Every mid-November, London hosts the highly prestigious Octane Historic Motoring Awards ceremony, organised by Hothouse Media, the publisher of the specialist magazines Octane and Magneto. For the past three years, the event has taken place in the elegant surroundings of the very chic Peninsula Hotel in London, a choice that makes perfect sense knowing that its owner, Sir Michael Kadoorie, is one of the world’s greatest car collectors.
The British magazine that gave rise to the Historic Motoring Awards and a global reference for classic cars
Octane is a monthly British magazine dedicated to classic cars, founded in May 2003 by Geoff Love (editor) and David Lillywhite (journalist). The magazine clearly targets the upper segment of collectors, with a decidedly high-end positioning and prestigious contributors such as Jay Leno, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Tony Dron, Richard Dredge, and Derek Bell.
Alongside Octane, the same team publishes Magneto, an equally exclusive magazine dedicated to exceptional cars and the culture surrounding them. Octane and Magneto share the same DNA: a demanding tone, a carefully curated iconography, and a strong capacity for editorial innovation. They are responsible, among other things, for creating the Historic Motoring Awards and the concours d’élégance held on Savile Row, the legendary street of tailors in the heart of London.
Today, Octane is published and distributed in five countries and gathers thousands of subscribers worldwide, sensitive to the quality of its content and its very premium vision of classic cars. Magneto follows this same line, targeting the most discerning enthusiasts and collectors.
An evening of elegance worthy of the Oscars
The evening is chic, elegant, marked by good taste. No ostentation.
Women shine in their evening gowns, men in impeccable tuxedos. It’s impossible not to think of the Hollywood Oscars. Born in 1929, they have surely inspired the Octane Awards, which pursue the same goal: to salute and reward international excellence.
Four SPNT cars embellish the decor: a rally Ford Escort, a Sunbeam, a Jaguar E-Type Lightweight, and an Aston Martin Giugiaro. The dinner is refined, with guests from five continents.
The awards ceremony takes place at the end of the meal, with a succession of distinctions at a lively pace, which is particularly appreciated.
The results
- Rising Star: Ethan Blake-Jones (Paddock Speedshop)
- Personal Achievement: Tomas de Vargas Pekin -Paris
- Car: Jaguar E-Type Lightweight GTR by Eagle
- Specialist of the Year: Tom Hartley Junior
- Restoration of the Year: Hispano Suiza H6C “Boulogne” by Jonathan Wood
- Digital Media: Petersen Museum
- Automobile Book: Power Unleashed by Karl Ludvigsen
- Club of the Year: Aston Martin Owners Club
- Museum of the Year: Indianapolis
- Advocate for Classic Cars: Heritage Skills Academy
- Race: Endurance Racing Legends by Peter Auto
- New Event: Royal Automobile Club Concours
- Rally: Corsica Tour
- Event: Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week
We pay special tribute to the “Lifetime Achievement” award given to Giorgetto Giugiaro, which crowns over 70 years of an absolutely exceptional career.
Why not try your luck?
What does it take to participate in this competition? Simply apply.
When observing the number of high-level events – Epoqu’Auto, Fuori Concorso, the Bahrain Concours d’Élégance – or museums like the Cité de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf, the Manoir de l’Automobile de Lohéac or Rochetaillée, to name just three French examples, one can only ask: what are you waiting for to submit a dossier?
Partners worthy of the evening’s prestige
Among the event’s partners are Lockton, Castrol, the Petersen Museum, Classic Car Register, Nyetimber, and the Revs Institute.
A special tribute goes to a French house of excellence: caviar Sturia, which has donated 5 kg of French caviar for the charity auction in support of medical research against dementia, a foundation whose patron is none other than the legendary Jacky Stewart.
Beyond the trophies: a challenge for the European automotive industry
This is not about money: the awards are purely honorary. When an award is given, it is because it is deserved – there are no favours, no paybacks. All these authors, clubs, events, and organisers are distinguished for what they truly achieve.
The automobile was born in Europe, before America quickly took over. Today, China threatens to sweep away the European industry. In this context, one can only lament one thing: the Octane Historic Motoring Awards pay tribute to 130 years of automotive history in all its forms, and yet, European manufacturers, the custodians of this history, are far too invisible.
By defending their past, they are protecting their future. The investment needed to support this type of event remains anecdotal compared to the challenges. Manufacturers, oil companies, lubricant manufacturers, tyre makers: all should be there to support these initiatives. Let us hope they become aware before it is too late.
