The classic car world once again proved its resilience and enduring appeal at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA), presented by Lockton and hosted at the Peninsula London hotel on 14 November. In a year defined by economic headwinds, the sector showcased remarkable strength, drawing a record audience and highlighting the passion, craftsmanship and global engagement that continue to push historic motoring forward.
More than 390 guests attended the sold-out ceremony, where broadcaster and racing driver Amanda Stretton presided over an evening that celebrated excellence across restoration, design, heritage, motorsport and industry innovation. The atmosphere reflected a community both proud of its legacy and deeply committed to its future.
David Lillywhite, Editorial Director of IHMA organisers Hothouse Media, underscored this sentiment. “The classic car world continues to defy economic trends. The events get bigger and better every year, the restoration companies and specialists set the quality of work higher and higher, and the owners themselves continue to indulge in their passions for the driving and ownership of these remarkable cars. The industry is thriving, and the record attendance of the International Historic Motoring Awards from all around the world is further proof of that.”
A Night of Icons, Innovations and Extraordinary Craft
This year’s IHMA delivered an impressive array of highlights that reflected the breadth and depth of the historic motoring sector. Among the biggest attractions was the presence of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, whose influence spans seven decades and includes some of the most significant automotive forms ever created. As the guest of honour, Giugiaro was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his extraordinary contributions not only to automotive design but to objects as varied as watches, furniture, cameras, pasta and even a cathedral organ.
For many attendees, seeing Giugiaro reunited with the one-off 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet—a car he last viewed when it debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show—was a defining moment of the evening. The car was among the star vehicles displayed at the venue, where more than £7 million worth of rare and historically significant machines lined both the interior and exterior spaces of the Peninsula London.
The international draw of the event was unmistakable. Guests travelled from regions as far as Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Japan, Europe and the USA, emphasising the global relevance of the IHMA. High-profile attendees included US television personality Wayne Carini, model David Gandy and comedian Paul Smith, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond the glamour, the event reinforced its commitment to meaningful charitable impact. More than £20,000 was raised on the night for Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia foundation, supporting vital research and awareness initiatives.
Celebrating Extraordinary Achievement Across the Sector
The IHMA has long recognised the dedication, innovation and tenacity that shape the classic car world. This year’s awards were no exception.
One of the standout honours, Personal Achievement of the Year, was awarded to Tomas de Vargas Machuca for his extraordinary 37-day, 14,899km journey from Paris to Peking in a 1925 Bentley. Traversing 12 countries in a century-old machine, his achievement exemplified both the spirit of adventure and the commitment to preserving living automotive history.
Another key accolade highlighted the importance of future-proofing the industry. The Industry Supporter of the Year award was presented to the Heritage Skills Academy, an institution dedicated to training young people in traditional restoration techniques. With an increasing demand for specialist craftsmanship, the Academy’s role in developing the next generation of artisans is vital to maintaining the quality and authenticity that define this world.
Geoff Love, Managing Director of Hothouse Media, reinforced this forward-looking message. “The IHMA’s near-400 crowd and our winners from across the world made one thing clear: historic motoring is in very good hands. Yes, we celebrate the past, but it’s the fresh thinking, the new generations coming through and the incredible craft on display that give this world its real momentum.”
Momentum for a Sector That Refuses to Slow Down
What emerged from the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards was a clear picture of a community thriving through passion, skill and an unwavering commitment to excellence. At a time when many industries face uncertainty, the classic car world continues to expand, innovate and inspire.
Whether through remarkable restorations, boundary-pushing craftsmanship, global camaraderie or the storytelling power of iconic design, the sector is proving that historic motoring is not simply a celebration of the past—it is a dynamic, evolving cultural force with an increasingly international future.
