Royal College of Art exhibition showcases emerging design talent at Salon Privé
- Concours of the Future bridges gap between classic and supercar
- Prestigious judging line-up including Frank Stephenson, Richard Woolley, Simon Cox and Professor Dale Harrow
- Shortlist of 12 upcoming designers judged on Friday 4th September
For the third year running, luxury automotive event Salon Privé presents the ‘Concours of the Future’, an exhibition of automotive designs created by students from the Royal College of Art Vehicle Design Course.
Participants were given the brief to create and style a futuristic concept based on their favourite classic car. This year’s shortlisted designs include re-imaginations of the 1955 Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé, the 1955 Alfa Romeo Superflow and the Porsche Glockler.
The competition was announced to the RCA students back in April this year and following two further presentations, a selection was made of the 12 best designs. Those shortlisted students continue through to the final at Salon Privé, where they will present their designs to event guests and esteemed judges.
This year, our esteemed judges will face the tough task of choosing the final winner. They are:
- Simon Cox: Design Director - Infiniti Design London
- Frank Stephenson: Director of Design – McLaren Automotive Limited
- Richard Woolley - Design Studio Director at Land Rover
- Professor Dale Harrow - Dean of School and Acting Head of Programme
All four are well-known leading figures in the world of automotive design.
“It’s thrilling to be part of Salon Privé’s ‘Concours of the Future’ Exhibition, which shows just how bright the future is for developing new car designers,” Frank Stephenson commented. “The standard last year was exceptionally high and we’re looking forward to seeing what exciting ideas this year’s Concours will bring.”
Last year’s winner Farhana Safa wowed the judges with her Buick Revolution based on the 1948 Buick Streamliner. Drawing inspiration from aerospace engineering, Farhana referenced the F/A XX - a sixth-generation fighter plane concept. Retaining the elegance of the Streamliner, as well as its striking proportion, Farhana’s design stood out to the 2014 judges and resulted in a once-in-the-lifetime trip to the Touring design studios in Milan.
“The enthusiasm from the students and the way in which they have embraced the project over the last few months has been tremendous to witness and we are delighted that this exhibition has become a permanent feature at Salon Privé,” commented David Bagley, Salon Privé sales director.
Tickets are now on sale at www.salonpriveconcours.com
Photos: Last year’s winner - Farhana Safa’s Buick Revolution
ENDS
Media contacts
Matt Sanger: 0207 952 1079 or msanger@torqueagencygroup.com
Rachel Burgess: 0207 952 1076 or rburgess@torqueagencygroup.com
Editors’ notes
About Salon Privé:
Now in its 10th year, Salon Privé takes place from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th September at the stunning Blenheim Palace and is firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious Luxury Supercar Show & Concours d’Elégance. The three-day event incorporates the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, Boodles Ladies’ Day and The Salon Privé Supercar Show, also showcasing The Pirelli ‘Prestige & Performance’ Competition, the EFG Art and Memorabilia Fair and The Salon Privé Sale in association with Silverstone Auctions. The Tour d’Elégance takes place for Concours owners only on Wednesday 2nd September. Salon Privé takes pride and place amongst the leading automotive shows of the world including the U.S.’s Pebble Beach and Italy’s Villa d’Este.
