The 1935 Duesenberg SJ553 is considered the most beautiful formal town car of the period, this outstanding one-off creation was penned by Christian Bohman and Maurice Schwartz and is the most powerful town car ever built. Commissioned by Mars Candy Company heiress Ethel Mars, SJ533 is one of just 36 factory supercharged Duesenberg’s and one of the few to retain its original coachwork, drive-train and chassis.
It has a 320 bph, 420 cubic inch four valves per cylinder twin overhead camshaft in-line eight cylinder engine with a Schwitzer Cummins centrifugal supercharger, three speed transmission and a 153.5 inch wheelbase. It was featured in the November 16th, 1936 issue of Time magazine over the caption “The costliest car in the United States is the Duesenberg, a Cord product”. Expensive it was, with Ethel Mars having paid more than $20,000 for the car.
Overview
- Production Year: 1935
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg, Inc.
- Class: Luxury car
- Body Style: Various custom body styles, with the specific SJ553 often associated with a custom-built body by a renowned coachbuilder.
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The SJ variant of the Duesenberg Model J was equipped with a supercharged 6.9-liter (420 cubic inches) straight-eight engine.
- This engine produced a remarkable 320 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis: The car featured a robust ladder frame chassis designed to handle the power of the supercharged engine and provide a smooth ride.
- Suspension:
- Front: Solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Performance
- Top Speed: The supercharged Duesenberg SJ could achieve speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h), an extraordinary figure for its era.
- Acceleration: The SJ could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, thanks to its powerful engine and advanced engineering.
Design Features
- Bodywork: The Duesenberg SJ chassis number 553 would have been custom-bodied by one of several prestigious coachbuilders of the time, such as Murphy, Derham, or LeBaron. These bodies were tailored to the specifications of the car's wealthy and often famous owners.
- Interior: Interiors of Duesenberg SJs were lavishly appointed with the finest materials, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and custom gauges. Each interior was unique, reflecting the personal tastes of its owner.
Notable Achievements
- Luxury and Prestige: The Duesenberg SJ was a symbol of ultimate luxury and performance, often owned by celebrities, industrial magnates, and royalty. Its advanced engineering and opulent design set it apart from other luxury cars.
- Innovation: The SJ's supercharged engine and sophisticated mechanical components represented the pinnacle of automotive technology in the 1930s.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The Duesenberg SJ, particularly examples like chassis number 553, is celebrated as one of the greatest cars ever built. Its combination of power, luxury, and custom craftsmanship remains unmatched.
- Collector's Item: Today, the Duesenberg SJ is one of the most sought-after classic cars, often fetching millions of dollars at auctions. Its rarity and historical importance make it a prized possession for collectors.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Duesenberg SJ553 in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
