1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo Roadster wins Pebble Beach Best in Show
A rare 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo Roadster claimed the top honour at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the marque’s first win since 2001.
A 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo Roadster took the Best in Show prize at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, standing out among more than 220 entrants at the California event. The win marks the first time since 2001 that a Mercedes-Benz has claimed the top honour at Pebble Beach.
The winning car, owned by Paul and Judy Andrews of Texas, is one of the few surviving examples bodied by French coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik. Its distinctive torpedo roadster design, with sweeping lines and dramatic chrome detailing, remains a highlight of pre-war automotive craftsmanship. The 680S is powered by a 6.8-litre supercharged straight-six engine, reflecting the performance ambitions of Mercedes-Benz in the late 1920s.
Restoration and provenance
This particular 680S spent three decades stored in a garage following the death of its original owner. It underwent a comprehensive restoration before being sold at auction in the 1980s. The Andrews family acquired the car in 2010, commissioning further work to bring it to concours condition ahead of its Pebble Beach appearance.
Mercedes-Benz models from this era are highly valued by collectors, with the Saoutchik-bodied variants among the most desirable. The 680S’s combination of engineering pedigree and bespoke design has made it a fixture at international auctions and concours events.
Pebble Beach and the Mercedes-Benz legacy
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is regarded as one of the world’s premier showcases for historic and rare automobiles. Mercedes-Benz’s victory in 2012 follows a previous win in 2001, underlining the continued appeal of the marque’s classic models to judges and collectors alike.
For more on modern Mercedes-Benz models and milestones, see Mercedes-Benz Sets New November Sales Record Globally.
