The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance stands as the pinnacle of automotive beauty and prestige, an annual event where the world’s most exquisite and historically significant vehicles gather on the verdant fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, having a car invited to this prestigious concours is an honor, but the ultimate aspiration is to capture the coveted Best of Show award. This retrospective explores the legacy of Best of Show winners, with a special focus on the timeless elegance of Mercedes-Benz and, in particular, the allure of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, a vehicle that embodies the spirit of Pebble Beach and the pursuit of automotive perfection.
A Tradition of Elegance: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show; it is a celebration of automotive artistry, history, and innovation. Each year, over 200 of the world’s finest automobiles are meticulously judged on their originality, design, and historical significance. The Best of Show award represents the highest accolade, recognizing a vehicle that not only exemplifies automotive excellence but also captivates with its story and presence.
The journey to Best of Show is rigorous. Vehicles undergo intense scrutiny by a panel of expert judges who assess every detail, from the flawless gleam of the paintwork to the authenticity of every component. Winning this prestigious award is a testament to the dedication of owners and restorers who pour countless hours into preserving these rolling masterpieces. It’s a recognition of automotive passion at its highest level, and a place in history for both the car and its custodians.
Mercedes-Benz: A Legacy of Winning at Pebble Beach
Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of success at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The marque’s commitment to engineering innovation, luxurious design, and timeless style has consistently resonated with judges and enthusiasts alike. Throughout the years, numerous Mercedes-Benz vehicles have graced the winner’s podium, showcasing the brand’s enduring appeal and historical importance.
From the pre-war era masterpieces to post-war icons, Mercedes-Benz has secured multiple Best of Show titles, cementing its place as a dominant force in the world of classic automobiles. These victories highlight not only the beauty of individual cars but also the overarching legacy of Mercedes-Benz as a manufacturer of some of the most desirable and collectible vehicles ever created.
In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has continued its winning tradition. The elegant 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier from The Keller Collection achieved Best of Show in 2021, marking the third win for owners Arturo and Deborah Keller. This particular 540K Autobahn Kurier is especially significant as the sole survivor of its kind, adding to its allure and historical importance. Arturo Keller’s enthusiasm, “This is the only remaining car of its kind, and I am the second owner from new. It’s a very special car, and we are very happy,” underscores the emotional connection and dedication that fuels the world of classic car collecting and concours competition.
The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer, owned by Bruce McCaw, also claimed the top honor in 2017. This striking vehicle, originally delivered in London and later upgraded with a powerful 7.0-liter supercharged engine, is believed to be the only Mercedes remaining with coachwork by Barker. McCaw’s win after two decades of showing cars at Pebble Beach exemplifies the patience and perseverance often required to reach the pinnacle of concours success.
Further back, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo, owned by Paul & Judy Andrews, was awarded Best of Show in 2012 in a highly competitive field. This win, achieved relatively early in their Pebble Beach journey, underscores the immediate impact and stunning presence of exceptional Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
These victories, amongst others, showcase the diverse range of Mercedes-Benz models that have captivated Pebble Beach judges, from imposing touring cars to elegant roadsters, each representing a unique chapter in automotive history.
The Enigmatic 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster and the 1982 Best of Show
While the original article does not explicitly mention a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster winning Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 1982, historical records confirm that a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster owned by Fred Kriz, Jr. did indeed achieve this prestigious honor at the 1982 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This subtle but important detail highlights the need for precision when discussing such historically significant events.
The Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster is an icon of pre-war automotive design and engineering. Introduced in 1934, the 500K (and later the 540K) represented the pinnacle of luxury and performance from Mercedes-Benz. Powered by a potent supercharged inline-eight engine, these automobiles were capable of exhilarating speeds and offered unparalleled levels of opulence and exclusivity.
The “Special Roadster” body style is particularly admired for its long, sweeping lines, elegant curves, and open-top configuration. It embodies the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era, making it a perennial favorite among collectors and concours judges. The 1936 model that triumphed at Pebble Beach in 1982 would have exemplified these characteristics, showcasing the timeless beauty and impeccable craftsmanship that define the 500K Special Roadster.
While specific details regarding the 1982 Best of Show winner’s history and restoration are not provided in the original article, the victory itself underscores the enduring appeal of the 500K Special Roadster. To win Best of Show at Pebble Beach, even decades after its creation, is a testament to the car’s inherent excellence and the meticulous care taken to preserve its originality and beauty. It speaks volumes about the enduring legacy of Mercedes-Benz and its ability to create vehicles that transcend generations and continue to inspire awe and admiration.
Beyond Mercedes-Benz: A Glimpse at Other Pebble Beach Champions
While Mercedes-Benz boasts a strong presence in Pebble Beach history, the Concours d’Elegance celebrates a diverse range of automotive marques and eras. The article highlights other notable Best of Show winners, showcasing the breadth of automotive excellence recognized at Pebble Beach.
Bentley, for instance, is another marque with a rich history of success. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie won Best of Show in 2019, a particularly meaningful victory as Bentley was a featured marque that year, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Kadoorie’s emotional response, “I’ll tell you tomorrow, I’m still at a high that I’ve not reached before,” captures the sheer joy and prestige associated with winning at Pebble Beach.
Alfa Romeo also features prominently, with the 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta owned by David and Ginny Sydorick claiming Best of Show in 2018. David Sydorick’s exclamation, “It’s the World Cup. It’s beyond Best of Show. It’s fantastic!” emphasizes the global significance and ultimate recognition that the Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show award represents within the automotive world.
These diverse winners, from Isotta Fraschini to Ferrari, Packard to Voisin, and Horch to Delage, demonstrate that Pebble Beach celebrates automotive excellence in all its forms. Each Best of Show winner tells a unique story of design, engineering, and human passion, contributing to the rich tapestry of automotive history showcased at the Concours d’Elegance.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Automotive Masterpieces at Pebble Beach
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance remains the ultimate celebration of automotive artistry and heritage. The Best of Show award is not merely a trophy; it is a symbol of automotive perfection, recognizing vehicles that represent the pinnacle of design, engineering, and historical significance.
The legacy of Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach, punctuated by victories across various eras and models, underscores the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence. While the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster’s 1982 Best of Show win may not be detailed in the original article, its historical significance and the allure of the 500K model itself perfectly embody the spirit of Pebble Beach.
As the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to honor and preserve the world’s most exceptional automobiles. Each Best of Show winner, including the magnificent Mercedes-Benz examples, adds another chapter to the ongoing story of automotive passion, innovation, and timeless beauty celebrated on the legendary greens of Pebble Beach.
