When it comes to the crème de la crème of classic automotive excellence, it doesn’t get better than this. A stunning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been named winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics ‘Best of the Best’ Award 2024.
The Ferrari, chosen from a select group of nine vehicles that won awards at the past year’s major concours events, became eligible for consideration after winning the Best in Show honor at the Cavallino Classic at Palm Beach in January 2024. Presented during an awards ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, the distinction recognizes the pinnacle of classic automotive design and engineering.
A panel of 24 esteemed judges, comprising cultural icons and leading automotive experts—including Henry Ford III, Charles March, the Duke of Richmond, Ralph Lauren, Jay Leno, Nick Mason, Shiro Nakamura, and Jean Todt—recognized the Ferrari 250 LM’s historical, aesthetic, and sporting significance. This model famously secured Ferrari’s last overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965, a milestone that stood until Maranello’s triumphant return to the top in 2023 and 2024.
“We take immense pride in celebrating this remarkable achievement of a car that triumphed at our Concorso Palm Beach Cavallino Classic,” said Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO of Cavallino Inc. and Canossa Events. “Our heartfelt congratulations go to Chris and Ann Cox, the owners of this magnificent Ferrari. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional quality of cars showcased at the Cavallino Classic and in our magazine—this Ferrari was even the cover star of issue 264. Our over forty-year commitment to preserving Ferrari’s heritage is further validated by this honor, following the great success of our 2025 edition just ten days ago in Palm Beach, Florida.”
Originally unveiled in Paris in November 1963, the Ferrari 250 LM (short for ‘Le Mans’) was designed as a Grand Touring evolution of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P. Featuring a body styled by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, it was intended as the successor to the legendary 250 GTO. Though Ferrari was unable to secure GT-class homologation for the model, the 250 LM still enjoyed remarkable success, including its landmark victory at Le Mans in 1965 and the International Trophy for GT Prototypes the same year.
One of only 32 examples ever produced, this particular 250 LM had a distinguished racing career between 1965 and 1967, with notable wins at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone in 1966. It also competed in two of endurance racing’s most iconic events—the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968.
“I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Chris Cox, owner of the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. “It brings me immense 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 recognition a car collector can achieve.”
Since its acquisition in 2018, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been celebrated as a centerpiece of Ferrari history. In 2022, it was exhibited at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy, as part of the ‘Ferrari Forever’ 75th-anniversary showcase. It has also graced the lawns of premier concours events, including the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and, most recently, Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach in 2024, commemorating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
“The winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is more than just a stunning vehicle,” said Christian Philippsen, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “It represents one of Ferrari’s most revolutionary models, boasting an unparalleled competitive legacy and impeccable provenance. We are thrilled to honor a motorsport legend of this caliber as this year’s Best of the Best.”
Competing alongside the Ferrari for the award were eight other exceptional classic automobiles: 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.
