Gooding & Company will be presenting 'the most elegant American Classic ever created' at its Pebble Beach Auctions on 20-21 August. A bespoke Duesenberg Long Wheelbase Model J, the Whittell Coupe was originally designed by Murphy Coach Builders under the direction of one of America’s outlandish Roaring Twenties bad boys, Captain George Whittell Jr. 

Beautifully-restored and boasting just 12,000 original miles, the automotive masterpiece captivates admirers with its striking and glamorous black, red and chrome livery. Originally purchased in 1931 for $17,000, the Whittell Coupe is now considered to be one of the most extraordinary and valuable Duesenbergs in existence.

'Historically, Duesenberg Model J owners were among the most powerful and worldly of America's pre-war elite and, with six model Js in his collection, George Whittell was Duesenberg's best customer of all time, even surpassing Clark Gable and Gary Cooper,' said David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. 

'In my opinion, the Whittell Coupe we are presenting in Pebble Beach is the most elegant custom-bodied American Classic ever created and among the finest automobiles built prior to World War II.'

The Legendary Designer, Franklin Hershey
The Whittell Coupe is the result of a unique collaboration between Captain Whittell and legendary automotive stylist, Franklin Q. Hershey, who began his career at Murphy Coach Builders just before Whittell commissioned the renowned Pasadena firm to create this Duesenberg. 

The Whittell Coupe was one of Hershey’s earliest projects and its brilliance helped launch him on a successful design career.  Recognized for his great influence in the automotive community, Hershey was elected to be an honorary judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance  in 1988, a role he served for nearly ten years.

'The entire car is a masterpiece and one of the few automotive designs that is perfectly proportioned from every perspective,' adds Gooding & Company Specialist David Brynan. 'And the interior, in and of itself, is a work of deco-era art, which is a key feature that makes the Whittell Coupe stand apart.'

Read Octane's exclusive drive of this car in its August issue.