2024 is finally upon us and the start of a new year marks the beginning of another round of automotive marque anniversaries and celebrations. 2023 saw several anniversaries and celebrations, and perhaps the most celebrated of all was the centenary of 24 Hours of Le Mans with the likes of Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court, the Goodwood Revival, and British car brand Bentley and its release of the limited-edition Continental GT Le Mans Collection all commemorating this iconic automotive event. However, there were others among the mix, too, such as the anniversary livestream celebration for 75 years of Porsche, as well as Aston Martin celebrating 60 years of the iconic DB5. A new year means new celebrations and birthdays so here are some anniversaries and special editions to look out for in 2024. 

In 1964, Ford introduced the world to the Mustang, and it forever changed the automotive landscape. This year, the Ford Mustang will celebrate its 60^th anniversary. This iconic muscle car, known for its power, style, and timeless appeal, will be honoured with special events as well as the California Special package that will be released as a styling option for the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible and fastback to celebrate this anniversary and commemorate the 1960s when everything California was considered cool. It’s a great time for Mustang enthusiasts to join the celebration and revisit the legacy of the American pony car, especially as the Goodwood 81^st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport will feature the new Ken Miles Cup as it hosts the spectacular all-Ford Mustang race.

Another household brand – Fiat – one of Italy’s most storied car manufacturers, will mark its 125^th anniversary in 2024. With a rich history of producing stylish and innovative vehicles, Fiat‘s contribution to the automotive world is undeniable. Commemorating this milestone with the release of the next-generation Panda marks a new chapter in the model’s narrative. The initial Fiat Panda made its debut in 1980, followed by subsequent models in 2003 and 2011, however, the upcoming Panda model will feature a slightly shorter length offering a contemporary twist on the classic Panda design. As company CEO Olivier Francois said: “We have this DNA, and maybe we can take some design cues from the Panda and the 1980s and bring that back to life.” Watch this space.

Also from Italy, the Lamborghini Countach, an iconic symbol of automotive design and performance, is also set to celebrate a significant anniversary in 2024. First introduced in 1974, this legendary supercar quickly became a poster child for automotive enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its striking wedge-shaped design and powerful V12 engine. As it marks its 50^th anniversary, the Countach continues to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts with its timeless and groundbreaking features, and the celebration of this milestone serves as a testament to the Countach‘s enduring influence on the world of high-performance automobiles and its ever-lasting status as the ultimate in automotive cool-factor. Who knows, we might even see a few excellent examples of these special models at prestigious Concours events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, especially as the Concours this year has a class entirely dedicated to wedge-shaped concept cars and prototypes, of the like that influenced production models like the Countach.

What will certainly be at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be a plethora of Packards, as the event celebrates the marque’s 125^th anniversary. For over six decades, spanning from 1899 to 1958, Packard held the esteemed position of being synonymous with American luxury. The marque’s remarkable legacy includes Best of Show victories at Pebble Beach on four notable occasions, and in commemorating the anniversary of the marque’s inception, the upcoming Concours will feature a dedicated class showcasing early Packards. The spectrum will range from the pioneering single-cylinder horseless carriages to the era of the formidable Dominant Six in 1915. Additionally, there will be a carefully curated display of models from the iconic 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Series, a series which was essentially a line-up of factory hot rods, boasting a custom-built shortened chassis with a myriad of performance options. This will be one class not to be missed.

A brand with significant importance, Porsche will continue to celebrate the 911 this year.  The Porsche 911 has been the epitome of the sports car for six decades. Its distinctive design and exceptional performance have earned it a place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide and to mark the model’s 60^th anniversary year (starting from September 2023), fans can eagerly anticipate the release of the limited-edition 2024 Porsche 911 S/T. This exclusive model is set to have a production run of just 1,963 units, paying homage to the 911‘s inaugural year. Porsche enthusiasts looking to embrace the heritage can also opt for the ’60 years of 911′ Heritage Design Package. The optional Heritage Design Package brings numerous exclusive and performance-focused features and style elements to the 911 S/T. These are evident from the exterior: this package will offer a range of special features, including a unique Shore Blue metallic exterior paint, white Ceramica wheels, and the option to adorn the doors with decorative decals. Notably, the car will proudly feature the ‘Porsche’ monogram and ‘911 S/T’ model name in striking gold on the rear.

Although not a specific marque or model celebration, we think it’s worth mentioning that the Geneva International Motor Show is officially back this year as it celebrates its 100^th anniversary as a prestigious international event. As Europe’s biggest motor show, the organisers have announced that the doors will once again be open between 26 February and 3 March 2024, following years of cancellations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic amongst other things, in a move that comes after October last year [2023] saw a sister event take place in Doha, Qatar. Back in a different form for this year, with ready-made stands for manufacturers and other exhibitors, the Geneva International Motor Show will feature the usual themed sections to emphasise various parts of the automotive industry, as well as some brand-new immersive spaces as it looks ahead to the future.

This is just a snapshot of what the automotive world will be celebrating throughout 2024, and we at HBPR are lucky to be at the frontline to witness the passion and innovation that drives this industry forward. Whether it’s commemorating iconic anniversaries, unveiling cutting-edge models, or hosting grand Concours events, the automotive world continues to inspire and captivate. If you’re part of this dynamic industry and seek support, insights, or assistance with your upcoming launches or events, please don’t hesitate to reach out and drop us a line at hannah@hannahburgesspr.com. Our door is always open.