The 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held on Sunday, August 18th, once again transformed the 18th fairway of the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California into a breathtaking showcase of automotive artistry. Nearly 250 distinguished vehicles, spanning diverse eras and marques, graced the meticulously manicured greens for the 63rd annual event. Despite an initial shroud of morning fog that added an air of mystique, the atmosphere soon brightened with sunshine, mirroring the enthusiasm of the vast crowds eager to admire the exceptional collection of automobiles and motorcycles.
The meticulously curated classes, a hallmark of the Pebble Beach Concours, featured a range of automotive themes. Early Race Cars, Competition Porsche 911, Vanvooren Coachwork, BMW 507, and Lincoln Custom Coachwork were among the highlighted categories, each boasting prime placement against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Adding to the spectacle, almost 30 Alfa Romeo 8C models, participating in a 1,000-mile Rocky Mountain tour, were prominently displayed near the 18th hole tee, further enhancing the visual feast for attendees. These curated collections offered a deep dive into specific automotive niches, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the breadth and depth of automotive history.
The pinnacle of the event, the coveted Best of Show award, was bestowed upon the magnificent 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria, owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini III. This Packard Twelve, widely regarded as one of Packard’s finest creations and a defining symbol of the Classic Era, marked the second Best of Show victory for the Cassinis at Pebble Beach, following their 2004 win with a 1938 Horch 853A Erdmann & Rossi Sport Cabriolet. The New Jersey-based couple had also been nominated for the prestigious award the previous year with their 1931 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster, highlighting their consistent dedication to preserving and showcasing automotive masterpieces.
While the 1934 Packard rightfully claimed the top honor, the competition was fierce, with other exceptional vehicles vying for the title. Nominees for Best of Show included a 1932 Lincoln KB Murphy Roadster, owned by John and Heather Mozart; a 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Coupé, belonging to The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie; and a 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Van den Plas Belgium Torpedo, presented by Dr. Terry Bramall CBE. These nominees represented the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering from their respective eras, showcasing the diverse elegance present at the Concours.
Although the spotlight of Best of Show in 2013 shone on the Packard, the spirit of automotive excellence at Pebble Beach resonates with legendary marques like Mercedes-Benz. While a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster wasn’t explicitly mentioned as a winner in the 2013 event report, its legacy as a pre-war automotive icon is deeply intertwined with the Concours’ celebration of classic vehicles. The 500K, with its supercharged engine and opulent design, embodies the pre-war era’s pursuit of luxury and performance, qualities highly valued at Pebble Beach. Imagine such a masterpiece gracing the greens, a testament to a golden age of automotive craftsmanship. The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster is the kind of vehicle that captures the essence of Pebble Beach – a blend of historical significance, stunning design, and impeccable preservation. While the specific keyword mentions “Pebble Beach BOS 1982”, perhaps alluding to a hypothetical or misremembered win, the spirit of Mercedes-Benz and its historical presence at such concours events is undeniable.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show; it’s a curated journey through automotive history. The event meticulously categorizes vehicles into classes, allowing for focused appreciation of specific eras, body styles, and marques. The featured classes of 2013 exemplified this dedication to detail. The Vanvooren Coachwork class, for instance, highlighted the artistry of this renowned French coachbuilder, known for their elegant and bespoke bodies often adorning chassis from prestigious manufacturers like Hispano-Suiza and, indeed, Mercedes-Benz. While the article doesn’t detail specific Mercedes-Benz vehicles bodied by Vanvooren at the 2013 event, the connection underscores the potential presence and historical relevance of Mercedes-Benz within the broader narrative of coachbuilt elegance celebrated at Pebble Beach.
The BMW 507 class further enriched the event, showcasing the timeless beauty of this iconic roadster. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the BMW 507 represented a post-war resurgence of German automotive design, a counterpoint to the pre-war grandeur often associated with marques like Mercedes-Benz. Both, however, share a commitment to engineering excellence and aesthetic appeal, values central to the Pebble Beach Concours.
The extensive list of award winners at the 2013 Concours further illustrates the diverse range of automotive excellence on display. Beyond Best of Show, categories like “Most Elegant Awards” and “Special Awards” recognized exceptional vehicles across various criteria, from closed cars and convertibles to sports cars and preservation. The “Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award,” presented to a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A, directly acknowledges the marque’s continued significance and contribution to automotive history, even if it wasn’t the overall Best of Show winner. This award highlights the consistent recognition Mercedes-Benz receives at Pebble Beach for its historical importance and the enduring beauty of its classic models.
The 64th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was announced to take place on Sunday, August 17, 2014, promising another year of automotive splendor. Tim Scott, Senior Photographer, expertly captured the 2013 event, providing a visual record of the stunning vehicles on display. His photographs, showcased across multiple galleries, offer a lasting glimpse into the elegance and grandeur of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2013. These images serve as a testament to the dedication of collectors and restorers who preserve these automotive treasures for future generations to admire.
In conclusion, the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was a resounding success, celebrating the pinnacle of automotive design, engineering, and preservation. While the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster might not have been the headline winner of the 2013 event, its spirit and legacy were undoubtedly present, embodying the timeless elegance and historical significance that define the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the world of classic automobiles. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of these rolling works of art, and the passion they inspire in enthusiasts worldwide.
