A 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster has been dubbed “Best of Show” at the 2021 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This particular 540K Special Roadster was selected from an array of more than 200 entrants. The “Best of Show” winner was said to have been selected “for its design, engineering, sophistication and presentation.” The pristine vehicle underwent an eight year restoration following its 1986 acquisition by current owner, K. Heinz Keller from a private collector in Colorado.
The Quail is heralded as one of the automotive world’s premiere lifestyle affairs. This year attracted crowds of enthusiasts, including industry leaders like Stephan Winkelmann and celebrities such as F1 Driver Jenson Button, all of whom lined the fairways of Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Three featured classes captured the imagination of spectators including the 50th Anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Montreal, Automotive Couture-French Cars Featuring the 50th Anniversary of the Citroën SM, and our personal favorite, Cars of Curiosity. The latter introduced unique automotive feats like a 1978 Lamborghini Urraco P2000 and the ultra rare 1957 Fiat 600 / Eden Roc.
Gordon McCall, The Quail’s Master of Ceremonies and Director of Motorsports brought fourth unique happenings including a Fireside Chat between Formula World Champion Jenson Button and Philip Kadoorie on their mutual passion for cars and racing. The event also played host to several new vehicle debuts, including the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 and the U.S. premiere of the Lotus Emira. Most surprisingly though, was the Bentley display which showcased special Mulliner introductions like the coach-built Bacalar and continuation Blower Car Zeros.
Aside from the Best of Show award, the following accolades were given to some of the many spectacular automotive creations on display including the Spirit of The Quail to a 1902 Indian Single Cylinder, Hagerty Drivers Foundation & Preservation Award to a 1969 Ford Bronco “Big Oly”, Octane Editor’s Choice Award to a 1957 Fiat 600 / Eden Roc, ArtCenter College of Design Award to a 2015 McLaren/Lanzante P1 HDK, and lastly the Car Park Concours de Quailegance Award to a 1962 Land Rover S2A 109 Dormobile.
The 19th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is set to take place on August 19, 2022. For more information, visit the event website, and The Quail on Facebook and Instagram.
Image Credit: Rolex
