Barrett-Jackson Announces Clark Gable’s 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe Will Cross The Auction Block In Scottsdale
September 21, 2012
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™
to Feature the Iconic Star’s Coupe at its 2013 Salon Collection
Scottsdale, Ariz. – (September 19, 2012) – Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, announced today that Clark Gable’s 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe will be offered at the company’s 2013 Scottsdale auction as part of the Salon Collection on January 19, 2013. Other unique vehicles will also be offered up for sale from January 13-20, 2013, under the company’s iconic quarter-mile tent.
Hailed as “the King of Hollywood”, Gable’s car will be seen for the first time at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino from September 20-22, 2012. The car was purchased by Gable himself at Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood and is considered to be one of the most celebrated two-seaters of all time.
“The response to our Salon Collection has been incredible, especially after it shattered multiple world records during its debut at Scottsdale last year,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are so pleased to announce the Collection is now full and that the Clark Gable car will be alongside a great selection of quality, high-end, collectible vehicles.”
One of only 1,400 made, the 300SL Gullwing was created as the production version of the 1952 Le Mans-winning 300SL, and became the world’s first gasoline fuel injected production car, thanks to a Bosch mechanical fuel injection. The car has since been restored by Paul Russel and was maintained by Mercedes mechanics.
Tinsel town’s leading man’s Mercedes is equipped with fitted luggage, rare Rudge knock-off wheels and a Nardi steering wheel. In addition, the SL’s original registration solidifies the provenance of this rolling piece of Hollywood history with the signatures of William Clark Gable and his fifth wife, Kay Sprekels Gable.
The 300SL was cherished by Gable for five years before his passing in 1960, and is said to have carried some of Hollywood’s most-famous leading ladies, such as Jean Harlow, Vivien Liegh, Ava Gardner and Marilyn Monroe.
“Gable’s 300SL is a stunning vehicle on its own, but it’s the pedigree that comes with it that really makes this Mercedes one-of-a-kind,” said Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson’s President. “Coming from the prestigious Robert Howard Collection it will be an honor to have this historic vehicle crossing our auction block and we can’t wait to share it with our Las Vegas and Scottsdale audiences.”
Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, continues to be a highly anticipated auction by collectors around the world. The auction has experienced an extraordinary 2012 thus far, kicking off the exceptional season in Scottsdale with more than $92 million in sales and a record-breaking 270,000 in attendance. The success of Scottsdale carried over to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach and Barrett-Jackson Orange County, which together generated record sales and attendance. Barrett-Jackson has also raised more than $8.7 million for national and local charities through its auctions to date in 2012.
Now, Barrett-Jackson looks forward to ending the year on a positive note with another successful auction in Las Vegas, as well as a celebratory start to the new season with the Salon Collection in Scottsdale 2013.
For more information about Barrett-Jackson and to purchase tickets to the event, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Ariz., Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, Nev. and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.