Car of the Year Voting now Open

Now’s your chance to help decide which remarkable machine will be crowned Car of the Year at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA).Vote now and make your voice count: Cast your vote here

This year’s shortlist, curated by the editorial teams at Octane and Magneto magazines, showcases the finest achievements in historic motoring — from legendary record breakers to concours champions and race-winning icons. Each contender has made a profound impact on the global collector car scene over the past year.

The winner will be revealed on Friday 14 November at the glittering IHMA ceremony hosted by Amanda Stretton at The Peninsula London – a highlight of the classic car calendar.
Book your tickets for the event →

The 2025 Car of the Year Contenders

1920 Sunbeam 350hp “Blue Bird”
The first of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record breakers, the Sunbeam 350hp made history in 1925 as the first car to exceed 150mph at Pendine Sands. A century later, it returned to the Welsh beach to commemorate that feat, before claiming Best of Show at the Heveningham Concours.

Alfa Romeo 158
Driven by Nino Farina to victory in the inaugural 1950 Formula 1 World Championship, this ex-Alfa Corse Grand Prix car remains one of the most significant in motorsport history. It headlined this year’s Silverstone Festival, celebrating 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship.

Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo
Commissioned in 1924 by racing driver and aperitif heir André Dubonnet, this Hispano-Suiza combines aircraft-inspired coachwork with extraordinary craftsmanship. Fresh from a three-year restoration by RM Auto Restoration, it triumphed as Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen
This streamlined Silver Arrow from 1954 became the most expensive competition car ever sold when it achieved €51,155,000 at auction. Piloted in period by Fangio and Moss, it stands as a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering brilliance and racing dominance.

Boreham Motorworks Alan Mann 68 Edition
A meticulous continuation of the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship-winning Ford Escort, built by Alan Mann’s son and original team members. Sanctioned by Ford and FIA-approved for historic motorsport, it represents the perfect fusion of authenticity and performance heritage.

Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3)
Designed by Vittorio Jano and raced by Scuderia Ferrari in 1934, this 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B from the Auriga Collection claimed Best of Show at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Its success highlights the growing recognition of racing cars on the concours stage.

BRM P5781 “Old Faithful”
Graham Hill’s 1961 Formula 1 World Championship-winning BRM P5781, affectionately known as “Old Faithful,” made a triumphant return to the UK this year thanks to the Revs Institute. It starred at Silverstone, Goodwood and the Royal Automobile Club Concours, celebrating 75 years of BRM’s heritage.

Vote for your favourite historic car of 2025

Each of these icons has inspired enthusiasts around the world – but only one can take home the title. Which car deserves your vote?

Cast your vote now at historicmotoringawards.co.uk/vote