In 1936 the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster with Babe Stapp and Ab Jenkin's took the 24 hour Bonneville record an with average speed of 153.823 mph in the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster.
The Duesenberg Special was a one-off speed record car. It was built in 1935 on a supercharged Duesenberg Model J rolling chassis with a standard wheelbase of 142.5 in a dropped front axle,18 in wheels instead of the standard 19 in wheels, and a non-standard 3:1 rear axle ratio. The engine was highly tuned by August Duesenberg, with the compression ratio raised to 7.5:1 and different engine bearings being used. High performance parts developed for the Special, especially the "ram's horn" twin-carburetor inlet manifold, would be used on later supercharged SJ's.
Background
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg, a prestigious American luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing some of the most advanced and opulent cars of the early 20th century.
- Year: 1935
- Model: SJ, which indicates the presence of a supercharger in the engine.
Creation and Purpose
- Commissioned by: Ab Jenkins, a Utah-based racing driver and speed record holder, who wanted a vehicle capable of breaking land speed records.
- Designer: The body was designed by Herb Newport, an influential automotive designer.
Specifications
- Engine: The car is powered by a supercharged straight-eight engine, delivering up to 400 horsepower. This was an exceptional figure for the era and significantly higher than the standard Duesenberg SJ's 320 horsepower.
- Chassis: The car was built on a modified Duesenberg SJ chassis to accommodate the demands of high-speed racing.
- Body Style: The Speedster featured a streamlined, aerodynamic body designed for minimal air resistance and maximum speed. The design includes a distinctive, elongated front end and a sleek, low-profile cockpit.
Performance and Achievements
- Speed Records: The Mormon Meteor Speedster was designed to break long-distance speed records. In 1935, Ab Jenkins set a 24-hour average speed record of 135.58 mph (218.55 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a record that stood for decades.
- Durability: The car was not only fast but also incredibly durable, capable of maintaining high speeds over extended periods, which was a testament to its engineering excellence.
Legacy
- Iconic Status: The 1935 Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster is considered one of the most iconic American cars of all time. Its combination of performance, design, and historical significance makes it a legendary vehicle in the automotive world.
- Restoration and Value: The Mormon Meteor has been meticulously restored and is highly valued among collectors. It has fetched multimillion-dollar prices at auctions, reflecting its historical importance and desirability.
- Influence: The achievements of the Mormon Meteor contributed to the legacy of Duesenberg as a brand synonymous with luxury, performance, and innovation.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.
