The countdown to a night of motoring excellence
The Royal Automobile Club has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Historic Awards, marking the start of the final countdown to one of the most prestigious evenings in Britain’s motoring calendar. Now in its seventh year, the event celebrates the people, organisations and innovations that keep the country’s historic motoring and motorsport scene thriving.
On Thursday, 20 November, the Club’s elegant Pall Mall clubhouse in London will host the awards ceremony, bringing together the industry’s finest minds and most passionate enthusiasts. Among them will be the independent judges who have spent months poring over a record number of entries to determine this year’s exceptional shortlists.
Recognising Britain’s finest in historic motoring
Each year, the Historic Awards pay tribute to the dedication and craftsmanship that preserve and advance Britain’s motoring heritage. From restorers and journalists to event organisers and innovators, the categories reflect the full diversity of this vibrant community.
After rigorous assessment, debate and deliberation, the finalists for 2025 have now been announced:
Competitive Event (supported by Piper-Heidsieck)
- Equipe 6 Hour
- International McRae Rally Challenge
- Silverstone Festival
Innovation (supported by Federation Skills Trust and SUSTAIN)
- Bridge Classic Cars Kids
- Equipe Super Sprint
- ifindautoparts
Motoring Spectacle (supported by RM Sotheby’s)
- The Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring
- Salon Privé
- The Jim Clark Trust celebration of Jim Clark’s 1965 season
Museums & Collections (supported by Lockton)
- British Motor Museum
- Great British Car Journey
- Haynes Motor Museum
Outstanding Journalism (presented by the Royal Automobile Club)
- Giles Chapman – Ernie Unger (The Automobile)
- Dan Cogger – Lucky Number 13 (The Automobile)
- Jon Pressnell – 100 MG Marque-defining Moments (Octane)
Personal Endeavour (supported by Motul)
- Tania Brown
- Julian Grimwade
- Mark Reber
Restoration (supported by Bicester Motion)
- 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Boulogne’ – Jonathan Wood Ltd
- 1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S – David Foster/Bob Thredder
- 1953 Jaguar C-type – Anthony Purnell, Pendine Historic Cars & CKL Developments
Young Achiever (supported by StarterMotor)
- Will Marsh
- Jack Rawles
- Samantha Ruff
Celebrating dedication and craftsmanship
“The Club has been recognising achievement for over 125 years, and these Awards continue that proud tradition by celebrating the hidden talents within the historic vehicle scene,” said Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring for the Royal Automobile Club. “There’s so much inspiring work taking place, and we’re here to celebrate — and reward — the most inspirational people.”
He added: “This event is the lifeblood of the Club. It builds on our unique heritage of recognising and supporting British achievement — bringing together passionate people who preserve and advance the spirit of motoring.”
Judging excellence
Each award is overseen by a panel of independent experts, chosen for their deep understanding of the categories they represent. This year’s lead judges include Sarah Bennett-Baggs (Editor, Auto Addicts), Alastair Clements (Editor-in-Chief, Classic & Sports Car), Steve Cropley (Editor-in-Chief, Autocar), Vanessa Marçais (historic motorsport organiser), Lizzie Pope (Associate Editor, Classic & Sports Car), Simon Taylor (journalist, author and car collector), Ian Titchmarsh (motorsport commentator and Trustee of Silverstone Heritage), and Allan Winn (Director and former CEO of Brooklands Museum).
While some judges make their assessments from behind a desk, others take a more hands-on approach. The Restoration jury, for instance, will spend a day at Bicester Motion, meticulously inspecting each car and interviewing the restorers and owners. Meanwhile, the Museums & Collections panel will be on the road, visiting the three finalist institutions before selecting their winner.
A night to remember
The awards ceremony on 20 November will be hosted by Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie, who will reveal the winners across eight categories, culminating in the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipient’s identity remains a closely guarded secret until the night — a highlight that always adds an air of anticipation to the evening.
The celebration promises not only to honour excellence but also to foster a shared appreciation for the people and projects that keep Britain’s motoring heritage alive.
A continuing legacy
Since their launch in 2019, the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards have recognised an extraordinary array of individuals, institutions and events. In doing so, they’ve reinforced the Club’s 127-year commitment to celebrating the achievements that shape British motoring — past, present and future.
Tickets for this year’s ceremony are now available. To learn more or secure a place at this remarkable evening, visit royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk.
