1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster earned the Best of Show prize at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the top honor at the event widely regarded as the premier classic‑car showcase.
Historic car, modern triumph
The vehicle, owned by Harry Yeaggy of Cincinnati, Ohio, was purchased three years ago after a four‑decade pursuit. “I’ve been trying to buy the car for 40 years,” Yeaggy told Car and Driver from the awards stand. “But I got it physically three years ago.”
Only two short‑wheelbase, supercharged Duesenberg SSJs were ever built. This particular example began its life in the hands of classic‑era movie star Clark Gable. Its twin was once owned by contemporary film star Gary Cooper, a car the author has previously driven. After more than six decades with a single family, the vehicle entered Yeaggy’s collection.
Judge Ken Gross, a long‑time curator and author in the classic‑car world, praised the car’s attributes. “Duesenberg’s slogan was ‘The Mightiest Motorcar.’ This is the mightiest Duesenberg,” he said. “It has all the elements needed to win at Pebble Beach. It’s just a marvelous car.”
Related: Koenigsegg CCGT1 Honors Legendary Le Mans Dream
The Concours has a long history of highlighting interwar classics, and the Duesenberg fits that narrative. Gross noted that while the show sometimes honors postwar models, the tradition of interwar winners remains strong. “I liked it when a postwar car won Best of Show several years ago. I think we’ll see another postwar winner in the near future,” he added. “For now, the tradition endures. At least for a while.”
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Gross, who has attended the Concours for 36 years, called this gathering “the best… in my 36 years with the Concours.” He described the assembly of vehicles as a “fitting 75th anniversary.”
The Duesenberg’s win highlights the rarity of its model. With only two ever produced, the car’s scarcity, combined with its provenance and condition, positioned it as a standout among the field. Its short wheelbase and supercharged engine contribute to a driving experience that collectors describe as both elegant and athletic.
From a practical standpoint, the award may influence future market values for similar interwar machines. Collectors often look to Pebble Beach winners as benchmarks for price and desirability, and the Duesenberg’s accolade could raise the bar for comparable models. This ripple effect could also affect insurance and restoration costs, as owners seek to maintain the standards that earned the car its honor.
Related: Polaris unveils most powerful RZR yet
While the accolade highlights the Duesenberg’s historical significance, it also reflects the dedication of its current owner. Yeaggy’s long‑term pursuit and recent acquisition illustrate the personal commitment many collectors invest in preserving automotive heritage.
The event’s judges also considered the car’s visual impact. Its streamlined body, original paint, and meticulously restored interior earned praise for authenticity. The combination of original components and careful restoration aligns with the Concours’s emphasis on preserving the integrity of classic vehicles.
Looking ahead, the Pebble Beach Concours may continue to balance its reverence for interwar classics with an openness to newer eras. The dialogue among judges suggests a potential shift, though the current decision reaffirms the enduring appeal of pre‑World War II automobiles.
The award reshapes market expectations.
