The finalists for the 2025 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards have been announced, marking another celebration of the best in Britain’s historic motoring and motorsport community. The winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony in Pall Mall, London, on November 20, continuing the Club’s tradition of honouring remarkable achievement and passion for automotive heritage.
Recognising Excellence Across the Motoring World
Now in its seventh year, the Historic Awards highlight the people, events, and institutions that define the UK’s thriving classic car and motorsport scene. Overseen by independent judges with deep expertise in their fields, the Awards represent one of the most respected honours within the historic motoring world.
The 2025 Finalists
After months of evaluation and deliberation, the judges have selected an impressive shortlist. Each category reflects a different aspect of the industry, from competition to restoration, innovation, and preservation.
Competitive Event (supported by Piper-Heidsieck)
Equipe 6 Hour
International McRae Rally Challenge
Silverstone Festival
Innovation (supported by Federation Skills Trust and SUSTAIN)
Bridge Classic Cars Kids
Equipe Super Sprint
ifindautoparts
Motoring Spectacle (supported by RM Sotheby’s)
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring
Salon Privé
The Jim Clark Trust celebration of Jim Clark’s 1965 season
Museums & Collections (supported by Lockton)
British Motor Museum
Great British Car Journey
Haynes Motor Museum
Outstanding Journalism
Giles Chapman – Ernie Unger (The Automobile)
Dan Cogger – Lucky Number 13 (The Automobile)
Jon Pressnell – 100 MG Marque-defining Moments (Octane)
Personal Endeavour (supported by Motul)
Tania Brown
Julian Grimwade
Mark Reber
Restoration (supported by Bicester Motion)
1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Boulogne’ – Jonathan Wood Ltd
1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S – David Foster/Bob Thredder
1953 Jaguar C-type – Anthony Purnell, Pendine Historic Cars & CKL Developments
Young Achiever (supported by StarterMotor)
Will Marsh
Jack Rawles
Samantha Ruff
Judging and Dedication
Each panel of judges has spent months reviewing detailed submissions and conducting interviews. In categories such as Restoration and Museums & Collections, judges take a more hands-on approach, personally examining vehicles and visiting institutions to ensure accuracy and authenticity in their evaluations.
The People Behind the Process
This year’s lead judges include some of the most respected voices in automotive media and heritage: Sarah Bennett-Baggs, Alastair Clements, Steve Cropley, Vanessa Marçais, Lizzie Pope, Simon Taylor, Ian Titchmarsh, and Allan Winn. Their collective knowledge spans decades of journalism, motorsport, and preservation expertise.
Celebrating Historic Achievements
The awards ceremony, hosted by Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie, will take place at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall. Eight category winners will be revealed, alongside the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to British motoring heritage over many years.
A Tradition of Recognition
Since their launch in 2019, the Historic Awards have reflected the spirit of innovation, dedication, and craftsmanship within Britain’s classic car world. Rooted in the Club’s 127-year legacy of recognising achievement, these awards continue to shine a light on the people and projects that keep automotive history alive.
Summary
The 2025 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards will once again unite enthusiasts, restorers, and innovators to celebrate excellence across the motoring world. With an esteemed judging panel and a diverse field of finalists, the event reaffirms the Club’s enduring commitment to preserving and promoting British motoring heritage.
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Source: Royal Automobile Club
