The 1929 Mercedes Boat Tail Is Arguably ‘The World’s Finest Car’

After winning the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ‘Best in Show’ award, the gorgeous 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’ will return to the UK for the first time in 60 years in order to be showcased at the Concours of Elegance 2018 at Hampton Court Palace.

Visitors of the show will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the award-winning classic as it comes to the UK for the first time since 1958.

The unique ‘Boat Tail’ is based on the 1927 Mercedes S-Type and it was one of the most powerful road-legal cars in the world at the time.

Fitted with a revolutionary bodywork that incorporates a lightweight and aerodynamic shell with aircraft-inspired aluminum side pods, the 1929 Mercedes-Benz Barker Tourer was originally owned by racing enthusiast and British Racing Drivers’ Club co-founder Earl Howe.

When it was first sold to American owners in 1958, the car was repainted in a dark maroon finish and the rear end was fitted with an additional spare tire instead of its distinctive ‘Boat Tail’ design. Thankfully, its most recent owner performed a multi-year project of restoring the car to its original glory.

“The Mercedes S-Type ‘Boat Tail’ is such a special car, and we’re incredibly privileged to have it at Concours of Elegance 2018”, said Andrew Evans, Managing Director Concours of Elegance. “This car won’t have turned a wheel in the UK during many people’s lifetimes, so it’s an opportunity for our visitors to come and see a real piece of motoring history.”

The Concours of Elegance 2018 will take place at the Hampton Court Palace from August 31 to September 2 and will have 60 rare and/or unique vehicles on display at the main event.