In an extraordinary celebration of automotive excellence, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been crowned the winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2024. The prestigious accolade, presented during an elegant ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, honors the pinnacle of classic car design and engineering. Chosen from an elite roster of nine distinguished vehicles, each a winner at major concours events throughout the past year, the Ferrari 250 LM secured its place among legends after claiming the Best in Show title at the Cavallino Classic in January 2024.
“I am truly humbled to receive this distinguished award,” shared Chris Cox, the proud owner of the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. “It brings me tremendous joy to showcase a vehicle with such a rich history at the world’s foremost concours events. Being selected for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is the highest honor a car collector can achieve.”
A Legend Born in Le Mans Heritage Originally unveiled in Paris in November 1963, the Ferrari 250 LM (“Le Mans”) represents a pivotal evolution in Ferrari's racing lineage. As the Grand Touring version of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P, its sleek, aerodynamic body—designed by Pininfarina and crafted by Scaglietti—was intended to succeed the legendary 250 GTO. Despite Ferrari’s attempts, the model did not secure GT class homologation, yet it carved its name into motorsport history with a landmark victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, alongside a win at the International Trophy for GT Prototypes the same year.
One of only 32 ever produced, this particular 250 LM boasts an illustrious racing pedigree. Between 1965 and 1967, it triumphed at iconic circuits such as Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone, and later competed in endurance titans like the 24 Hours of Daytona (1966) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1968). Since its acquisition by Chris Cox in 2018, the car has continued to captivate audiences worldwide, gracing prestigious stages like the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena for the “Ferrari Forever” 75th anniversary exhibition in 2022, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach in 2024, celebrating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
A Jury of Icons, A Legacy Honored“The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is far more than an extraordinary vehicle,” remarked Christian Philippsen, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “It stands as a revolutionary chapter in Ferrari’s history, boasting rich competitive heritage and unmatched provenance. We are thrilled to honor a motorsport legend of this magnitude as this year’s Best of the Best.”
This coveted title was fiercely contested by eight other automotive masterpieces, including:
1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider
1957 Ferrari 335 S
1937/1946 Delahaye 145 Cabriolet
1947 Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet
1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports
1937 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster
1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible
The esteemed judging panel featured luminaries from the worlds of design, motorsport, and luxury, including Peter Brock, Fabio Filippini, Ed Welburn (former VP of Design at General Motors), and Henry Ford III. Adding to the award's prestige, notable figures such as HRH Prince Michael of Kent, HH Rana Manvendra Singh of Barwani, Peter Marino, Ralph Lauren, and Jay Leno lent their discerning eyes to the selection process.
Celebrating a Decade of Automotive ExcellenceFounded in 2015 by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is a tribute to the enduring allure of fine motorcars. Sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, a symbol of global luxury hospitality with over 158 years of heritage, the award showcases the world’s most exquisite automobiles. This annual gathering not only honors the craftsmanship and legacy of these mechanical masterpieces but also inspires a new generation of enthusiasts to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate the art of the automobile.
As the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM takes its rightful place among history’s automotive icons, it stands as a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of perfection and the timeless beauty of classic design.
Comments