(November 7, 2011) PHILADELPHIA — The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia — a collection of 65 rare and significant racing sports cars — has been selected as one of five finalists for the International Historic Motoring Awards' "Museum of the Year."

One other United States museum was nominated, the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles. Also nominated are the National Motor Museum of England, the Jaguar Heritage Museum in the UK, and the Auto Museum Prototyp in Germany.

The judging panel includes such noted figures as TV host Jay Leno, vintage car racer and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Pebble Beach Chief Judge Ed Gilbertson, five times Le Mans winner Derek Bell and Lady Susie Moss, wife of racing icon Sir Stirling Moss, among others.

"We are honored to be considered for this prestigious award," said Fred Simeone, executive director of the Simeone Museum. "The International Historic Motoring Awards will become the Oscar of historic worldwide motoring and we are humbled to be included along with these other great museums on the short list for 'Museum of the Year.' "

The results will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at London's Renaissance Hotel at St. Pancras on Nov. 16.