The Peninsula Classics announces finalists for ‘Best of the Best’ award 2025

Paris, France – The Peninsula has announced the seven finalist vehicles which will vie for its distinguished The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2025. The award, which annually selects the world’s most exceptional classic car from a shortlist of major worldwide-concours event winners, will be presented at The Peninsula Paris on January 26, 2026.

Crafted by renowned manufacturers, and honored at notable concours around the globe, each of the seven finalists represents the pinnacle of automotive design and performance. Only one, however, will be selected to win the Best of the Best Award – and the title of the world’s top classic motorcar.

“This award is more than a celebration of engineering excellence – it is a tribute to the artistry, heritage, and cultural significance of the automobile,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, and co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “Each finalist represents a chapter in the story of motoring history, crafted by visionary designers and preserved for future generations.”

The Peninsula Paris, a century-old landmark blends timeless glamour with French heritage near some of the world’s most famous landmarks, will set the stage for the annual award ceremony. In the storied venue, the winning car will be announced surrounded by automotive enthusiasts from all over the world. Following the award ceremony, in partnership with Rétromobile, the winning car will be on display at the event, one of the world's celebrated classic car shows, from January 28 to February 1, 2026.

The nominees for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2025 are:

This year’s judges for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2025 include celebrated comedian and acclaimed television host Jay Leno, sports car racer and builder Gordon Murray, and influential automotive designer Gorden Wagener. They will be joined by acclaimed automotive architects, former industry leaders and international royalty, creating one of the most prestigious and diverse judging panels in the motorsports world.

About The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award: Through a shared desire to celebrate the world’s most exceptional automotive design and engineering, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, launched The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award in 2015 with co-founders William E. (Chip) Connor, Bruce Meyer and Christian Philippsen. Each founder shares a common appreciation of classic motor cars, their impeccable restoration, and the preservation of their heritage. The award, annually sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, allows today’s motorcar enthusiasts to learn and cherish these magnificent pieces of automotive history.

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