1937 Mercedes 540K Special Roadster Is Deserving Winner At Pebble Beach

Winning Pebble Beach

The annual Pebble Beach competition drew attention this year with a remarkable assembly of 216 cars from 18 countries and 30 American states. Among them, the spotlight shone on a standout: a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, capturing hearts and applause at the Concours d'Elegance event.

History

This car's story is intriguing; an original Kommission paper traced its roots to a 1937 order by King Mohammad Zahir Shah of Afghanistan. Only three long-tailed roadsters of its kind existed, and the young king received this model in September of that year. King Mohammad's international alliances facilitated the import of luxury items, easing the passage of cars into Afghanistan. The onset of World War II prompted him to safeguard the vehicle at the Afghan embassy in Paris.

Journey To The Present

Ownership of the car changed hands, eventually landing in the possession of Vernon D. Jarvis, an Illinois collector of pre-war classics. Over time, the car transitioned through different owners, now showcased by Jim Patterson of the Patterson Collection in Louisville, Kentucky, at Pebble Beach.

Best In Show

The competition commenced with the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, allowing participants to gain an edge in subsequent class competitions. Over four days, expert juries meticulously evaluated the cars. The 86-year-old roadster's restoration, mostly cosmetic, garnered praise, as it retained much of its original mechanical components. Notably, the car's odometer displayed a mere 883 miles due to historical resets.

Honorable Mention

The road to victory was challenging, with rivals such as the 1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Special Roadster and the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Corto Figoni Cabriolet in contention. However, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster clinched the Best in Show award, marking Mercedes' 10th win at Pebble Beach.

Other Winners

Other winners included the 1950 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Cabriolet, honored with the Elegance Award, and the 1936 Hispano-Suiza J-12 Saoutchik Cabriolet from the Keller Collection, which earned the Special Award Alex Ulman Trophy.

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