Automotive artist Ana Herrero has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards.
Her painting of the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider Lungo has earned her a place among the three finalists in the new Motoring Art category.
The announcement marks an exciting milestone in Herrero artistic career.
It recognises her distinctive automotive art, where engineering precision meets classical portraiture, and Ana Herrero Finalist Motoring Art Award 2026.
Her shortlisted painting is on display at the Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse in London as part of the Art of Motoring exhibition.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300: A Racing Legend Re-imagined as Fine Art
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, introduced in 1931, occupies a special place in automotive history. Designed under the direction of legendary engineer Vittorio Jano, the 8C series became synonymous with Italian innovation and racing excellence.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 achieved four consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1931 and 1934, establishing its place among the great competition cars of the thirties.
In her painting, Ana Herrero approaches this iconic machine from an unusual perspective.
Rather than depicting the car on a racetrack, she presents it directly from the front, against a dramatic, dark background.
The symmetrical headlights, imposing radiator grille and sculptural bodywork give the Alfa Romeo an almost human presence.
Like a classical portrait, the composition invites the viewer to look beyond the subject’s appearance and discover its individual character.
The rich Rosso Corsa red, the traditional colour of Italian motor racing, adds a further connection to the car’s remarkable heritage.
Where Engineering Meets Automotive Art
Trained in Industrial Design Engineering, Ana Herrero brings a distinctive technical understanding to her paintings of historic and classic cars.
Her artistic practice explores the relationship between design, craftsmanship, light and emotion.
Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, she builds depth through carefully developed colour transitions, reflections and subtle variations in light.
Her goal is not simply to reproduce a vehicle with photographic accuracy, but to interpret its personality and the emotional connection it creates with the viewer.
The 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider Lungo embodies this approach, transforming an engineering masterpiece into a contemporary automotive portrait.
Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2026: Motoring Art Finalists
The Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across Britain’s historic motoring and motor-sport community.
For 2026, the Club introduced Motoring Art, a new category recognising original works of art inspired by automotive heritage.
The judging panel includes celebrated automotive and industrial designer Professor Peter Stevens and internationally recognised portrait artist Louise Pragnell.
Ana Herrero’s is shortlisted alongside two fellow artists:
- Richard Neergaard — Senna McLaren MP4/7
- Ray West — Outside In
The three works were selected for the final stage of the award, with the winner due to be announced at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 19 November 2026.
Being recognised in the inaugural Motoring Art category represents an important moment for Herrero and her continuing exploration of the relationship between fine art and automotive engineering.
Art of Motoring 2026 at the Royal Automobile Club, London
Ana Herrero shortlisted Alfa Romeo painting is exhibited at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London, in connection with Art of Motoring 2026, the annual celebration of automotive art held during London Motor Week.
The occasion brings together artists, collectors, classic car enthusiasts and members of the historic motoring community.
The painting’s journey into the Royal Automobile Club has also been captured in a short Instagram Reel, inspired by the playful visual storytelling of early cinema.
Watch Ana Herrero’s journey to the Royal Automobile Club on Instagram
Discover Ana Herrero’s Original Automotive Paintings
The shortlisted Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider Lungo, 1932 is an original acrylic painting on canvas, measuring 100 × 100 cm.
The artwork is available for acquisition, offering collectors the opportunity to own a contemporary interpretation of one of the most celebrated cars in Italian motor-sport history.
Discover more of Ana Herrero original automotive paintings, featuring iconic marques including Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin.
For enquiries about the Alfa Romeo painting or other original works, please contact Ana Herrero through her website.
View the official 2026 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards finalists