Duesenberg Model J SJ Supercharged
The Duesenberg Model J is the finest American car ever made — the last word in pre-war luxury and performance. In an era when most cars had 40-60 hp, the Duesenberg J produced 265 hp from a twin-overhead-cam straight-eight engine. The supercharged SJ variant made 320 hp — enough for 130 mph, which was faster than virtually every car in the world in 1932.
Fred and August Duesenberg were racing engineers who created one of America's most successful racing enterprises. Their road cars were the pinnacle of American luxury. The Model J chassis cost $8,500 in 1928 (equivalent to over $150,000 today), and that was for the chassis alone. The body — custom-designed by coachbuilders like LeBaron, Murphy, Judkins, Derham, and Rollston — added thousands more. A complete Duesenberg could cost $15,000-$25,000, when a Model A Ford cost $385.
The owners matched the cars: Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, the Duke of Windsor, King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and countless industrialists. The phrase 'It's a Duezy' (Doozy) entered the English language as a synonym for something extraordinary.
The engineering was ahead of its time. The DOHC 32-valve straight-eight engine was designed by Fred Duesenberg himself. Hydraulic four-wheel brakes with vacuum servo assistance provided stopping power. The chassis featured Duesenberg's patented automatic chassis lubrication system.
Only 481 Model J/SJ chassis were produced before E.L. Cord's empire collapsed in 1937. Today, Duesenbergs are among the most valuable cars in the world, with the finest examples exceeding $15 million at auction.
A Duesenberg purchase is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Every surviving car is known and documented through the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club. Authentication and provenance are paramount. Values range enormously depending on body style, coachbuilder, and condition — from $1M for a project to $15M+ for the finest SJ examples. The SSJ (2 units, one sold for $22 million) is the most valuable American car. The ACD Club maintains extensive records and supports authentication.
Total Model J production: approximately 481 chassis (1928-1937). SJ (supercharged): approximately 36 units. SSJ (short-wheelbase supercharged): 2 units — the most valuable Duesenbergs. Bodies were custom-built by coachbuilders. Each car is unique. The factory in Indianapolis was part of E.L. Cord's empire (including Auburn and Cord). The company ceased production when Cord Corporation collapsed in 1937.