The extremely rare 1935 Special Speedster wins Best of Show at the 75th annual prestigious Concours d’Elegance
A 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster, once owned by Hollywood legend Clark Gable, won Best of Show at the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The award was presented on August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of one of the world’s most important and prestigious collector car competitions.
Presented by collector Harry Yeaggy of Cincinnati, Ohio, the winning car is a true rarity: it is one of only two SSJ Special Speedsters ever built. Both were built in 1935 and were intended for two famous American film stars: chassis J-567 was entrusted to Clark Gable, while chassis J-563 was assigned to Gary Cooper.
Extraordinary performances for the 1930s
The Duesenberg SSJ was born from the union of a shortened chassis, with a 125-inch wheelbase, and a powerful supercharged eight-cylinder inline engine. Its claimed power output reached 400 hp, an exceptional figure for the time.
Completing the configuration was the lightweight Speedster body designed by LaGrande, featuring sporty proportions, a long hood line, and a steeply raked windshield. The award-winning example was recently restored to its original configuration, featuring a black lacquer body and a tan leather interior.
The result also holds special significance for the owner. Harry Yeaggy had already won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 2007 with another 1935 Duesenberg, the famous SJ Special Speedster “Mormon Meteor.” This new success thus comes 19 years later.
Duesenberg, the most awarded American brand
With this victory, Duesenberg reaches eight Best of Show titles and consolidates its position as the most awarded American automobile manufacturer in the history of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In the overall rankings, the American brand is preceded only by Mercedes-Benz and Bugatti, both winners on ten occasions.
The SSJ prevailed over top-class competitors. Other finalists included a 1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet with a Figoni et Falaschi body, a 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta Pinin Farina, and a 1954 Ferrari 375 America Cabriolet by Vignale.
A record-breaking 75th edition
The 2026 edition brought together 218 cars from 14 countries and 30 US states on the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links course. The vehicles were divided into numerous categories, dedicated to different eras, manufacturers, and automotive traditions: from cars once owned by Indian royal families to Japanese racing cars, to vehicles that have set speed records.
The event also celebrated a significant achievement in charitable giving. With over $4.3 million raised in 2026, total donations generated by the Concours have surpassed $50 million. The funds support more than 130 local organizations committed to the education, health, and well-being of Monterey County children.
The 75th edition marked the conclusion of Sandra Button’s long presidency, which had led the event for forty years. From October 1st, she will continue to collaborate with the event as brand ambassador and strategic consultant, leaving operational management to President Vince Finaldi.
The victory of the Duesenberg SSJ not only celebrates a masterpiece of American automotive engineering and style, but also brings back into the spotlight a car with an unrepeatable history, linked to the glamour of 1930s Hollywood and today recognized as one of the most prestigious collector’s cars in the world.