Clark Gable was known as the "King of Hollywood" during his prime and his prime lasted even longer than his life itself. Gable's most notable performance is undoubtedly his role in "Gone with the WInd." In fact, Gable even said that whenever it seemed as though his fame had begun to fame, a re-release of "Gone with the Wind" did the trick to revive his popularity. After its premiere in 1939, "Gone with the Wind" was re-released in theaters from 1947, 1954, 1961, 1967, 1971, 1989, and 1998.
Always a charmer with with handsome grin and carefully trimmed pencil mustache, Clark Gable's luminous aura spread to his automobiles as well.
Just this August, the Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction reintroduced Clark Gable's prized 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe. Even though bids reached up to a stratospheric $6.4 million, the price had failed to meet the current owner's reserve and was not sold.
Now, Barrett-Jackson has announced that another legendary Clark Gable vehicle will be placed on the auction block in January, this time its the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe that he bought along with his fifth and last wife, actress and model Kay Spreckels. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe comes equipped with fitted luggage, Rudge knock-off wheels, and a Nardi steering wheel.
Currently owned by the Robert Howard Collection, the Gullwing was meticulously restored by Paul Russel and receives regular maintenance by Mercedes-Benz.
According to Barrett-Jackson president Steve Davis, the Gullwing comes with all of its original registration papers, which were signed by both Gable and his wife. "Gable's 300SL is a stunning vehicle on its own, but it's the pedigree that comes with it that really makes the Mercedes one-of-a-kind."
Clark Gable's Mercedes-Benz 300SL will be presented as a part of Barrett-Jackson's high-end "Salon Collection," a category reserved for the elite collectiable models. Pre-auction estimates have yet to be disclosed but its safe to say that Clark Gable's personal Mercedes-Benz Gullwing is worth well into the seven-figure mark.
