A stunning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been named the winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2024. The award, presented at an awards ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, recognizes the pinnacle of classic automotive design and engineering. Selected from a group of nine vehicles recognized at last year’s major concours, the Ferrari was shortlisted after winning Best in Show at the Cavallino Classic in January 2024.
“I am extremely honored to receive this significant award,” said Chris Cox, owner of the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. “It gives me great pleasure to exhibit a vehicle with such a rich history at the largest concours in the world. Being selected for the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is the highest honor a car collector can achieve.”
Unveiled in Paris in November 1963, the Ferrari 250 LM (for „Le Mans“) is a grand touring version of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P. With its body designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, it was intended to replace the 250 GTO, one of Ferrari’s most successful racing cars. Although Ferrari failed to obtain LM approval in the GT class, the model achieved significant success when a 250 LM won the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1965 International Trophy for GT Prototypes. This 250 LM, of which only 32 examples were made, enjoyed a successful racing career from 1965 to 1967, with notable victories at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Silverstone in 1966. The car later competed in two of motorsport’s most famous endurance races – the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, acquired by its current owner in 2018, is a famous piece of Ferrari history. It was exhibited at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy, as part of the Ferrari Forever 75th anniversary exhibition in 2022. It has also been shown at major concours, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2022 – and most recently at Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach in 2024 to celebrate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
“The award-winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is much more than just a stunning vehicle,” said Christian Philippsen, co-founder of the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “This is one of Ferrari’s most revolutionary models, with a rich competition history and incredible provenance. We are delighted to honor a motorsport legend of this caliber with this year’s Best of the Best Award.”
Eight other exquisite classic cars also competed for the award: an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider from 1932, a Ferrari 335 S from 1957, a Delahaye 145 Cabriolet from 1937/1946, a Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet from 1947, a Bugatti Type 59 Sports from 1934, a Bugatti Type 57S Roadster from 1937, a Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix from 1928 and a Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible from 1937.
The judging panel for the 2024 Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award was a distinguished selection of automotive designers, enthusiasts and executives – including renowned designers Peter Brock and Fabio Filippini, former General Motors Vice President of Design Ed Welburn, and Henry Ford III. Prominent royals and prominent motorsport collectors also attended the judging, including HRH Prince Michael of Kent, HH Rana Manvendra Singh of Barwani, Peter Marino, Ralph Lauren and Jay Leno.
Established in 2015 by Sir Michael Kadoorie, the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is dedicated to the appreciation, preservation and restoration of fine automobiles. Sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, a global luxury hospitality company with a 158-year history, the awards ceremony brings together the elite Best of Show winners from the Concours rounds from around the world so that modern enthusiasts can see, learn and appreciate these great pieces of automotive history.
