The 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards shortlist features 400 nominations and will include the new Youth Initiative of the Year award, with winners to be revealed on November 13.
The shortlist for the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards, sponsored by Lockton, has been unveiled, featuring an impressive array of nominees across 16 distinct categories. This year, approximately 400 nominations were carefully evaluated, covering facets ranging from exemplary automotive restorations and notable historic events to individual achievements in the world of motor vehicles. Notably, the 2026 awards include the new Youth Initiative of the Year category, aimed at celebrating efforts that engage and inspire the younger generation in automotive culture.
A distinguished panel of experts will evaluate the finalists. This panel includes renowned figures such as Peter Stevens, a celebrated car designer, Octane columnist Stephen Bayley, and Sandra Button, a global ambassador for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Their insights and industry knowledge will be pivotal in determining this year's winners.
Among the categories, the Car of the Year stands out, as it derives its winner from public votes. Ten vehicles, selected by the expert panel, are competing for this prestigious title, and enthusiasts can cast their votes until October 30. Interested parties can participate by visiting the official voting page. The eventual victor will be announced during a gala dinner held on November 13 in London, hosted by broadcaster and racing driver Amanda Stretton.
In celebrating their 16th edition, this year's awards are supported by allies such as the Petersen Automotive Museum, Nyetimber, Revs Institute, in addition to Octane and Magneto magazines. Geoff Love, co-founder and managing director of Hothouse Media, noted, “This year’s shortlist is particularly strong, with some exceptional achievements across every category,” reflecting the high caliber of submissions received.
Overview of Award Categories
Here's a breakdown of the award categories along with their finalists:
Car of the Year
The following vehicles are competing for the coveted title:
- Sunbeam 1000hp
- Auto Union Lucca
- The 1-2-3 1966 Le Mans Ford GT40s
- Bluebird K7
- The Clark Gable Duesenberg SSJ
- JCB Hydromax
- McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R
- McLaren M6GT recreation
- Lola T70S continuation
- Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe chassis CSX2300
Restoration of the Year
The Restoration of the Year nominees include:
- Thomas ‘Flatiron’
- Duesenberg Special Speedster SSJ, chassis J-567
- Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport, chassis 110109
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage Moulded Fliptail, chassis V8/11928/LCAV
- Bentley 3 Litre, XT1606
- BMW 328 Mille Miglia ‘Bügelfalte’, chassis 85032
- Ferrari 375 America Vignale Cabriolet, chassis 0353 AL
- Lancia D20 Berlinetta
- Sunbeam 1000hp
- Williams FW25 Formula 1
Bespoke Car of the Year
- Auto Union Lucca
- Bizzarrini 5300 Aperta Lusso
- Ruf Boxer 8 Erprober
- Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage by Niels van Roij Design
- Ford Escort Mk1 RS by Boreham Motorworks
- Gordon Murray Special Vehicle S1
- Lola T70S GT
- McLaren McL 6GT
- Morgan Midsummer Coupé
- Spyker C8 Preliator XXV
Motoring Book of the Year
Finalists in this category bring an array of automotive literature:
- Against All the Others: Porsche’s Racing History, Volume 2 – 1969 by Randy Leffingwell
- A.J. Foyt Legacy Volume 2 by Art Garner
- Aston Martin: The Entire Story by Russell Hayes
- Heroes of the Forest: The Complete History of the Pebble Beach Road Race by Mark Brinker
- Lella Lombardi – The Tigress of Turin by John Saltinstall
- Maserati 250S A Legendary Formula 1 Car by Walter Baeumer and Jean-Francois Blachette
- Porsche 964 Carrera RS by Christoph Mäder
- The Ferrari 250 GTO Spotting Guide by Yan-Alexandre Damasiewicz
- Ultimate Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona by Porter Press International
- Whitney Straight: Racing Driver, War Hero, Industrialist by Paul Kenny
Personal Achievement of the Year
This category recognizes individuals making meaningful contributions to automotive heritage. Nominees include:
- Aaron Shelby for facilitating the return of all three Ford/Shelby GT40 Le Mans-winning cars to England for Goodwood’s Festival of Speed.
- Jay Leno for advocating Leno’s Law, preserving access to collector cars in California.
- Lord Bamford for leading the JCB Hydromax project, which achieved a record land speed of 406.320mph.
- Manvendra Singh for dedicating decades to automotive heritage in India.
- Mark Hastings for orchestrating Brooklands Museum’s Grand Prix Centenary celebration.
- Rob Manson for coordinating the 75th Pebble Beach Road Races anniversary celebration.
- Tom Hartley Jnr for launching a premier destination for the collector-car community.
Industry Supporter of the Year
This award highlights contributions from industry leaders, including:
- Aramco
- BMW Group
- Classic Car Services
- Ford Heritage
- Motul
- Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Closing Notes
The culmination of this year's awards will occur during a gala event, marking another year of celebrating the exceptional contributions to historic motoring. As the community eagerly anticipates the results, this year’s competition is shaping up to reflect the highest standards of the automotive world.
