Nine new inductees have been selected for the 2026 FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame. Representing all five continents, the thirty-one nominees from fourteen countries were evaluated by FIVA’s international jury, which chose individuals – both living and deceased – who have made outstanding historical contributions to the automotive world. Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) confirmed that the final selected candidates received the strongest support from the judges and will officially be inducted into the FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame in 2026.
Living legends:
From France: Patrick Peter (born 1953)
Patrick Peter is a pioneering figure in historic motorsport and classic car culture. Through the founding of Peter Auto, he transformed historic vehicle events in Europe, reviving the Tour Auto and creating internationally renowned events such as Le Mans Classic and Chantilly Arts & Elegance.
From the United States of America: Ed Welburn (born 1950)
Ed Welburn served as Vice President of Global Design at General Motors from 2003 to 2016. He oversaw iconic vehicles including the C7 Chevrolet Corvette, the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro, and Cadillac Escalade, while also leading innovative concept projects such as the Cadillac Ciel, Buick Avista, and Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo.
From Australia: Peter Robinson (born 1954)
Peter Robinson is one of Australia’s most influential and longest-serving automotive journalists. Over a decades-long career with Wheels magazine and leading international publications, he has earned a reputation for deep industry knowledge, fearless reporting, and exceptional storytelling.
From Morocco: Ahmed Elgadir (born 1952)
Ahmed Elghadir is a leading figure in Morocco’s historic car scene. He founded the Rallye Mille Oasis, a major classic regularity rally. He promotes automotive heritage, cultural tourism, and community building through events celebrating Morocco’s landscapes and history.
From Australia: Langley Kidby (born 1947)
Lang Kidby is a leading advocate for historic vehicle preservation through active use and authentic re-enactment. Over decades, he and his wife Beverly have completed remarkable global expeditions in historic vehicles, including a 2024 recreation of Francis Birtles’ London-to-Melbourne journey. His dedication, endurance, and commitment to bringing motoring and aviation history to life make him a highly deserving inductee to the FIVA Hall of Fame.
From Germany: Konrad Auwärter (born 1940)
Konrad Auwärter, son of Gottlob Auwärter and brother of Albrecht Auwärter, invented the Neoplan Skyliner double-decker coach, shaping modern bus design. He worked in bus engineering, promoted innovations like air suspension and disc brakes, and founded major bus archives and Automobil-Park Auwärter. He is a strong and active supporter of historic bus preservation and events.
Legends no longer with us:
From Italy: Sandro Munari (1940 to 2026)
Sandro Munari was a leading figure in 1970s rallying. He won the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally with Lancia Fulvia and three more (1975–77) with the Stratos, helping establish Lancia’s dominance. He became the first Italian FIA Drivers’ Cup winner in 1977 and remained devoted to rally racing throughout his career.
From France: Ettore Bugatti (1881 to 1947)
Ettore Bugatti, born in Milan, was an engineer and designer who treated cars as art. He founded Bugatti in 1909 in Molsheim, creating light, refined vehicles. The Type 35 dominated racing, while the Type 41 Royale defined luxury. He also worked on railcars and aircrafts.
From Slovenia: Janez Puh (or Johann Puch, 1862 to 1914)
Janez Puh was a pioneer of bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, working in Graz and founding a major factory. He produced early vehicles and held 19 patents, including a boxer engine that influenced engineers like Hans Ledwinka and Ferdinand Porsche. His company later became Steyr-Daimler-Puch, with a legacy continuing in Slovenia’s Tomos Puch.
Alberto Scuro, President of Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, explained: “FIVA’s Heritage Hall of Fame includes figures ranging from globally renowned names to lesser-known contributors in historic motoring, and inductees span drivers, designers, engineers, bus makers and business leaders, all united by a shared passion for historic automobiles.”
FIVA’s Heritage Hall of Fame jury is made up of:
- Nick Mason (United Kingdom)
- Gaby von Oppenheim (Germany)
- Navaz Bhathena Sandhu (India)
- Malcolm Forest (Brazil)
- Eli Solomon (Singapore)
- Shiro Nakamura (Japan)
- Patrick Rollet (France)
- Alberto Scuro (Italy, and current President of FIVA)