The International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA), a cornerstone event in the collector car world, crowned its Car of the Year at an unforgettable ceremony at The Peninsula London on November 22. This year’s honor went to the 1934 Bugatti Type 59, once owned by King Leopold III of Belgium, marking another milestone in the car’s storied legacy.
The Bugatti Type 59 not only captivated the judging panel but also resonated with the public, who cast thousands of votes to secure its victory. This remarkable vehicle, celebrated as the first preservation car to win Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance earlier this year, embodies automotive heritage in its purest form. Its provenance, linked to European royalty and automotive innovation, cements its status as a timeless icon.
A Night of Glitz and Prestige
The 2024 IHMA ceremony was an unparalleled gathering of the automotive elite. Hosted at London’s newest luxury hotel, the evening welcomed over 400 distinguished guests from around the globe. The lineup included actor Rowan Atkinson, Land Speed Record holder Andy Green, automotive design legends Ian Callum and Peter Stevens, TV personality Richard Hammond, and the ever-charismatic Supercar Blondie.
From car collectors Miles Collier and Bruce Meyer to institutions like the Petersen Automotive Museum and Jaguar Land Rover, the audience represented the very best of the motoring world. Rowan Atkinson set the tone for the evening with a speech celebrating the enduring appeal of classic cars, followed by broadcaster and race driver Amanda Stretton unveiling the winners.
The Awards: Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry
Now in its 14th year, the IHMA showcased the pinnacle of historic motoring through 16 prestigious awards. Among the highlights:
- Book of the Year: The Last Eye Witness by Doug Nye, a compelling visual and narrative journey into early motor racing.
- Museum of the Year: The Revs Institute, honored for its innovative “Active Matter” approach, blending restoration and education.
- Restoration of the Year: The Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport by Chropynska, a five-year odyssey culminating in Pebble Beach acclaim.
- Motoring Event of the Year: The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which marked a historic shift by celebrating post-war vehicles.
Other winners included young trailblazer David Kibbey, motorsport landmark Goodwood Revival, and bespoke marvels like the Auto Union Type 52 “Schnellsportwagen.”
A Global Stage for Classic Motoring
The IHMA has grown into the definitive awards ceremony for the collector car industry, with support from sponsors such as Lockton Insurance, Octane, and Magneto magazines. Geoff Love, co-founder of Hothouse Media and the awards, called this year’s edition the “biggest and best yet,” celebrating the enduring passion and ingenuity within the historic motoring community.
A Bugatti for the Ages
The 1934 Bugatti Type 59, owned by Swiss collector Fritz Burkard, embodies a legacy of preservation and performance. A masterpiece of engineering and artistry, it was initially built for Grand Prix racing before finding its way to King Leopold III’s royal garage. Today, its survival in near-original condition is a testament to the dedication of its stewards and the enduring allure of pre-war craftsmanship.
The IHMA’s Car of the Year title is a fitting accolade for a vehicle that transcends time, reminding us that every car carries a story, but only a few achieve legend status. The Bugatti Type 59 is one such legend, forever etched in the annals of automotive history.
