Merc S-Type 'Boat Tail' wins best of Concours of Elegance

Merc S-Type Barker 'Boat Tail' 

Nearly 10,000 motoring enthusiasts, including many Irish fans, flocked to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace this weekend for the Concours of Elegance show where around 1,000 'incredible' cars were on display in the spectacular gardens, writes Trish Whelan.

More than 60 of the world's rarest cars were vying for the honour of Best in Show and the Pullman Trophy. Among them was the Porsche 917K driven by Steve McQueen during filming for Le Mans and the last four-cylinder Ferrari built, the 500 TRC.

The Best in Show winner was the Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker 'Boat Tail' based on the 1927 Mercedes S-Type; one of the most powerful road-going automobiles in the world in period, developed as the perfect road-going, race capable car. It was voted for by the owners of the cars themselves.

It was fitted with a revolutionary body which incorporated a lightweight and aerodynamic shell with unique aircraft-inspired aluminium side pods crafted by English coachbuilders Barker. 

Alfa 8C and Ferrari GTO Prototype

The full list of awards:

Best in Show – Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker ‘Boat Tail’
Pre-1920s – Isotta Fraschini Tipo A FENG
1930s – Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Short Chassis Spider
1940s/’50s – Maserati 300s
1960s – Porsche 917K
1970-onwards: Lamborghini Miura
The RAC Club Trophy – Alvis Speed 25 Drophead Coupe
The RAC Spirit of Motoring – Katie Forrest and her 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
The Jaguar Trophy – Jaguar XK120
The Bentley Trophy (pre-1965) – Bentley S2 Saloon
The Bentley Trophy (post-1965) – Bentley Continental T
Bridge of Weir British Legends – Morgan 4/4
Future Classics – Rolls-Royce Sweptail

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