to take unexpected precautions, but the event was great exposure for the business and it hopes to build on the debut and attract still more members in coming months.
On their stand at Salon Prive, Auto Vivendi were showing their latest models, including a Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, Maserati MC20 Cielo and McLaren 765LT Spider.
