The 2018 Concours of Elegance – A. Lange & Söhne’s most recent engagement in the world of classical automobiles – will tell the story of craftsmanship, design and timeless luxury, from the motoring pioneers of the late 19th century through to the very latest high-performance rarities.
This year’s event represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the finest cars in the world: the unique and award-winning 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’. Based on the 1927 Mercedes S-Type, it was fitted with a revolutionary body, which incorporated a lightweight and aerodynamic shell with unique aircraft-inspired aluminium side pods. Its most recent owner has just completed a multi-year project of restoring the car to its former glory.
The story of the ‘Boat Tail’ and its restoration shows parallels to the eventful history of the Grand Complication No. 42500, the most complicated, rare and significant pocket watch that had ever left the A. Lange & Söhne manufactory. Sold to a Viennese businessman in 1902, it was long thought to have been lost until all of sudden a visitor took it to the manufactory for an appraisal in 2001. Unfortunately, it was in very poor condition, but its inestimable value justified any conceivable amount of effort. In the end, it took the Saxon watchmakers eight years to restore ‘No. 42500’ to its former splendour.
Today, it is a vivid example of Lange’s never-ending passion for classics – just like the current collection of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, which can be experienced at close quarters in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
