A 1935 short-wheelbase Duesenberg SSJ originally owned by iconic film star Gary Cooper will take part in a special Duesenberg class next January 24 at the third annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. The Cooper Duesenberg (above), now part of the Revs Institute Collection, is one of only two such cars ever built, the other having been driven by Clark Gable.
The Cooper SSJ, serial number 2594, was built on a 125-inch wheelbase instead of Duesenberg’s customary 142.4- or 153.5-inch lengths, with its supercharged straight-8 engine rated at 400 horsepower, which helped it produce a top speed of more than 130 mph.
Another prized entry in the special Duesenberg Class will be the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster known as the “Mormon Meteor” that was driven by the legendary Ab Jenkins to a number of land-speed records on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.
Besides Duesenberg, two other featured classes have been designated for the 2016 Concours: Zagato Coachwork and Exceptional Cars of Great Britain. Those classes will join more than a dozen standing classes that will be judged during the Concours, culminating in the awarding of Best of Show honors.
The third annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance, which will once again kick off Classic Car Week in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, benefits Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the national organization that grants wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions. For complete information please visit www.arizonaconcours.com
