It was a great weekend around southern California, lots of sunshine and beautiful weather. I think it's a big part of the reason I haven't moved away quite yet, the weather is hard to beat! Now it's Monday again so time to get back to the grindstone on some work that needs to be finished up this week... But before I dive into that project I decided to put together a post for the day!
Today I'm going to share another Silver Strike token that I picked up years ago. Silver Strike tokens are made of either bronze or silver and could be won by playing the Silver Strike Slot Machines in most casinos around the world at one point. Now the machines are few and very far between, slowly disappearing as newer, fancier products are added to the casino floors. I've collected these tokens for years, not from playing the machines as it was a sure way to lose money. They aren't called one-armed bandits without reason. I tend to buy them second hand in pawn shops or on eBay.
I'm particularly fond of the tokens that come from casinos that are now defunct. Pieces of Las Vegas history but made of silver. This one fits the build perfectly coming from the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. It was around from 1979 catering to the middle class customers with more affordable rooms than the high end luxury hotels. They were also the first casino to have an Asian style theme in the city. However, in 2012 they closed down permanently, in Vegas nothing is forever. It was renamed a couple of times since after extensive remodels and the building is currently The Linq.
This is a very nice token that features a beautiful classic and expensive vehicle, the 1934 Duesenberg SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton. They don't get much rarer! Have a look:
About the token:
This token is in great condition and contains just about 0.6 Troy ounces of solid silver surrounded by a brass ring. The reason the car is displayed on it is because the Imperial Palace used to have vintage car display and this particular rarity was the most valuable vehicle on display at the time. I've always really liked this token, and is one I wouldn't ever sell, it's just too cool! These days this particular token runs $30 plus on eBay, not bad considering I know I only paid about $12 for it.
Today rather than talk more about the old casino, I would much rather talk about the amazing vehicle prominently displayed on it!
1934 Duesenberg SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton
youtube.com
photo-voiture.motorlegend.com
Aren't those two cars beautiful?
Unless you are a car fanatic you may not have even heard of a Duesenberg. They were started in 1920 by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg producing racing cars. However, they were bought out in 1926 by Errett Lobban Cord who then refocused the company to produce the highest end luxury vehicle in the United States. The Duesenberg Model J was released in 1928 as a very high end vehicle. Each car was custom built for the new owner, which was a common thing in luxury vehicles at the time. Unfortunately, the timing was horrible as the great depression started the next year.
However, the company carried on and then developed one of the most sought out vehicle out there, the super charged version (SJ). It boasted to have 320 horse power which was huge at the time. Only 36 were ever made. If you would like to own one of your own today they won't come inexpensive. Below you can see the moving average of prices on one of these topping $3 million. This is truly a rich man's toy!
classic.com
Duesenberg also produced super charged vehicles with a short-wheelbase known as the SSJ with over 400 horse power. These were among the most expensive cars available. Two very famous actors of the day, Gary Cooper and Clark Gable each owned one. The two would race them in the Hollywood Hills, back when there wasn't much of anything in the area. It was filled in with very expensive homes in later years, many of which sadly burned down in the fires in January of this year. But that must have been quite a sight to see Gable and Cooper racing it out all over Hollywood Hills!
automotiveamerican.tumblr.com
Gary Cooper's Duesenberg, talk about a beautiful vehicle!
Clark Gable left, Gary Cooper right
Public domain
In 2018 the SSJ owned by Gary Cooper sold for a whopping $22 million, in is still on record as the most expensive American car ever sold. People will pay insane money for cars owned by big name celebrities, even those from way back in the early day of Hollywood! I wouldn't mind owning it to tell the truth, it's an amazing looking vehicle with so much history! But way outside of my personal budget...
That will wrap up this post for Monday, I hope you enjoyed seeing the token and learning a little more about the Duesenberg cars. I think it would be a lot of fun to own one, but I would be terrified to drive it. Imagine how much it would cost you if you dented it... Ouch! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and thank you for all of your support. I really do appreciate all of you! Have a great week everyone!
References:
https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/24818,10138/1934-duesenberg-model-j.aspx
https://www.classic.com/veh/1934-duesenberg-model-sj-convertible-sedan-by-leba-2515-M4Ddkg4/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duesenberg_Model_J
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Linq
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duesenberg
Disclaimer:
I am not a financial planner and this isn't financial advice. Please always do your own research before investing your money. You worked hard enough to earn it!
All pictures are mine unless except where indicated
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