If you love German cars like I do, attending the annual Legends of the Autobahn event during Monterey Car Week is highly recommended. This all-German marque Concours was launched in 2009 by the Audi Club, BMW Car Club of America and Mercedes-Benz Club of America. I was fortunate to be on the organizing committee of this event in the 2015-2018 timeframe. Today it continues as one of the best events during Monterey Car Week because of its low-ticket prices (admission is free, parking is $20) and because of the diverse German machinery on display — from 100-point restored classics, to modified and tuner cars, to rare and interesting daily-driven street cars.
Here are my favorite cars from the 2024 Legends of the Autobahn show field:
S Klub LA’s C63s Red Pig Tribute
S Klub LA is known for creating some of the most interesting automotive builds, combining classic car design with modern performance. At Legends, S Klub LA presented their tribute to the original W109 6.3 Red Pig race car, which put AMG on the map as a tuner of Mercedes-Benz and today is an icon for their rebellious spirit. S Klub LA’s tribute to the Red Pig features a drive train, chassis and interior from a modern Mercedes-AMG C63s. The exterior features design elements of the original 300 SEL 6.3 with styling cues from modern AMGs. The result is stunning, and the Red Pig tribute received the MBCA Chairman’s Award at Legends 2024.
1987 560SL
I have always been a fan of the R107 SL, and this Signal Red roadster stopped me in my tracks. Owner David Salazar told me he admired this SL as a child when his neighbors purchased it new. He jumped at the chance to buy it when it came up for sale, and he added the super-rare R107 ski-rack with period skis. As a child of the 80s, the time-capsule appearance and period correct vibe really jumped out at me. This 560SL deservedly took home the Best of Mercedes-Benz Marque trophy.
80s and 90s Collection displayed by CMS Motorsports
Mercedes-Benz from the 80s and 90s represent the sweet spot in Mercedes history for me. Growing up in the 80s, the Bruno Sacco designs of the W126, W124 and W201 series cars looked so futuristic at the time. As I walked the show field at Legends, I was blown away by the array of 80s and 90s Mercedes brought by CMS Motorsports and their clients. From the white W126 coupes to the W124 500E, these cars oozed style and presence. The black 1995 AMG tribute wagon owned by Eric Starr looked great, with an AMG body kit and wheels. I love the design of these 90s wagons, and this one captured the Bruno Sacco award. I hope to see more Mercedes from the CMS Motorsports crew at Legends 2025.
See you at Legends of the autobahn 2025
If you are a German car enthusiast, I encourage you to attend Legends of the Autobahn on Thursday, August 14th, 2025, at the Pacific Grove Golf Links. The all-volunteer team of organizers do a terrific job, and Mercedes Benz Club of America Event Chairman David Abarr curates special classes for Mercedes-Benz each year. For 2025 the Mercedes 500E will be honored with a special class. I plan to enter my 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500, one of the 90s super-sedans built in collaboration with Porsche. Will I see you there? Registration will open soon at Legends of the Autobahn.
