Real and Funny Prizes
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Over the years, hypcars have racked up awards and accolades from automotive press and journalist committees, both during their heyday and long after. Here’s a brief overview of these remarkable recognitions:
The DS has been lauded as one of the 20th century’s most influential cars by the New York Times and the American Automobile Association. It received recognition in the “Timeless Design” category at the 2004 Good Design Awards, along with a safety prize from the French Association of Automobile Press (AFPA).
- The SM was included in the “Best Cars for the 1970s” category on the BBC’s 2006 Top Gear 100 Greatest Cars list. It is hailed as one of the most impactful cars, with the Top Gear team declaring in their 2021 review that nothing quite compares to the SM—neither during its time nor today!
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The GS not only “stole” the European Car of the Year title in 1971 from the SM, but it is also celebrated as one of the defining cars of the 1970s.
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The CX clinched the prestigious title of European Car of the Year in 1975, surpassing the VW Golf, and was featured in the “Design” category at the 1999 UK Design Museum Awards.
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The BX took home the European Car of the Year award in 1982, proving its pedigree.
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The XM was the European Car of the Year for 1990, while it caught the judges’ eye in the “Design” category at the 1991 UK Design Museum Awards. It, later on, received a nod in the “Best of the 1990s” at the 2002 British Design Awards.
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The Xantia shone brightly in the “Design” category at the 1994 UK Design Museum Awards, adding to its design legacy.
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The C5 earned acclaim as the “Best Large Family Car” at the 2001 UK “What Car?” Awards and was also spotlighted in the “Best of the 2000s” category at the 2008 British Design Awards.
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The C6 made its mark as the “Best Rolls-Royce Alternative” at the 2006 UK “What Car?” Awards, alongside its feature in the “Best of the 2000s” category at the 2008 British Design Awards.
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The Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 was crowned “Best Luxury Car” at the 1977 UK Motor Industry Awards, solidifying its status as one of the standout cars of the 1970s.
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The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was featured in the “Best Luxury Car” category at the 1966 UK Motor Industry Awards and remains a defining vehicle of the 1960s.
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The BL Princess made a splash in the “Best of the 1970s” category at the 2002 Car of the Century Awards, in addition to being recognised as the “Best Luxury Family Car” at the 1976 UK Motor Industry Awards. It is acknowledged as one of the most influential cars of the 1970s.
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Interestingly, the very first hypcar, the Citroën Traction 15 Six H, while a pioneering force and major influence in modern car design, has not received any notable accolades in the market. A true trailblazer that deserved more recognition!
