These American Classics Are Feats of Engineering

Every once in a while, American Classics resurface to prove who’s the top dog when it comes to incredible engineering, durability, and effortless style. Before the Italian and the French started coming in with their stylish lines and fancy engines, there was good, old-fashioned American greatness. We’re talking purpose-built vehicles with a modern flair. 

Luckily for you, a whole host of these cars are about to go up for sale. We’re talking the best of the best, which have just surfaced for Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions. Readers can register to bid and browse their extensive online catalogue to geek out with us.

1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe (Estimate: $3,500,000 – $4,250,000)

Duesenbergs, beloved by most as the ultimate automaker of the 1920s (Hello, The Great Gatsby), are hard to come by. Really spectacular ones are even harder to track down. This particular one is an iteration of the Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe, one of the most elegant cars of all time – this is one of approximately three fitted with dual rear spares.

The model, J-461, was actually owned by Siegfried Roebling, of the family famous for spearheading Mercer Automobiles and the Brooklyn Bridge. Since then, the car has undergone an outstanding, concours-level restoration by the renowned artisan Fran Roxas, keeping its original engine, chassis, and firewall. J-461 is without a doubt one of the most sporting and striking Duesenbergs we’ve ever seen, and we’re already jealous of the person taking it to their garage.

1930 Packard 734 Speedster Runabout (Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000)

The Packard 734 was originally conceived as a high-speed made-to-order model. It quickly established itself as one of the very best pre-war cars ever made. This was, in every way, a factory hot rod, built on Packard’s shortest chassis with 19" wheels, high-speed rear end (3.31:1), finned brake drums, and a tuned DeLuxe Eight 385 cid straight eight with special manifolds. This enabled this 734 Speedster to reach 60 mph in second gear and a top speed of over 110 mph. Only 39 of the 113 734s were outfitted with the Runabout body. Of these, only six known examples remain. 

What’s more, this car has a completely traceable history from new, and comes equipped with a fascinating historical file detailing its extensive touring and single family ownership for over 50 years. Not only is this one of the rarest, most sporting and exquisitely designed Packards in the company’s history, but it also has real soul. 

1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Convertible Sedan (Estimate: $800,000 – $1,100,000) 

This award-winning Packard is a complete stunner. In the 30s, Packard enlisted Dietrich Inc. to do their coachbuilding, which is how the Eleventh Series was born. These cars were distinguished by their dramatic skirted fenders, upright radiator shells, stylish proportions and the jaw-dropping v-shaped windshield. In other words, they were exquisitely modern. This particular vehicle, chassis 1108-26, is one of only 12 Dietrich convertible sedans known to exist. During a complete restoration, the gorgeous V-12 engine was expertly rebuilt and refinished with new pistons, valve seats, resurfaced cylinder heads, and more.

In 2010, 1108-26 made its post-restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2010, where it won First in Class honors, before going on to win countless other awards and even star in a Ben Affleck movie, Live By Night. You’ve got to love a car with star power.

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra (Estimate $950,000 – $1,000,000)

Now for a comparatively modern classic – the Shelby 289 Cobra, one of the most iconic American cars EVER. This later production Cobra carries a fascinating history – it was shipped to Los Angeles to be used as a public relations car, assigned for use in the ABC detective series, Honey West, starring Anne Francis. It actually went on to ownership by the director of the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC), Steve Yates. In 2001, it received a full restoration, including a return to its factory-original white/red livery before passing to collecting legend Tom Larsen, where it joined his collection of sporting greats known in exclusive circles as “The Stable.” The car comes accompanied by a ton of wonderful and extensive documentation and memorabilia, cementing it as an unmissable American great. 

These four standouts along with other American beauties, including the 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner, 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Sedan, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird, and the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Big Tank Split-Window Coupe, are featured in the Gooding & Company online catalogue ahead of the Pebble Beach Auctions on August 17th and 18th. You can also register to bid if you’re an American Classic Fanatic.