When it comes to classic automobiles, few names command as much reverence as Ferrari—the Prancing Horse itself. Recently, a breathtaking 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was crowned the winner at the prestigious 10th annual Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2024, solidifying its place in automotive royalty.
Presented at a grand awards ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, this honour recognizes the pinnacle of classic car design and engineering. It comes as no surprise that Ferrari claimed the top spot, yet victory was far from effortless. The 250 LM faced fierce competition from eight other legendary vehicles, each a previous Best in Show winner from major concours events:
- 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider
- 1957 Ferrari 335 S
- 1937/1946 Delahaye 145 Cabriolet
- 1947 Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet
- 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports
- 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster
- 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix
- 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible
The competition was nothing short of spectacular, but the 250 LM’s triumph at the Cavallino Classic in January 2024 gave it the edge needed to claim this ultimate accolade.
Moreover, to make sure the title was given to the best of the best, the The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award put together a group of esteemed jury members including legendary designers Peter Brock and Fabio Filippini, former General Motors Vice President of Design Ed Welburn, and Henry Ford III.
The panel also featured royal and celebrity car connoisseurs, such as HRH Prince Michael of Kent, HH Rana Manvendra Singh of Barwani, Peter Marino, Ralph Lauren, and Jay Leno.
“I am truly humbled to receive this distinguished award,” said Mr. Chris Cox, proud owner of the winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. “It brings me immense joy to showcase a vehicle with such a storied past at the world’s most esteemed concours. Being selected for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is the highest honour a car collector can achieve.”
The Legendary Ferrari 250 LM
Few marques in automotive history have curated a lineup as illustrious as Ferrari’s; among them, the 250 LM holds a special place. First unveiled in November 1963 in Paris, this masterpiece was crafted with one purpose: to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A Grand Touring evolution of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P, it was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, envisioned as the successor to the legendary 250 GTO. While Ferrari could not secure LM homologation in the GT class, the model still carved its name into history when a 250 LM clinched victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the 1965 International Trophy for GT Prototypes.
A Storied Racing Career
Of the mere 32 units produced, this particular 250 LM boasts an enviable racing pedigree, competing between 1965 and 1967 with standout victories at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone in 1966. It later entered two of endurance racing’s most celebrated events—the 24 Hours of Daytona (1966) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1968).
Since Mr Cox acquired the vehicle in 2018, it has been a showpiece of Ferrari heritage. Displayed at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena during the marque’s 75th-anniversary “Ferrari Forever” exhibition in 2022, it has also graced the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (2022) and was most recently celebrated at Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach (2024) in honour of Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
“The winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is far more than just a stunning machine,” said Christian Philippsen, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “This is one of Ferrari’s most revolutionary models—an icon with an unparalleled racing legacy. We are thrilled to bestow this honour upon a motorsport legend of such stature.”
Celebrating Automotive Excellence
Founded by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie in 2015, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is a tribute to the artistry, preservation, and restoration of the world’s finest motorcars.
Sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, a luxury hospitality brand with a 158-year legacy, this esteemed award brings together the most remarkable Best in Show winners from concours events across the globe—allowing modern enthusiasts to witness, appreciate, and celebrate these rare automotive masterpieces.
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