Richard Hammond to judge at this summer’s Salon Privé

Richard Hammond at Salon Privé London in 2023. Credit - Harry Elliot

Richard Hammond will assume judging duties at this summer’s Salon Privé event at Blenheim Palace.

The former host of Top Gear and The Grand Tour will be part of a panel of professional judges to select a winner in the Concours de Vente. Taking place at Blenheim for the first time, the award will be contested by a selection of cars currently for sale from the UK’s leading restorers and specialists. Hammond will present the winning car with the Prix d’Honneur trophy during the finale awards parade on Sunday. 

The 55 year old will also bring a close to the event by presenting the Lifestyle Club Trophy as part of the brand-new Salon Privé Supercar Sunday & Lifestyle Club Trophy Day. The new addition to the event will bring together the UK’s most distinguished multi-marque Supercar and Lifestyle clubs, alongside their elite single-marque enthusiast groups counterparts. Clubs confirmed to be in attendance include Automotive Utopia, Driven+, SCC Private Members Club, Supercar Club Wales and Women in Wheels, with the public able to see their collections on display in the North and South Lawns of Blenheim.

Richard Hammond said: “It’s thrilling to be involved in this exciting new chapter of Salon Privé as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary. I can’t wait to judge two awards and be able to get up close with some truly unique automobiles. Supercar Sunday is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of automotive passion - uniting supercar fans, classic cars owners, collectors and enthusiasts at one of the UK’s most historic and scenic locations.” 

Hammond unveils new line of gin and whisky

We already have James’ Gin and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawstone Lager, now Richard Hammond is getting in on the act by launching his own line of gin and whisky products.

Created in collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, Ratio Gin and Iron Ridge Whisky will be available to buy from the beginning of September.

Ratio Gin takes inspiration from his travels and love of the Lake District, blending bilberries, wild gorse flowers, stinging nettles, and local honey into a refined, complex spirit.

Iron Ridge Whisky is named after a hillside close to Hammond’s beloved Lake District and is matured in rare American n bourbon casks, delivering notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, fruit, and a subtle smokiness.

Before the September launch, the official debut of the products will take place at DriveTribe Live on Saturday 30th August, where fans will get the chance to taste the gin and whisky, as well as meet the man himself and buy bottles on site. The following day, Hammond will bring his new products along to Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, where he will be judging in the event’s Concours de Vente and Lifestyle Club Trophy categories.

“Creating these spirits has been a real passion project,” said Hammond. “It’s about taking all that love for craftsmanship and storytelling I’ve picked up in the car world, and pouring it into something people can actually hold, taste, and enjoy. It’s me, just slightly more distilled.”

words: Mike Booth
pictures: DriveTribe