The world of motoring literature takes center stage this October as the Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Book of the Year Awards return for their 11th year. With an impressive lineup of books covering subjects from Formula 1 legends to charming vintage cars, the awards celebrate the finest contributions to automotive writing and publishing. The winners will be announced at a prestigious event in London’s Pall Mall on 30 October 2024, where the motoring literary elite will gather to honor the best in the field.
Established in 2013, the Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Book of the Year Awards were created to recognize excellence in the motoring publishing world. “We are proud to lend our considerable support to the industry so that motoring book ideas and publications continue to thrive and be credited,” said Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club. The awards have grown into one of the most respected accolades in the industry, celebrating both affordable and high-end publications, with categories for both motoring and motor sporting subjects.
This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth and diversity of motoring literature, with titles ranging from insightful histories of iconic brands to unique adventures in classic cars. The competition covers four main categories: affordable books on motoring and motor sports, and luxury publications in the same fields, often including limited editions. Additionally, the highly anticipated overall trophy will be awarded to the book that the judges believe stands above all others, regardless of category. A Lifetime Achievement Award and the Graham Robson Trophy for Best Debut Author will also be presented.
Simon Taylor, Chairman of the judging panel, expressed the challenges faced by the panel in narrowing down the finalists: “Almost everything has merit, and we applaud anyone who has the inspiration and tenacity to have a car book published. It’s been a delight to see such impressive and diverse titles across all categories.”
Among the notable finalists is David Knowles’ MG Century: 100 Years―Safety Fast!, a meticulously researched tribute to the iconic British marque, and Three Men in a Land Rover: 40,000 Miles, 40 Countries, One Unique Adventure, a thrilling tale of exploration penned by Waxy Wainwright, Mike Palmer, and Chris Wall. Meanwhile, in the more exclusive category, Steve Saxty’s BMW Behind the Scenes offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Bavarian giant, while Nash-Healey: A Grand Alliance by John Nikas takes readers on a journey through the fascinating history of the Anglo-American sports car.
The judges, drawn from the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics, include notable figures such as Mick Walsh of Classic & Sports Car, Gordon Cruickshank of Motor Sport, and Mark Dixon of Octane. They are joined by Ian Titchmarsh of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, Ben Horton of Horton’s Books, and Christian Whitehead of Blackwell’s bookstore.
The Motoring Book of the Year Awards form part of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, a celebration of all things automotive running from 28 October to 2 November. The week will culminate in the St James’s Motoring Spectacle on 2 November, a festival of cars past, present, and future held on Pall Mall. The festivities will be followed by the RM Sotheby’s London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run on 3 November, the world’s longest-running motoring event, now in its 128th year.
Founded in 1897, the Royal Automobile Club has been at the heart of British motoring for over a century. From hosting the first Tourist Trophy race in 1905 to promoting both pre-war and post-war Grands Prix, the Club continues to support the automotive world through its events and initiatives. Today, its legacy endures, from representing the UK at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to organizing London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
