1935 Duesenberg SSJ Wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach 2026
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster has taken the prestigious Best of Show award at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the world's most respected classic-car events.
The victory came during the 75th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours, making the achievement even more significant for one of America's rarest and most historic pre-war automobiles.
1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster — Best of Show at Pebble Beach 2026
A Rare Duesenberg Takes the Crown
The winning automobile is a 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster, one of only two specially modified short-wheelbase supercharged SSJ models ever built.
Its history is just as remarkable as its rarity. The car was originally associated with Hollywood legend Clark Gable, while the other famous SSJ was owned by actor Gary Cooper.
Before being acquired by its current owner, Harry Yeaggy of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Duesenberg had remained with one family for more than six decades.
A 40-Year Quest to Own the SSJ
For Yeaggy, winning Best of Show represents the culmination of an extraordinary journey. He had reportedly spent approximately 40 years trying to acquire the car before finally purchasing it three years ago.
The Mighty Duesenberg SSJ
Duesenberg built its reputation around powerful engines, sophisticated engineering and exceptional luxury. The SSJ represented an especially performance-focused interpretation of the marque's legendary automobiles.
Its short-wheelbase configuration, supercharged engine and distinctive Special Speedster bodywork give the car an unmistakable presence that continues to attract collectors and classic-car enthusiasts decades after it was built.
Why Pebble Beach Judges Chose It
The selection of the Duesenberg reflects the long-standing philosophy of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which celebrates automobiles with outstanding design, engineering, history, authenticity and craftsmanship.
Classic-car expert and concours judge Ken Gross described the winning Duesenberg as a car possessing the elegance, grace and sporting character required to stand out at Pebble Beach.
75 Years of Pebble Beach Concours
The 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was especially significant because it marked the event's 75th anniversary, also known as its Diamond Jubilee.
The anniversary gathering brought together an extraordinary collection of historically important automobiles, creating one of the most competitive Best of Show fields in the event's history.
Classic automobiles gathered during the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Hollywood History on Four Wheels
The connection between the Duesenberg SSJ and Clark Gable adds another fascinating chapter to the car's history.
During the golden age of Hollywood, Duesenberg represented the ultimate combination of American luxury, performance and prestige. Owning one was a statement of status, and the SSJ's connection with one of Hollywood's biggest stars makes this particular example even more collectible.
Duesenberg SSJ Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster |
| Year | 1935 |
| Award | Best of Show — Pebble Beach 2026 |
| Production | Only two SSJ examples |
| Engine | Supercharged |
| Body Style | Special Speedster |
| Notable Former Owner | Clark Gable |
| Current Owner | Harry Yeaggy |
| Event | 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance |
A Victory for the Classic-Car World
The Duesenberg SSJ's victory demonstrates that extraordinary craftsmanship and historical importance continue to define the highest level of the collector-car world.
At a time when the automotive industry is rapidly moving toward electric vehicles, software and advanced driver-assistance systems, events such as Pebble Beach provide a powerful reminder of the artistic and mechanical heritage of the automobile.
What Makes the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special?
Several elements combine to make this automobile exceptionally desirable: its extreme rarity, supercharged performance, short-wheelbase configuration, elegant bodywork and connection to Hollywood history.
The fact that only two specially modified SSJ examples were produced makes the car particularly important to collectors, while its preservation and presentation at Pebble Beach demonstrate the importance of maintaining automotive history for future generations.
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster has become the star of the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, taking the coveted Best of Show title during the event's 75th-anniversary celebration.
With only two SSJ examples built, a historic connection to Clark Gable and an extraordinary ownership story, the winning Duesenberg combines rarity, beauty, performance and history in a way very few automobiles can match.
Its Pebble Beach victory ensures that one of America's most legendary pre-war performance cars will remain firmly in the spotlight of the global collector-car community.
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