A 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been crowned the winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. This prestigious award, presented at The Peninsula Paris, recognizes the pinnacle of classic automotive design and engineering. The winning Ferrari 250 LM earned its place among the finalists after taking the Best in Show honors at the Cavallino Classic in January 2024.
“I am truly humbled to receive this distinguished award,” said Mr. Chris Cox, owner of the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. “It brings me tremendous joy to show a vehicle with such a rich history at the world’s biggest concours, and being selected for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award is the highest honour a car collector can achieve.”
The Ferrari 250 LM, originally unveiled in Paris in November 1963, is a Grand Touring version of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P. Its Pininfarina-designed body, built by Scaglietti, was intended to succeed the 250 GTO. While Ferrari was unable to secure LM approval for the 250 LM in the GT class, the car achieved considerable racing success, including a victory at the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours and the 1965 International Trophy for GT Prototypes. Only 32 examples of the 250 LM were ever produced.
This particular 250 LM boasts an impressive racing history, competing from 1965 to 1967 and achieving victories at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone in 1966. It also participated in two legendary endurance races: the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968.
Acquired by its current owner in 2018, this 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is a celebrated piece of Ferrari’s legacy. It was featured at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy, as part of the “Ferrari Forever” 75th-anniversary exhibition in 2022. It has also graced the concours lawns of prestigious events, including the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and, most recently, Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach in 2024, celebrating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
“The 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 competitive history and incredible provenance. We are thrilled to honour a motorsport legend of this calibre as this year’s Best of the Best.”
Eight other exceptional classic cars competed for the award: a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider, a 1957 Ferrari 335 S, a 1937/1946 Delahaye 145 Cabriolet, a 1947 Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet, a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster, a 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix, and a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible.
The judging panel for the 2024 award comprised prominent figures in the automotive world, including designers Peter Brock and Fabio Filippini, former GM VP of Design Ed Welburn, Henry Ford III, and notable collectors such as HRH Prince Michael of Kent, HH Rana Manvendra Singh of Barwani, Peter Marino, Ralph Lauren, and Jay Leno.
The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, established in 2015 by the Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie and sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, celebrates the art of automotive preservation and restoration. The award brings together Best of Show winners from top concours events worldwide, showcasing the finest examples of automotive history.
Summary/Specs List:
- Model: 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
- Body Design: Pininfarina, built by Scaglietti
- Engine: (Specs not provided in source material)
- Racing History: 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours winner, other victories at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone.
- Notable Appearances: Enzo Ferrari Museum, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. For more information on this specific car, you can reach out to the seller.
Source: The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
