The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a highlight for automotive aficionados worldwide, unfolded its 63rd chapter on Sunday, August 18th, 2013. The 18th fairway of the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California was transformed into a spectacular stage, hosting nearly 250 of the world’s most prized automotive treasures. Amidst the early morning coastal fog, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air, which later gave way to sunshine and enthusiastic crowds eager to admire the curated collection of cars and motorcycles.
Featured classes, including Early Race Cars, Competition Porsche 911s, Vanvooren Coachwork, BMW 507s, and Lincoln Custom Coachwork, were strategically positioned, offering breathtaking views against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Adding to the spectacle, nearly thirty Alfa Romeo 8C models, poised for a Rocky Mountain tour, were also prominently displayed.
While the coveted Best of Show award was bestowed upon the magnificent 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria, another vehicle captured significant attention and accolades: the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A. This stunning example of pre-war automotive artistry was honored with the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award.
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K, particularly in its Special Roadster form, represents the zenith of luxury and performance from the era. Introduced at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, the 500K, or Typ 500 K, was a successor to the Mercedes-Benz 380. The “K” in its designation was short for Kompressor, highlighting its supercharged engine, a defining feature that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Under the hood, the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K boasted a potent 5,018 cc straight-eight engine. In its naturally aspirated form, it delivered a respectable 100 horsepower. However, when the driver engaged the Kompressor – the supercharger – that figure surged to an impressive 160 horsepower. This innovative forced induction system provided exhilarating performance, allowing the heavy and luxurious roadster to reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, a remarkable feat for the time.
The chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 500K was just as advanced as its engine. It featured independent suspension, with double wishbones at the front and swing axles at the rear, offering a level of ride comfort and handling that was unparalleled among luxury cars of the 1930s. Hydraulic brakes further enhanced its stopping power, ensuring confident control.
Coachwork for the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K was offered in a variety of styles, reflecting the bespoke nature of luxury automobiles of the period. These ranged from elegant sedans and coupes to more sporting cabriolets and roadsters. The Cabriolet A, the model recognized at Pebble Beach, was particularly sought after for its elegant lines and open-top driving experience. The Special Roadster variant took this a step further, featuring even more streamlined and glamorous bodywork, often with sweeping fenders and a long, imposing hood, embodying the art deco aesthetic of the era.
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A awarded at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a testament to the enduring appeal of these pre-war masterpieces. The Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence award specifically recognizes vehicles that exemplify originality, authenticity, and meticulous restoration, judged by marque experts. This award underscores not only the inherent beauty and engineering brilliance of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K but also the dedication of those who preserve these automotive icons for future generations.
While the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours did not vie for the overall Best of Show – that honor went to the Packard – its recognition with the Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award highlights its significance within the Mercedes-Benz lineage and the broader classic car world. The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, in particular, remains one of the most desirable and valuable pre-war automobiles, frequently appearing at prestigious events like Pebble Beach and fetching multi-million dollar figures at auction. Its presence at Pebble Beach in 2013, and its Star of Excellence award, served as a reminder of its timeless elegance and engineering prowess.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance continues to be a celebration of automotive artistry, and the recognition of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K further cemented its legacy as a true star of the classic car world. For enthusiasts and collectors, the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster represents not just a car, but a symbol of a golden era of automotive design and engineering.
