The prestigious Historic Motoring Awards hosted by Octane Magazine, gathered in London last night to recognise the elite from the International classic vehicle movement. The awards are seen around the world as the 'Oscars' of the classic car world and being even a finalist is revered.

Held within the stunning, art-deco setting, of the Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel, Mayfair, the gala evening celebrated a broad range of categories, selected by a panel of experts at Octane Magazine and voted on by the publication's readers.

The eminent guests enjoyed an awards ceremony presented by broadcaster Steve Ryder in the event's 8th year. The finalists for the much coveted award for 'International Car of the Year' included a Lamborghini Marzal, Aston Martin DB4GT Works Continuation, Bullitt Mustang, Porsche 911 RSR Turbo and The 'Lost' Land Rover. But it was the 'Jabbeke' Triumph TR2 that stole the show and won the readers vote.

We announced earlier last month that the car, which has been painstakingly restored by Glen Hewett of Protek Engineering in Wallingford, had been shortlisted as a finalist by the panel of experts. But tonight it was revealed that the car had shone above the assembled exotica to fly the flag for the plucky classic British sports car marque.

Allan Westbury, Acting Chairman of the TR Register said; "A massive congratulations goes out to Glen Hewett for this superb achievement. We all knew that this was one very special Triumph TR of immense historical importance, but this result confirms that there rest of the world now knows it as well! A fantastic and momentous result for the TR marque and a well deserved recognition of Glen's hard work.

A time of writing, Glen was too busy tucking into the complementary Champagne to make comment - and quite rightly so! But we'll be covering the story in more detail in the December issue of TR Action Magazine.