Only four 1935 Duesenberg SJN 564 Rollston Cabriolet vehicles were built, with the first going to movie legend Clark Gable. This automobile is the third produced and the only factory-equipped supercharged JN model assembled. This car has been driven only 16,500 miles and is considered the lowest mileage original Duesenberg in existence.idered the most desirable of all the 400 SAs.
Automotive author Ken Purdy once wrote that Duesenberg’s were “a legend that will live as long men worship beauty and power on wheels.” While that is true, the stock market crash of 1929 and the depression that followed nearly dried up the market for luxury autos of Duesenberg’s quality and price.
Unemployment had skyrocketed to 24% in 1933 and even those few people who could still afford such a car were reluctant to flaunt their prosperity in the face of widespread poverty. Still Duesenberg had a small, but very loyal clientele among the Hollywood elite.
Overview
Model: Duesenberg SJN 564 Rollston Cabriolet
Production Year: 1935
Manufacturer: Duesenberg (Engine and Chassis), Rollston (Coachbuilder)
Historical Context
- Duesenberg's Reputation: Duesenberg cars were known for their superior engineering, performance, and opulence. The company’s slogan, "The Only Car That Could Pass a Duesenberg Was Another Duesenberg," reflected their dominance in the luxury car market.
- Great Depression: Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Duesenberg continued to produce high-end vehicles for the wealthy elite, maintaining a focus on quality and exclusivity.
Specifications
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Engine:
- Type: Supercharged inline 8-cylinder
- Displacement: 420 cubic inches (6.9 liters)
- Power Output: Approximately 320 horsepower
- Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
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Transmission:
- Type: 3-speed manual
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Chassis and Body:
- Chassis: Heavy-duty ladder frame
- Body: Custom coachbuilt cabriolet body by Rollston, featuring high-quality materials and intricate design details
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Suspension:
- Front: Solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
- Rear: Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
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Brakes:
- Type: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels
Design
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Exterior:
- Styling: The Rollston Cabriolet featured elegant and sophisticated design elements, including a long hood, sweeping fenders, and a convertible top. The lines were smooth and graceful, emphasizing both luxury and performance.
- Customization: Each car was custom-built, allowing for bespoke design touches and finishes chosen by the customer. This made each Duesenberg unique.
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Interior:
- Luxury: The interior was lavishly appointed with the finest materials, such as premium leather upholstery, hand-crafted wood trim, and polished metal accents.
- Comfort: The car offered spacious and comfortable seating, advanced for its time, with a focus on providing a smooth and luxurious ride.
Performance
- Supercharged Engine: The "SJ" designation indicates the car was equipped with a supercharged engine, providing exceptional power and acceleration. This made the SJN one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its era.
- Advanced Engineering: Duesenberg's engineering prowess ensured that the car not only had impressive straight-line speed but also handled well for its size, with a robust and reliable mechanical design.
Legacy and Collectibility
- Rarity: The Duesenberg SJN models are incredibly rare, with only a handful produced. The combination of the supercharged engine and the custom Rollston body makes the SJN 564 Cabriolet exceptionally valuable.
- Auction Value: These cars are highly prized by collectors, often fetching millions of dollars at auction due to their rarity, historical significance, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
- Cultural Impact: Duesenberg cars, particularly the SJ models, have become synonymous with automotive excellence and luxury. They are celebrated in automotive museums and collections around the world.
Notable Features
- Power and Performance: The supercharged engine provided a level of performance that was unmatched in the 1930s, setting new standards for what a luxury car could achieve.
- Coachbuilt Elegance: The collaboration with Rollston resulted in a vehicle that was not only mechanically superior but also aesthetically stunning, with bespoke design elements that catered to the tastes of the elite.
- Technological Innovation: Duesenberg cars featured numerous technological advancements for their time, including hydraulic brakes and sophisticated engine designs, which contributed to their reputation for excellence.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Duesenberg SJN 564 Rollston Cabriolet in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.
