The Model J was produced in Indianapolis from 1929 until 1937 with a 420 cubic-inch DOCH engine producing 265 hp in stock form and 320 hp in supercharged form. Each of the chassis sold received custom coachwork built to the whims of the owner. Prices ranged from $13,500 to $25,000. Five Torpedo Phaetons were built to Gordon Buehrigs design. The first body was produced by Brunn and two subsequent bodies were built by Weymann. This 1935 Duesenberg SJ 582 is one of the last two Torpedo Phaetons which were built by the A.J. Walker Company to the Gordon Buehrig design specifications. It was originally delivered new to E.L. King of Winona, Wisconsin as J-558 on chassis #2558. Mr. King was apparently not satisfied with the complete chassis and engine and Duesenberg agreed to the replace them. The original body was installed on chassis #2608 with engine J-582.

Design and Features

• Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motors Company, an American manufacturer known for producing high-end luxury automobiles.
• Body Style: Typically featured custom coachwork, including convertible, coupe, and sedan variants.
• Coachbuilders: Various renowned coachbuilders created bespoke bodies for the Duesenberg SJ, including Murphy, Rollston, and others.
• Chassis: The Duesenberg SJ was built on a robust chassis designed for stability and performance, often featuring innovative engineering solutions.
• Interior: Luxuriously appointed with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, fine wood trim, and advanced instrumentation for its time.

Performance

• Engine: The SJ model was powered by a supercharged version of Duesenberg's famous inline-8 engine.
• Power Output: Produced around 320 to 400 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its era.
• Transmission: Equipped with a 3-speed manual gearbox, allowing for smooth gear changes and optimal performance.
• Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds exceeding 135 mph (217 km/h), remarkable for a luxury car of the 1930s.
• Suspension: Advanced for its time, featuring a robust chassis with semi-elliptic leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, providing a balance of comfort and handling.
• Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes, standard for luxury cars of the period, offering effective stopping power.

Racing and Legacy

• Competition History: While primarily a luxury car, some Duesenberg SJ models were modified and entered in racing events, showcasing their performance capabilities.
• Significance: The Duesenberg SJ represented the pinnacle of American automotive luxury and engineering excellence during the Great Depression era.
• Influence: It influenced automotive design trends and set benchmarks for power and luxury that few other cars could match.

Production and Rarity

• Production Years: The Duesenberg SJ was produced from 1932 to 1937, with the SJ variant introduced in 1932.
• Total Units Produced: Production numbers were limited due to its exclusivity and handcrafted nature, adding to its collectibility.
• Price: Today, Duesenberg SJ models, especially those with supercharged engines, command significant prices at auctions, reflecting their rarity, historical significance, and engineering excellence.

Notable Features

• Art Deco Styling: The Duesenberg SJ featured elegant lines, chrome accents, and a sense of luxury characteristic of the Art Deco era.
• Supercharged Engine: The SJ's supercharged engine was a technological marvel, providing unprecedented power and acceleration for its time.
• Custom Coachwork: Each Duesenberg SJ was tailored to the owner's specifications, with bespoke bodies crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exclusivity and individuality.

You may purchase a print of the 1935 Duesenberg SJ 582 in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.

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