2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance – Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Takes Trophy

A meaningful trophy at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with our 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

In August 2025, at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, together with our friend and customer Eric Blumencranz, we proudly celebrated a major milestone:

This 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with its skis, chassis 198.042-10-003204, won its third in class trophy in the prestigious Postwar Preservation — Late category.

This achievement reflects our core philosophy at Bechtel: preserve what we all love.

The Discovery

When we first found this rare 300 SL, it was an untouched automotive treasure. Delivered new in May 1963, the Roadster spent over six decades in the same German city under the care of just two previous owners. Completely unrestored, matching numbers, original paint, fitted luggage, tool kit — an authentic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in a condition rarely seen today. Recognizing its significance, Tim introduced the car to Eric Blumencranz, whose vision aligned perfectly with our commitment to the originality of this historical milestone. 

The Triumph

At Pebble Beach, judged by the most respected experts in the world, the 300 SL stood out for its authenticity and provenance. A trophy in Postwar Preservation — Late honors our philosophy and dedicated work — a testament to treating these icons as they should be treated. 

A Combined Passion

We are deeply grateful to Eric Blumencranz for being part of this memory. His unwavering commitment to originality and his belief in a preservation-over-restoration philosophy made this project truly special. Without his trust, this journey — and the recognition at Pebble Beach — would not have been possible.