Elegance at Pebble Beach

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【Summary】A 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster won Best of Show at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car is a rare vehicle, with only three like it in existence. It was purchased by collector Jim Patterson in 2022 and was in almost original condition. The Concours favors uniquely designed cars from the Classic era between the World Wars. This win reinforces the trend of such cars dominating at Pebble Beach.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 6:19 AM PT

A 1937 Mercedes-Benz Special Roadster took home the Best of Show prize at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car, owned by collector Jim Patterson of Louisville, Kentucky, and Palm Beach, Florida, stood out for its rarity and pristine condition. According to Patterson, the vehicle had never been separated from its drivetrain, never restored, and had only 13,000 miles on it.

The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster is one of only three Long-Tail Special Roadsters with a covered spare that still exist worldwide. Its advanced, high-power supercharged straight-eight engine and Streamline Moderne styling make it an iconic example of engineering and design from the Classic era between the World Wars.

Patterson acquired the car in early 2022 through an RM Sotheby's auction. Although the vehicle was already complete, Patterson's team still put in the effort to perfect it. "We redid everything about it," he said. "But we didn't have to order or make any parts."

The win of this vehicle at the concours reflects the continued dominance of uniquely designed pinnacle iterations of the Classic era at Pebble Beach. These special, coachbuilt cars styled with an imminent menace evoke the years leading up to the Second World War. Ken Gross, a veteran Pebble Beach judge, described the winning car as a "breathtaking example" that showcased historic elegance.

Regardless of the reasoning behind this particular win, it is always a delight to see the passion of people who own, maintain, show, and appreciate these remarkable pieces of automotive art. Pebble Beach continues to draw crowds, and the future may hold surprises like Best of Show awards for vehicles from different eras, such as a 1978 Stutz Blackhawk or a 2005 Mitsuoka Orochi Nude-Top.