The ongoing debate of who has the best classic car is one that constantly divides automotive fans. Peruse any listicle on the web pertaining to the subject and you’ll find models Jaguar E-Type as well as the Aston Martin DB5. Recently though another classic has entered the conversation and admittedly, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM possesses the necessary credentials to be considered a bonafide classic.
A stunning example of this Prancing Horse was recently named winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2024. Presented during an awards ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, the distinction recognises the pinnacle of classic automotive design and engineering.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM.
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 honour 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.”
A Bit Of A Backstory
The vintage model bagged the Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award.
Originally unveiled in Paris in November 1963, the Ferrari 250 LM (for “Le Mans”) is a Grand Touring version of the mid-engined Ferrari 250 P. Featuring a body designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, it was intended to replace the 250 GTO, one of Ferrari’s most successful race cars.
Although Ferrari was unable to obtain LM approval in the GT class, the model achieved significant success when a 250 LM won the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours and the 1965 International Trophy for GT Prototypes.
One of only 32 produced, this particular 250 LM enjoyed an accomplished racing career from 1965 to 1967, with notable victories at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, and Silverstone in 1966. The car later participated in two of motorsport’s most iconic endurance races – the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968.
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM at The Peninsula Paris.
Acquired by its current owner in 2018, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is a celebrated piece of Ferrari history. It was showcased at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy, as part of the “Ferrari Forever” 75th anniversary exhibition in 2022; it has also been displayed at major concours, including the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – and most recently, at Casa Ferrari at Pebble Beach in 2024 to celebrate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the United States.
That said, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM did face stiff competition. Competing alongside it were exquisite examples of a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider, a 1957 Ferrari 335 S, a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster and a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible.
