Elegance at The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering

By: Daniel Vaughan / conceptcarz.com

Among the most elegant vehicles at this year's The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering - in our opinion - were the 1931 Duesenberg Model J, a Horch 853, and the Mercedes-Benz 540K.

The Duesenberg

The Model J was the most powerful production vehicle of its era, and in supercharged guise, developed over 300 horsepower. Cadillac's V-16-powered model had twice as many cylinders as the eight-cylinder Model J but produced less horsepower (175 bhp vs the 265 bhp from the 420 cubic-inch straight-8). It was not until 1955 that another North American manufacturer would offer a production vehicle with similar horsepower figures - the Hemi-powered Chrylser C-300 with 300 horsepower.

The mechanical sophistication of the Duesenberg was equaled by its size and elegance, clothed with graceful bodies provided by the finest coachbuilders of the era. The example on display at The Quail, chassis number 2646 (J-448), wore a Tourster body by Derham. It is one of the few retaining the original body, chassis, engine, and other major components. The 420 cubic-inch 'Straight Eight' engine delivered 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It has the SC-specification external exhaust pipes which provide period flair, and performance is enhanced by an exhaust system dump at the flip of a lever on the floor. The exhaust-dump system was a rare option; it bypasses the exhaust system and redirects the airflow through a three-inch open pipe.

Just eight examples received the Derham Tourster coachwork designed by Gordon Buehrig. Design cues include a wind-up rear windshield that could be cranked from inside the front seat back. The deletion of the rear side vents and the rear cowl made it easier for passengers to enter and exit.

Following a nut and bolt restoration, the Tourster was awarded Best of Show honors at the Concours d'Elegance of America in 2013, best in class honors at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, where it was nominated for best of show.

The Horch

The Horch and the Mercedes-Benz rested side-by-side on the showfield - an appropriate arrangement for these two spectacular vehicles. Horch, named after its founder August Horch, had always been known for its quality and innovation but its reputation would be challenged greatly when Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new 540K. Immediately, Horch began to design a concept meant to compete with the new Mercedes. Carved out of wood, the Horch Special Roadster would be undertaken by the factory works in Malan. And though the car's chassis would begin production, the cars would not be made available for sale, at least not right away. The delay would have to do with whether or not the engines would be supercharged. Ultimately, the 5.0-liter inline eight-cylinder engine remained naturally aspirated but the transmission was equipped with overdrive, which would give it performance close, but not quite the same, as the 540K. The chassis, however, did receive a fully independent De Dion rear suspension placed on double-jointed rear axle shafts designed by Porsche.

The 'First Series' production examples followed very closely to the designs of the concept that had been carved out of wood. The first example would be built by the factory. The second example would be designed and built by the exceptional coachbuilders from Berlin, Erdmann and Rossi.

As the Second World War came into view and the Nazi party gained power throughout Germany, Mercedes-Benz and Horch continued to compete for superiority, hoping to gain contracts to build parade vehicles for high-ranking members of the Third Reich. Horch would build the first example of the 'Second Series' especially for Hermann Goering, commander-in-chief for the German Luftwaffe. However, Mercedez would also be building a special 540K for him as well, equipped with extra materials to protect the occupants within the vehicle. Goering would go with the Mercedes and would have the Horch, which had been built especially for him, dismantled.

Horch would ultimately build just five examples of the 'Second Series' 853s. The first example was the one dismantled by Goering and the last would be lost. Thus, just three examples of the 'Second Series' remain. All five wore the same 'sweep panel' in the body sides and the shaped fender skirts, however, each were quite unique in their own design.

The example on display at The Quail is believed to be the second example with coachwork by Voll & Rubrbeck. They were a German coachbuilding firm in business for approximately two decades, from 1920 through 1939. Their work graced such automobiles as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and Maybach. During World War II, the firm was destroyed from an allied bombing raid, and records were also lost.

The Horch 853 with Voll & Rubrbeck coachwork survived, and more recently, its elegance has been observed at many top concours events. It won Best of Show honors in 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours, and the same accolades in 2014 at the Amelia Island Concours. At this year's The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering, it was certainly a contender for top honors.

The Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 540K proved its superiority over the Horch during World War II, being built in greater numbers and with far superior examples built. The example receiving the Rolex Circle of Champions' 'Best of Show' at The Quail is owned by K. Heinz Keller from California who has owned the car since 1986. Mr. Keller acquired the car from a private owner in Colorado and has treated the vehicle to an eight-year ground-up restoration. Its design, engineering, sophistication, and presentation made it a Paragon among the more than 200 entrants at the event.

Judging at The Quail

While traditional concours events rely on the wisdom and scrutiny of judges (experts in the automotive fields), The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering distinguishes itself through its unique judging process. Entrants of The Quail select the winning car in their own class, as well as the esteemed Best of Show. Entrants at The Quail are knowledgeable individuals in the world of motor vehicles as many are renowned experts and car collectors. Many are also well versed in style and luxury lifestyle. The selection process for each class considers criteria of design features, technical interest, accurate restoration, and historical significance.

Both the Horch and the 540K wore strikingly similar designs. Provenance and restoration certainly played a part in the decision, but perhaps the deciding factor was the 180 horsepower produced by the Mercedes compared to the 120 bhp of the Horch. Like its place in history, the Horch would play 'second fiddle' to the mighty Mercedes-Benz 540K which was selected as this year's Best of Show. The popularity and elegance of the Mercedes-Benz 540K were further reinforced when another example claiming the Best of Show trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance a few days later.

Photo credit: Daniel Vaughan / conceptcarz.com
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