Every mid-November, London hosts the prestigious Octane Historic Motoring Awards ceremony, organized by Hothouse Media, the publisher of the specialized magazines Octane and Magneto. For the past three years, the event has taken place in the plush setting of the very chic Peninsula Hotel in London – a choice that makes sense considering that its owner, Sir Michael Kadoorie, is himself one of the world’s greatest car collectors.
The British magazine behind the Historic Motoring Awards and a global reference for classic cars
Octane is a British monthly 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 resolutely 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 automobiles and the culture surrounding them. Octane and Magneto share the same DNA: a demanding tone, carefully curated imagery, and a strong capacity for editorial innovation. They are notably responsible for creating the Historic Motoring Awards and the elegance contest 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 as well as the very premium vision it holds on classic cars. Magneto follows this same line, addressing the most demanding enthusiasts and collectors.
An evening of elegance worthy of the Oscars
The evening is chic, elegant, marked by good taste. Nothing flashy.
Women are radiant in their evening gowns, men in impeccable tuxedos. It’s impossible not to think of the Oscars in Hollywood. Born in 1929, they have undoubtedly inspired the Octane Awards, which pursue the same goal: to honor and reward international excellence.
Four stunning SPNT cars enhance the decor: a rally Ford Escort, a Sunbeam, a Jaguar Type E 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 Type E 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
- Automotive Book: Power Unleashed by Karl Ludvigsen
- Club of the Year: Aston Martin Owners Club
- Museum of the Year: Indianapolis
- Supporter of Classic Cars: Heritage Skills Academy
- Race: Endurance Racing Legends by Peter Auto
- New Event: Royal Automobile Club Concours
- Rally: Tour de Corse
- Event: Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week
We particularly salute 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 you see 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 wonder: what are they waiting for to submit a file?
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 donated 5 kg of French caviar for the charity auction benefiting 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
Here, it’s not about money: the awards are purely honorary. When an award is given, it is because it is well-deserved – no favoritism, no backroom deals. All these authors, clubs, events, and organizers are recognized for what they truly accomplish.
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 regret one thing: the Octane Historic Motoring Awards pay tribute to 130 years of automotive history in all its forms, yet European manufacturers, the custodians of this history, are too little visible.
By defending their past, they are protecting their future. The investment needed to support such events remains negligible compared to the stakes. Manufacturers, oil companies, lubricant manufacturers, tire makers: all should be there to support these initiatives. Let’s hope they realize this before it’s too late.
