World-leading rally organiser HERO-ERA is in the running for a hat-trick of trophies in the International Historic Motoring Awards, on 14 November at The Peninsula in London.
Its chairman, Tomas de Vargas Machuca, is a finalist in the Personal Achievement category for driving the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge solo, pioneering a new class in the gruelling cross-continent rally in the process. He completed the 2025 Peking to Paris alone in his Bentley to inspire others to attempt the same feat in 2028.
Meanwhile two rallies have been shortlisted: the Flying Scotsman has been nominated for Rally or Tour of the Year and Pearl of India Rally is up for Breakthrough Event of the Year.
Pendine’s fabulous Jaguar C-type, sourced and returned to its former glory for a fastidious owner, is among the finalists in Restoration of the Year, alongside seven spectacular machines. The car was restored by CKL Developments under the guidance of Blast House residents Pendine and enjoyed a hugely successful summer in America.
The Heritage Skills Academy, one of the UK’s premier apprenticeship providers for the automotive industry, has been shortlisted for Industry Supporter of the Year
Launched by John Pitchforth in 2015 and a specialist in the Main Stores at Bicester Motion, Heritage Skills Academy will be up against some of the world’s biggest names. Mercedes-Benz Heritage and BMW Group Classic are both in the running,
Other familiar names among the finalists include Wood & Pickett Mini by CALLUM, Lightweight GTR by Eagle and Alan Mann 68 Edition by Boreham Motorworks from the recent Reboots & Restomods display at the Scramble. The Alan Mann car is also up for Car of the Year, alongside the Sunbeam 350hp ‘Blue Bird’ that celebrated a century of record breaking at the Scramble in October 2024.
Car of the Year is open to the public vote.