Duesenberg introduced the Model J in 1929 and it was the most luxurious and expensive American-manufactured automobile of its time. The rolling chassis (a chassis without a body) cost $8,000, and all of the estimated 480
Duesenberg Model Js and SJs (S = Supercharged) produced had custom coachwork created by domestic and European coach building firms.
The
Duesenberg-designed Lycoming-built double overhead cam straight-eight developed 265 horsepower. With the addition of a centrifugal supercharger for the SJ model in 1932, the horsepower was significiantly increased to 320.
Many people continue to feel that
Duesenberg represents the true high point of U.S. automotive history, the phrase "it's a Duesy" continues to remind us of the impact that the
Duesenberg automobile has left on American culture.
Although frequently reffered to as a boat-tail, the factory sales materials described this car on display as a Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe. Six such cars were built by the Walter M. Murphy Company in Pasadena: one car was built on the long 153.5" wheelbase chassis and still exists, and this car is one of the five cars built on the short 142.5" chassis. Three of these five Torpedo Convertible Coupes are known to still exist.
Engine
8 cylinder, in-line, DOHC
3.75" bore, 4.75" stroke
420 cubic inch
265 hp. @ 4200 rpm.
Price when new: $15,000
Body/Coachbuilder
Walter M. Murphy Co.
Pasedena, California
Manufacturer
Duesenberg, Inc
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 15, 2010, 1:02 pm
