2017 Pebble Beach Concours: Best of Show

© Rod Hatfield
Best of Show
On a surprisingly sunny afternoon at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, Bruce McCaw of Bellevue, Washington, received the top honor for his stunning 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer. After showing cars at the Concours for more than 20 years, this was McCaw’s first trip across the ramp as Best of Show winner.
VIDEO: 2017 Pebble Beach Best of Show Winner

© Rod Hatfield
Beyond Words
When asked how it felt to be awarded Best of Show at one of the most prestigious concours in the world, McCaw told us, “I think I’m beyond words. I’ve been here many, many times and I’ve known a lot of people who have won, but I never imagined it would happen to me.”

© Rod Hatfield
Unique Mercedes
The car was originally delivered in London in 1928 and shortly after upgraded to full SS specification, which means it received a massive 7.0-liter supercharged engine. The coachwork alterations were performed by Barker of London, and McCaw believes this may be the only Mercedes left with a body by Barker.

© Rod Hatfield
Back to the Original
The car was sold to British racing driver, bon vivant and cofounder of the British Racing Driver’s Club Earl Howe, who was well known at the time for having an impressive collection of racing cars — this car would have fit his lifestyle exceedingly well. Howe was also responsible for choosing the unusual color scheme. After obtaining several original photographs of the car, McCaw was able to confirm that the elegant blue and chrome paint scheme replicates the car’s original look. In fact, McCaw told us that the car looks exactly as it did when Earl Howe owned it.

© Rod Hatfield
Special Features
In addition to the unique color scheme, this 1929 Mercedes features chrome-plated wheels, low-cut doors and torpedo-style running boards. Tools and other equipment can be stored in the running boards.

© Rod Hatfield
Close Finish
Given its sporting pedigree, this Mercedes-Benz S would no doubt be quite entertaining to drive, but we were surprised to hear that McCaw has never driven the car — mainly because he hasn’t had a chance. The car arrived in Pebble Beach a few days before the Concours; the restoration had been completed a mere week earlier — a rather tight timeline for such an important event.

© Rod Hatfield
Best on the Green
More than 200 cars filling almost 30 different classes colorfully adorned the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links during the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. The Best of Show winner is chosen from among the class winners by a field of expert judges. McCaw’s 1929 Mercedes is the first overall winner from the German marque since 2012.