Legends of the Autobahn
Article Laura Simonds
Photographs Gary Anderson & Tiw Weiss Aircam
Co-hosted by MBCA, this concours of German automotive excellence has become a must-see event at Monterey
When four German marques come together at a concours, magic happens. Magic is a perfect description of Legends of the Autobahn 2012. On August 17 in Carmel Valley, California, four car clubs – Mercedes-Benz Club of America, BMW Car Club of America, Porsche Club of America, and Audi Club North America – sponsored what is now, according to one national automotive magazine, “one of the most charming events” of the Monterey Classic Car Week.
The greens at Rancho Cañada Golf Club were bulging with more than 500 of the finest examples of German engineering. MBCA showcased over 70 cars in six judged classes and corral. We were especially pleased to have a large showing of the wide-body SECs from the 1980s. Another eye-catching group of 300SL Gullwings and roadsters drew crowds.
There was a substantial variety of other Mercedes models, from SLs of all ages to sedans of all kinds. The stunningly clear and warm weather in lovely Carmel Valley made a perfect backdrop for showing our three-pointed stars, and also brought out thousands of spectators to enjoy the cars, special exhibits, barbecue lunch and beer garden that highlighted the event.
Photo above (featured): One of the distinctive feature of Legends of the Autobahn is that club members’ marque cars share the field with the concours entrants – the setting is perhaps the loveliest of all Monterey venues
Gary Dempsey’s Best of Marque 1988 AMG-modified 560SEC
| 2012 MBCA AWARD WINNERS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best of Marque – Mercedes: 1988 560SEC Gary Dempsey | ||
| Class 1: 1886-1962 Vintage Cabriolet, Convertible, Roadster | ||
| 1st | 1957 300SL | Will & Sonoma Clark |
| 2nd | 1961 300SL | RoadsterWally Buch |
| 3rd | 1961 190SL | Brian Kruse |
| Class 2: 1886-1959 Vintage Sedans, Coupes | ||
| 1st | 1955 300SL | GullwingChad Hunt |
| 2nd | 1956 300SL | GullwingPat Matthews |
| 3rd | 1955 300SL | GullwingAnthony Speno |
| Class 3: 1963-1971 Classic Cabriolet, Coupe, Roadster | ||
| 1st | 1970 280SL | Jurgen Klockemann |
| 2nd | 1970 280SE | William Brooks |
| 3rd | 1969 280SL | Thomas Uniack |
| Class 4: 1960-1984 Classic Sedan and Station Wagon | ||
| 1st | 1977 230 | Andy Chan |
| 2nd | 1984 300SDT | Carole Osselaer |
| 3rd | 1970 300SEL 6.3 | Robert Gunthorp |
| Class 5: 1972-1992 Modern Cabriolet, Convertible, Roadster | ||
| 1st | 1972 350SL | Carole Osselaer |
| 2nd | 1987 560SL | Steve Ross |
| 3rd | 1975 280SL | Socorro Solis |
| Class 6: 1972-1992 Modern Coupe | ||
| 1st | 1983 500SEC AMG | Mark Pearson |
| 2nd | 1985 500SEC | Henric Nieminen |
| 3rd | 1971 280SE 3.5 | H. Peter Watson |
The properly-garbed MBCA concours judges get their last minute briefing from chief judge Pete Lesler
A 1970 280SE cabriolet displayed by MBZ Parts
Carole Osselaer’s well-presented 350SL
Andy Chan’s class-winning 1977 230
Susan Gardner’s lovely beige 1966 250SE cabriolet on display
David Sears 1980 280CE shares the display area with a high-zoot BMW.