08/16/2021 5:20 PM
Clarín.com
Cars
Updated 08/16/2021 5:20 PM
A
Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier
manufactured in 1938 was chosen as the "Best of Show 2021" (Best of Show) of
the
Pebble Beach
Contest of Elegance
, in the United States, which together with that of Villa d'Este, in Italy , are the two most important classic car events in the world.
This event has reached such magnitude that, in addition to the traditional parade of collector vehicles, the collections in the auctions held there are increasing and more and more manufacturers are presenting new vehicles or prototypes there.
The Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier was voted the
most elegant car in the world
nothing more and nothing less than at the 70th edition of Pebble Beach, held on Sunday, August 15.
It is the ninth time that Mercedes-Benz has won the Pebble Beach The Best of Show trophy, matching the Bugatti brand.
Photo David Paul Morris / Bloomberg
In the grand finale, the German model beat out three other heavyweight vehicles: a
1966 Ferrari 365 P Pininfarina Berlinetta Speciale
, a
1957
Maserati 450 S Zagato Coupé
and a
1937
Bugatti Type 57S
.
A museum piece
The Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn, which means "Highway" in German, refers to a period of German excellence that began in the 1920s and culminated in the construction of its famous highway network.
The German automaker only made two 540K Autobahn Kuriers, although this is
the only one that still exists
and sports its original equipment.
It was shown for the first time as a prototype at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, where it surprised with its breakthrough aerodynamic design.
The Mercedes 540K Autobahn Kurier was manufactured in 1938, being one of the most aerodynamic models of its time.
Photo David Paul Morris / Bloomberg
Under its very long hood, the model hides a 5.4-liter 8-cylinder engine that delivers
180 horsepower
and allows it to reach 185 km / h of maximum speed.
The Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier belongs to Arturo Keller, who boasts one of the most important collections in the world.
and that with this vehicle he has achieved his
triple crown
in Pebble Beach.
The businessman won in the 1986 and 2001 editions, also with two other Mercedes: a 1936 500K Special Roadster and a 1930 SS Erdmann & Rossi Roadster.
This is
Mercedes-Benz's ninth
Pebble Beach
dedication
, tying the Bugatti brand.
A total of 230 models participated in the "Best of Show" category in this 70th edition of Pebble Beach.
Photo David Paul Morris / Bloomberg
An unparalleled sample
This year, the Pebble Beach Contest of Elegance raised more than $ 1.75 million, which, through its Foundation, will go to more than 95 local charities.
For its part, Gooding & Company, the official auction house, managed to raise more than
$ 107 million in sales at its
annual Pebble Beach
auctions
this weekend.
Friday night's auction included a record auction for a
McLaren F1 that sold for $ 20,465,000
, and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, which raised $ 10,840,000.
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