Former Afghan king’s Mercedes-Benz wins top prize at US car show

A spectacular Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster, first owned by Afghanistan’s former king Zahir Shahwon the coveted title of ‘Best of Show’ at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show in the US.

This 540 K Special Roadster was ordered in May 1937 by Mohammed Zahir Shah, then king of Afghanistan. It was delivered in September and owned by the king until he gifted it to his son-in-law in the UK in 1950. It was then sold to a US collector in 195. The current owner, Jim Patterson, a US collector, bought the car for $9.9 million at an auction during last year’s Pebble Beach event, Carscoops reported.

“The 540 K Special Roadster winning the ‘Best of Showʼ title at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance crowns the immense commitment of RM Auto Restoration and Mercedes-Benz Heritage to the restoration of this outstanding vehicle,” Mercedes-Benz Heritage boss Marcus Breitschwerdt said after the win. “We are proud to have contributed to this success story with the unique expertise of our Classic Center and the archives. The intensive and good cooperation with RM Auto Restoration during the past months has made this success possible.”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an annual automotive event held in California. It is widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster is the 10th Mercedes-Benz to take out the prestigious award that has been given every year since 1950.

King Mohammad Zahir Shah reigned in Afghanistan for 40 years during 1933-1973.