Equipment
Dual carburetor supercharged inline eight purported to deliver 400hp, body color wire wheels, Dunlop tires, single cloth covered rear-mounted spare. outside exhaust headpipes.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
The ex-Gary Cooper SSJ, sister car to Clark Gable's. Built as a promotion by Duesenberg on a shortened 125-inch frame to a design by J. Herbert Newport. Later passed through John Troka to D. Cameron Peck, then to Briggs S. Cummingham who paid $3,500 for it in 1949 and finally to Miles Collier in 1986. Sound but aged and edge chipped paint. Sound but erratic chrome. Sound upholstery, worn older door panels. Faded, stained top and spare cover. Oily, road grimy chassis and suspension. Never fully restored, just maintained by two unparalleled enthusiasts for 68 years. More than good enough to tour with excitement but needs restoration before it's shown.
Market commentary
The unquestioned highlight of this years Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction, a car with history, performance and panache to spare. There can be no argument with the Pebble Beach bidders' decision to pay a world record price for an American car at auction for it.