On this day in auto history - December 18th

Fri 18th Dec 2020

It was on this day in 1999 that the Ford Model T was declared the 'Car of The Century' at a high-profile awards gala in Las Vegas.

The award was given by the influential Global Automotive Elections Foundation - a specially-convened panel of experts from 33 different countries - who made their decision on the back of an arduous, three-year elimination process which also included a public internet vote.

The jury ranked the Mini in second place, with the Citroen DS, Volkswagen Beetle and Porsch 911 completing the top five placings.

At the same awards ceremony, Ferdinand Porsche was named ‘Car Engineer of the Century’, beating off competition from giants such as Karl Benz, Ettore Bugatti and Henry Ford.

Meanwhile acclaimed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - noted for his work on cars ranging from high-end Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s to the original Volkswagen Golf - was named 'Car Designer of The Century’.