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The Clark Gable Duesenberg SSJ. (Image source:
theoldmotor.com c/o Los Angeles Public Library)
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Funny how I became aware of the name Gary Cooper, reportedly
one of Hollywood's best actors, whose name and career I know nothing about,
having passed away over a half century ago.
As perhaps Jay Leno aspires to emulate him?
As it seems like the past Tonight Show Front-man banters about his name
casually during various episodes of his Jay Leno's Garage TV Show.
Born Frank James Cooper
in Helena, Montana on May 7, 1901, the charismatic actor who reigned supreme on
the Silver Screen for 35yrs, made his debut in 1925 at the end of the Silent
Movie era.
After changing his screen name to Gary
Cooper, Coop' would go onto star in 84 Feature Films, and apparently had a
penchant for fine automobiles. As Y'all know the saying "Fast Cars &
Fast Women!" Which Coop' was fond of both.
As Gary apparently had the Dinero to feed his
automotive desires, having signed a new contract with Paramount in 1932, during
the Great Depression for $4,000 a week!
Coop' would later sign a new contract with Paramount
doubling his weekly salary along with a six picture deal with Samuel Goldwin
Productions for $150,000 per picture over six years, which the court decided he
could keep both contracts, with the U.S. Government's Treasury Dept declaring
in 1939 that his nearly $443,000 salary was the highest paying in the country!
As Cooper's film career ran from 1925-60,
before dying from Prostate Cancer at age 60 in May, 1961.
Yet naturally, thanks to Mr. Leno's persistent
Gary Cooper name dropping, I became curious 'bout Cooper's ride when perusing
the December, 2016 issue of Car And Driver Magazine
via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service.
And whilst I couldn't find much 'bout Coop's'
automobiles, I did discover that the second SSJ was owned by another famous
actor...
Although Cooper's taste for fine automobiles began
prior to his Duesenberg SSJ acquisition, as early as five year's prior when
buying another Duesenberg off the floor of the LA Auto Show...