Tom Mix was one of Hollywood's brightest stars during the 20's, 30's and 40's. He was the reigning star of western films all of that time. All told, he made 291 films....both feature length and short format. He was as much a big story in real life as he was in the movies. His horse riding skills were legendary, as were his skills at shooting. He had done real-life cowboy work and brought those experiences to the silver screen.

Mix's lust for living the good life was always a huge story around Hollywood. Having been married 5 times didn't seem to slow down his craving for wild parties, living in huge homes, and doing whatever else his immense wealth provided for.

Mix had made friends with Wyatt Earp in Earp's later years and served as a pallbearer at Earp's funeral in 1929....where it was reported that Mix cried like a baby. Due to his larger-than-life persona, Mix found it easy to ease his way into the highest of social circles....people wanted to be associated with him. Interestingly, though, one up-and-coming western actor and Mix had a very contentious relationship....they hated each other. That other actor was none other than John Wayne. It was said that Mix saw his own star fading and greatly resented that Wayne was looking as if he was becoming a bigger star. Wayne, for his part, never forgave Mix for a false promise he gave to Wayne that he would help him break into the movies.

One of Mix's greatest loves was classy automobiles. The one you see below was his admitted favorite....a 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton. It was also the car in which he was killed. There were only 196 models like this one made....and only 3 that had these particular options, such as the external mounted spare tire. The other two made were owned by the jazz singer, Al Jolson, and the actress, Barbara Stanwick.

Mix was riding through Arizona in October, 1940. He came upon a washed-out bridge construction site, going a little too fast, lost control and went off the road. He had stashed an aluminum case on the shelf behind himself....one that was full of cash and jewels. The case flew forward, crushing his head and breaking his neck. He was 60 years old.

What a car! And great back story. I was not aware that Mix and Wayne did not like each other. Love the TM initials on the hood, steering wheel and gun handle. Any idea as to the value of this piece of history?

Originally Posted by rwells What a car! And great back story. I was not aware that Mix and Wayne did not like each other. Love the TM initials on the hood, steering wheel and gun handle. Any idea as to the value of this piece of history?

Hi Pard,

The last time this car traded hands, it was through a private sale so there's no record as to what it sold for. Considering the car on its own merits, it is a very rare model and certainly one of the most coveted of all Cords. When you consider its tie-in to Tom Mix and add that dimension, the value soars to unknown heights. This car had its crash damage fixed in 1940. The current owner had it restored to the highest of standards in 2010. It is a stunning piece of rolling art. I can't even guess what it might sell for today.

Take care,

Tom

I would think the car, with it's history, is worth quite a bit of money to the right person. I wonder with the three similar cars belonging to legendary performers, if that adds to the mystique of the car at all? No idea.

Magnificent looking and in every way a classic. The restoration looks fantastic.

Beautiful set of pictures too.

Amazing story Tom, thanks for sharing. Great car.

Last weekend I went to my very first car show. I was thinking of many of your pics I've seen here, I took three shots and my battery died, the spare one in my other camera bag...

Oh well...

It's not every Sunday starts like this Sunday morning with as pretty and entertaining a piece as this, Tom!! This exhibit has moved out of the realm of "automobile" onto the higher plane of "folly". It is in danger of being crushed by its own excesses, and it is absolutely no surprise to me that it and its cargo of loot crushed the old cowboy in the end. I can imagine JW on his ho's up on the cut looking down as those final frames rolled with all his characteristic satisfaction that life was fair!

The question hanging like the dust in the air tho' is "Is there a better way to go?"!

Neil

PS Would love a tour of the dash!!

As always, super shots!
Thanks for posting large - I get the feeling of being there and seeing something I might not have otherwise.
Times have changed...I can't keep my revolver under the dash - classic!

Fascinating story and beautiful images to go with it. Thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by ian408 I would think the car, with it's history, is worth quite a bit of money to the right person. I wonder with the three similar cars belonging to legendary performers, if that adds to the mystique of the car at all? No idea. Magnificent looking and in every way a classic. The restoration looks fantastic. Beautiful set of pictures too.

Thanks for the visit, Ian. I appreciate the nice comment.

You hit upon the core issue when talking about the car's worth....finding the right buyer. In dealing with race cars, the roster of those who drove the car in competition can greatly influence the car's value. The same goes for cars like this one; the notoriety of the owner carries a lot of impact, particularly if the buyer is impressed by that facet of the car's history.

A prime example of such forces at work can be seen when examining the sales of vehicles owned by the late Steve McQueen. Huge premiums are paid......some say beyond all reason.....simply because of McQueen's prior ownership. I have no doubt that either of the two Cords similar to this one would benefit in a sale just because of Jolson's or Stanwick's ownership.

Tom

Originally Posted by Juano Amazing story Tom, thanks for sharing. Great car. Last weekend I went to my very first car show. I was thinking of many of your pics I've seen here, I took three shots and my battery died, the spare one in my other camera bag... Oh well...

Boy, haven't we all had experiences like that with batteries.

Thanks for looking in,

Tom

Originally Posted by NeilL It's not every Sunday starts like this Sunday morning with as pretty and entertaining a piece as this, Tom!! This exhibit has moved out of the realm of "automobile" onto the higher plane of "folly". It is in danger of being crushed by its own excesses, and it is absolutely no surprise to me that it and its cargo of loot crushed the old cowboy in the end. I can imagine JW on his ho's up on the cut looking down as those final frames rolled with all his characteristic satisfaction that life was fair! The question hanging like the dust in the air tho' is "Is there a better way to go?"! Neil PS Would love a tour of the dash!!

As always, Neil, I love to hear from you. You often can provide an insight that may have escaped me.

The dash in that car is truly one that captivates the viewer.

Take care,

Tom

Originally Posted by Earache As always, super shots! Thanks for posting large - I get the feeling of being there and seeing something I might not have otherwise. Times have changed...I can't keep my revolver under the dash - classic!

Thanks, Eric, for the kind words.

The gun location.....yea, another of our rights that have been eroded.

Tom

Originally Posted by Snowgirl Fascinating story and beautiful images to go with it. Thanks for posting.

Hi Ceci,

Thanks for the nice comments.

I'm looking forward to seeing more postings from you. You've been keeping too low of a profile lately.

Take care,

Tom

Beautiful images of a grand auto! I have driven by the marker where this accident happened quite a few times - thank you for adding more to the story with images and history!!

Awesome car and story ! I noticed the lights on the front , are those lights that flip up on the front fenders? Him getting crushed by the box of money and jewels reminded me of a Trans Am I wiped out in the seventies ",before air bags " my passenger and I, were both wearing seat belts ,but they didn't stop him from flying into me sideways on impact, that alone crushed both of us up against the driver door almost killed the both of us , luckily we both survived . BTW good job photographing the Yellow !

I cant help but think that the police who took care of the crash scene didn't take a bill and a jewel or two for themselves... nothing stopping them!

Interesting story behind the person who had this car. Always thought John Wayne was the 'only cowboy'

That is an amazing story! The interior shot is equally amazing...such color! LOL...can you imagine riding around today with a built in gun holster?

You fooled me, Tom.w I thought you had finally switched from
cars to people. Thread titles are not to be trusted.

As usual, great photographs and interesting backstory. Well
worth opening.

Originally Posted by ilbcnu Beautiful images of a grand auto! I have driven by the marker where this accident happened quite a few times - thank you for adding more to the story with images and history!!

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the visit.

Tom