Best of Show Win at Salon Prive

Salon Privé outgrew its Syon Park home last year and moved into the larger and more palatial setting of Blenheim Palace, the gateway to the Cotswolds. With its 2nd year at this grand setting the event has become one of Europe's finest. The event sets itself apart from other Concours gatherings in the UK with an emphasis on Concours Judging and the standard is set very high.

This year DK had a significant presence at the event supporting no less than 6 entries on the Concours lawn, two cars in the Ferrari V12 Class, a wonderful 275 GTB/4 alongside the unique Goldschmidt 400 Superamerica Aerodinamico, the Ferrari's of the 1980s Supercar class were not unsurprisingly DK Supplied! The only RHD 288 GTO in Europe and a very fine F40 which DK bought from Japan and sold to the current owner, in the European Grand Tourer's David's own freshly restored 275 GTS gleamed in judging day sunshine. Whilst the toughest class of all the "Racing Improves the Breed" saw the Villa D'Este Best of Show in direct competition with #0614 MDTR, the wonderful 500 Testa Rossa which DK had restored in time for last year's Goodwood Revival.

The F40 took a very well deserved Class Win amongst the Supercars and the 275s, GTO and Superamerica all gained high praise from the Judges. All eyes however were on the 500 TR, this being the motorcars first ever Concours appearance, and only its second event since it retired from racing in 1960 after which, many presumed it lost forever.

The car had been discovered by DK's great friend Bruce Lavachek in 1977 but the Journey to the concours lawn had not been easy. It had taken Bruce some years to purchase in the 80's and from then until 2012 to bring the car, in a poor state but mainly complete to D.K. Engineering. The restoration was especially challenging, particularly with regard to the car's original and very delicate aluminium body. With great skill the vast majority of the cars original bodywork was saved and the mechanical restoration was completed in time for the 2015 Goodwood Revival in the all-Ferrari Lavant Cup the car was driven by David Cottingham. Following its successful return to racing the TestaRossa had been on display in DK's private museum before being entered in Salon Privé.

In the presence of the cars long term owner, Bruce Lavachek, who had travelled from California to attend the event, the Judges awarded the TR with 1st in Class, beating the Villa D'Este champion and a unique Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta. Each respective class Winner was then driven into Blenheim's Grand Court for the Gala Dinner and the announcement of the 2016 Best of Show and Overall Winner. This was awarded by the Judges to the DK Restored 500 TR, a huge achievement for a car which was thought to be lost!

DK Engineering would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to this important restoration of a most significant Sports Racing Ferrari.