Clark Gable’s Custom 1935 Duesenberg Heads to Auction with $8M Estimate
During its Monterey Auction from August 13 to 15, 2023, RM Sotheby’s will put up for bid a distinctive 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe that belonged to Clark Gable. This vehicle, one of only four JN series coupes with Rollston bodies, was tailored by Bohman & Schwartz under the guidance of designer W. Everett Miller. Gable received the car at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and made an unexpected appearance at a party that evening. Featured in promotional photos and the 1938 movie Merrily We Live, the Duesenberg changed hands multiple times after Gable sold it post-1942, including a restoration by Charles Johnson. Since 2005, it has resided in the collection of Sam and Emily Mann, with an estimated auction value of $5.75 million to $8 million.
Key facts
- Clark Gable's 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's August 13–15 during Monterey Car Week.
- One of only four Rollston-bodied JN series convertible coupes, customized by Bohman & Schwartz with input from Gable and designer W. Everett Miller.
- Car delivered to Gable at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel; Gable made a surprise appearance at a collegiate party as thanks.
- Appeared in publicity shoots and the 1938 film Merrily We Live.
- After Carole Lombard's death in 1942, Gable sold the car.
- Ownership history includes wrestler Robert 'Hans' Hermann, Paul V. Colianni, Ed Jurist, Charles Johnson, and the Blackhawk Museum.
- Since 2005, part of Sam and Emily Mann's collection, restored by Stone Barn in New Jersey.
- Restoration won Gwen Graham Trophy at 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Best of Show at Amelia Island and Meadowbrook in 2008.
- Original crankshaft found and included with the car.
- Estimated price: $5.75 million to $8 million.
Entities
Artists
- Clark Gable
- W. Everett Miller
- Carole Lombard
- Christian Bohman
- Robert 'Hans' Hermann
- Paul V. Colianni
- Ed Jurist
- Charles Johnson
- Sam Mann
- Emily Mann
Institutions
- RM Sotheby's
- Bohman & Schwartz
- Rollston
- Beverly Wilshire Hotel
- Vintage Car Store
- Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
- Blackhawk Museum
- Stone Barn
- Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
- Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
- Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance
- Robb Report
Locations
- Pasadena
- California
- Beverly Wilshire Hotel
- New Mexico
- Indianapolis
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- New York
- Florida
- Danville
- New Jersey
- Monterey
- Northern California